Weekly Update 12/23

In Math this week we learned the 2, 5, and 10 times tables.  The students made flashcards and we played games to help them start to memorize the facts.  Please continue to practice the facts each night at home.

When we come back from break we will continue to work on multiplication.

In Social Studies we completed our unit on different types of maps.  We will begin our next Science unit on States of Matter when we return from break.

In Reading and Writing we did extension activities.  We read the stories, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins and The Night Tree.  We summarized the stories while also identifying the main characters, problem and solution, and the setting.  The students also worked on answering questions about the stories and did a few different writing activities as well.

In Fundations we continued to work on open syllables.  We learned about one exception to the rule, which is the vowel a.  In open syllable words such as extra, amuse, scuba, and Alaska, the a does not say its own name, but instead makes a sound like the short u.  These would be considered open syllable exceptions.

In handwriting, we began learning some of the uppercase cursive letters and practiced them by writing our classmates' names that began with those letters.  We also worked in groups to make snowmen to decorate the walls leading to the third grade hallway. 

We had another great party!  The students ate snacks, did a craft, and worked in groups to complete different holiday activities such as the Candy Cane Relays, Santa Says, and Snowman Bean Bag Toss.

I want to thank the class moms and everyone who donated supplies for the party.  I also want to thank you all for the generous gift.   Have a safe and happy holiday break!  See you in 2011!