Dear Juno Test

Alrighty! What's happening from 10/20 to 10/23?

Spelling: We're reviewing plurals that end in -s, -es, and -ies. 

Most base words, when made plural, end in -s.

If a base word ends in x, s, ch, or sh, add the ending -es.
Base words that end in "y" can be tricky.  Remember this rule:  If there is a vowel before the "y", just add -s (one toy, two toys).  If there is a consonant before the "y", drop the "y" and add -ies.

Click here for further information about making plurals (for parents) (PDF document)

Spelling words:  lunch, lunches, switch, switches, story, stories, baby, babies,  centuries, supplies, crumbs, note, notes, tune, tunes

The base word ends in the letter "s", "x", "ch", or "sh":

• Rule: add the ending -es
• lunch, lunches, switch, switches

The base word ends in a consonant and the letter "y":

• Rule: drop the "y" and add the ending -ies.
• story, stories, baby, babies, centuries, supplies

The base word just needs an "s":

• crumbs, note, notes, tune, tunes

Here are some online interactives to help your kiddo learn even more about making plurals:

Funbrain- Plurals

Really cool "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" style game, but the site has ads. Parent supervision is needed.

A 2-Player tic-tac-toe game. Drag the singular noun to the correct ending.  You could show your kiddo how to play as both players if he/she wanted .

Youtube- Nessy Phonics- Plurals (Video)

Reading: Lifecycle of a Pumpkin

There will be a test over the story on Friday. 

Our "Skill of the Week" is recognizing fact and opinion. 

• A fact is a piece of information that can be proved to be true.
• Example: Pumpkins grow on a vine. 
• Example: Pumpkins can be very small or very big. 
• Example: Illinois is a top pumpkin producer world wide!
• An opinion is a statement that can't be proven true or false because it tells ideas and feelings.
• Example: Pumpkin pie is the best dessert at Thanksgiving!
• Example: That pumpkin's color is beautiful!
• Examples: Short pumpkins are cooler than tall pumpkins. 

Our class will also continue to distinguish between realistic texts and fantasy texts.  This non-fiction story works great for showing a "realistic" text!

Our "Strategy of the Week" is asking and answering questions during reading. 

• Ready readers thing of questions about information they read. Then, they try to find answers to those questions. 

Here's more information about pumpkins from the University of Illinois (Click)

Illinois Ag in the Classroom- AgMag online (Click)

Video: From TeacherTube   Short video about the lifecycle of a pumpkin. 

Link to the YouTube version of our ReadingStreet story! Don't feel like reading tonight? Watch the story online instead. 

Cooking with Abbey- 8 Pumpkin Facts that are Cool!

Binky's Facts and Opinions Game (From Arthur on PBSKids)

A Facts and Opinions Game (similar to Chutes and Ladders) for advanced readers or 2nd graders who have a parent nearby to help read big words. 

English- "Creating Plurals" and "Writing Plurals with Irregular Spellings"

Most of the English concepts and Spelling concepts will be interwoven this week.  Students will strengthen their skills in making plurals using the endings -s, -es, or -ies, and will also recognize when a base word doesn't follow those rules (like how tooth becomes teeth instead of tooths).


Math- Lessons 2-4 of "Down on the Farm with Word Problems"

It is very important to me that as a teacher, I follow the lead of my students for what they "need" as far as how instruction goes.
I have planned to do three lessons this week, but that may be reduced to 2, or even 1, if necessary.  That way, a strong foundation is built for your learner's feet to stand on.  I'd rather go slow and make sure students understand the steps very well and be able to speed up at the end of the unit than rush through now without giving students enough time to develop a strong understanding. I'll keep you informed when I do send home math.

Science- Plants
I am so excited that it is science time! Yay, yay, yay! We'll begin Unit A in the Science textbook. We're going to be planting some seeds, doing experiments, having fun... I love science!  There are 4 lessons in the unit.  Students will be reading lessons 1 and 2 in class, we'll be discussing and working on a study guide, and we'll have a mid-unit quiz.  Then, if we're ready we'll move on to lessons 3 and 4, and review for a unit quiz.  The whole unit should take about a month.
My focus in science is that students understand how to use the textbook as a reference book. The unit test will be a comprehension test over the information from the unit. However, my focus during lessons will be on recognizing text features in order to find that important information.

Talk about main headings, headings, paragraphs, captions on photos, etc. Also, help improve your child's understanding by spending time together to complete the optional at-home science activities listed on homework schedules.

Don't forget these important dates and events:

Oct. 22       PTO meeting @ 5:30 (All are welcome!)

Oct. 23       Report Cards (1^st Quarter)

                 Make-Up Picture Day

Oct. 27-30  Book Fair (But don’t forget book orders!)

                 Book orders Due by 10/28

Oct. 30      Noon Dismissal.

Nov. 20     Public Viewing with the Astronomical Association of So. IL @ Riverside park

Students will unite and take a stand against drugs and bullying. Feel free to dress for the themed days!

• 10/26- Backwards Clothes Day
• 10/27- Hat Day
• 10/28- Pink or Blue shirt (wear your Murphy Pride Anti-Bully shirt if you ordered)
• 10/29- Inside Out Day
• 10/30- Dress up Day- Dress up like your favorite fairy tale character (or any book appropriate for a 2nd grader, for that matter)!

Eek! Busy, Busy Weeks!

I will post this week's update tomorrow night, October 19th.
Thank you all for being patient!

What's happening from 10/5 to 10/9 in Mrs. Harris's Class?

Here's what's happening from 10/5/15 until 10/09/15!

I know last week I mentioned a few of my favorite things about fall. I’d like to begin this week talking about one of what is probably one of your child’s favorite things about Autumn: Halloween! We will be having a fall party. To my knowledge (and this is subject to change), we’ll have a PBIS day on October 29 (Thursday) and holiday parties on October 30 (Friday).  I will be contacting the parents who wrote they would like to be called for parties very soon so that the holiday party can go off without a hitch.

I already have Halloween/Spooky BINGO game that we can use. 

I do not have:

• a)      An unhealthy, nut-free, delicious snack
• b)      A healthy, nut-free, delicious snack
• c)      Drinks
• d)      Plates, cups, napkins
• e)      Any party favors
• f)       A craft
• g)      Any other creative ideas off the top of my head. ;)

If you are a way-ahead pre-planner like I am and already know you’d like to donate one of those things above, please let me know or send them in A.S.A.P. I’ll update this site weekly for “still needed” items, and will send a ClassMessenger reminder in the upcoming days.

To get ourselves in a Halloween mood, we’re reading “The Halloween Party from the Black Lagoon” as one of our in-class chapter book read alouds.
Costumes are themed by grade level. You’ll remember kindergarten pajama day, and 1^st grade super heroes.  2^nd graders dress up as their favorite book character! That secret message you’re probably looking for tonight? Here it is!

Have your child write these sentences for me and include an illustration of the costume he or she is thinking of.

I like dressing up for Halloween! This year I get to choose any character from a book I love.  One character I really like is ____________________________________. The story you can find him (or her… if you’re writing about a girl!) in is _______________________________________.  Maybe I will dress up like him! (or her… if you’re writing about a girl)!

Math
Word problems have been a doozy for our 2^nd graders.  We’ve been practicing how to figure out word problems so we can be successful at them on our measurement unit test. 

I have decided to start alternating math topics in class. Instead of moving straight to graphing using measurement, I’d also like to start a unit about understanding and breaking apart word problems.

Word problems are a huge part of the standardized tests next years, so we definitely want to be prepared.  A parent pack is coming home for both topics this week.

Reading and Language Arts

In spelling this week we are focusing on contractions. On Monday students will be introduced to the phonics focus.  We’ll watch the BrainPop jr. video “Contractions” and will try our hand at the spelling words of the week on a pretest (like last week). You’ll be able to see which words your kiddo needs to focus on that way and practice those words extra hard on this short, 4-day week. Tuesday and Wednesday we’ll do some more practicing, but this time it will be independent. Thursday will be spelling test day!

In English students are still focusing on nouns. However, we’re switching gears and focusing on Proper nouns. A noun is person, place, animal, or thing. A proper noun is still one of those things, except it is a specific and special noun. For example, a mountain is a thing. Mount Rushmore is a thing,, too… but it is a specific mountain. A school is a noun. General John A. Logan Elementary School is a proper noun, so the first letter in its words get capital letters.

These are special names for individual people (Tabitha gets capitalized… woman does not), places, organizations, book titles, brand names, etc.

As you run errands, watch television, and converse with your kiddo this week, try seeing who can recognize as many nouns in the conversations you have. Or, challenge your child to distinguish nouns for their type (Example: "See that woman walking her dog? What nouns do you see?... Oh, you see a dog?! What kind of noun is a dog? (animal)" or... collar/thing, woman/person, business in sight/place, etc. 

One of my favorite blogger teachers is Stephanie Lemons. She creates great activities to go along with lots of concepts. 

Click here to see Mrs. Lemons's noun activities.  Those are short, sweet, simple, and effective. 

In Reading we will read Ronald Morgan Goes to Bat and focus on the concept question: How can people work together?  The comprehension focus this week is sequencing (recognizing the events of a story in order), and realism vs. fantasy (recognizing which stories are realistic, and which are fantasy).

Social Studies

We’re moving from government to maps. We’ll be focusing on cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), and absolute vs. relative locations (Example: My absolute location is my home address. It is the exact place where I can be found. My relative location, on the other hand, is a description of what I’m close to.  I’m nearby the DuQuoin High School).

OTHER THINGS

·         Are you ordering a yearbook?  Yearbooks are a special treasure to many kiddos. Orders must be turned in by October 23 and cost is $12.00. Checks should be made payable to Balfour. 

·         We are holding a school wide fundraiser! Order forms and money need to be turned in no later than October 7th. Items will be delivered around November 7th. 

o    Students receive a Minion collectible for selling 3 items. The top seller in the school will win $100. There are a ton of other prizes for selling items and the proceeds for our school are definitely worth it.  The chocolates book is my favorite.

o    If fundraising isn't your favorite thing, but you wish to make a donation to the GJAL PTO, you can! Our PTO does so much for the teachers in the building, and the students at the school.  Donations made directly impact GJAL's kiddos. 

·         October 9 - No School - Teacher Institute
October 12 - No School - Columbus Day
October 16 - End of 1st Quarter
October 23 - Report Cards go home/Make - up Pictures
October 27-30 - Book Fair

·         Don't forget about October book fliers! I'd check prices in that option first. Remember, I get to purchase books for your kiddos to read for A.R. time with scholastic points from those orders. THANK YOU!  :D

·         Book Fair proceeds go to our school, also.  The experience of Book Fair can be magical for a kiddo. I remember book fairs from my elementary days vividly... Either way, thank you for supporting your child's interest in holding books and interacting with them in meaningful ways. 

·         You may wish to remind your child that their book fair money is to be used for books, not erasers, funny pencils, posters of cards, or coloring books. I am not demeaning those projects. Oh, no no-- I will probably buy the entire collection of gigantic erasers and fuzzy pencil toppers. I love that stuff!  Just a reminder, since I know there are parents out who prefer their children not purchase those items. 

·                     October 30 - Noon Dismissal

Have a wonderful week!

Outer Space Research Websites

www.kidsastronomy.com

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html#.Vgk8pPlVhBc

http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/

http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/StarChild.html

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/universe/

https://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/

http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/index.html

https://jr.brainpop.com/

What's Happening from 9/28 to 10/2 in Mrs. Harris's Class?

Here's what's happening from 9/28/15 until 10/02/15!

The weather is cooling down.  It's my favorite time of year. It's "cozy" season... which for me means lots of yummy-smelling candles, sweaters and scarves,  cocoa, s'mores, the "smells" of the season-- crunchy leaves, bonfires, apples-- the colors that are going to be making their appearances, and something really fun for me as a second grade teacher... the switch from "reviewing first grade" second grade stuff to "super cool second grade" second grade stuff. Fall just puts me into a great mood!

Math
We took our math quiz 1 last week for linear measurement. Most students are measuring accurately and using inches and centimeters appropriately.  It was exciting for me to grade the quizzes and see the number themselves correct. However, I noticed that many students weren't writing down the units of measurement.  Since this is an absolutely imperative part (in my opinion) of the answer, I am deciding to review that skill and then give the students the opportunity to re-do that quiz with the units of measure written down.  It just was something so prevalent that it wouldn't be fair for me to return those graded tests without having given my students the opportunity to correct that habit. 

So... Monday, we are reviewing word problems that have length measurements as part of the problems. Then, we'll review the inclusion of units in a measurement, and retake Quiz 1.
On Tuesday, we'll have some independent practice time, some group practice time, and some whole-group practice time so we can fill out the study guide for the end-of-unit assessment. 

On Wednesday and Thursday, we'll be using our measurement skills in an art project! On these days, we'll also be going over a few "random" strategies and types of problems... fractions, finding numbers in a pattern, comparing numbers, cardinality (being able to count in order), and more.

Friday is the unit Assessment for Linear Measurement. 

Next, we'll mix it up. We'll continue measurement skills, but we'll begin showing our measurements on line plots, bar graphs, tally charts, pictographs, picture graphs,  using comparative words (tallest/shortest, most/least, etc.), and using those graphics to do some critical-thinking math problems.  In conjunction with that, we'll be doing a unit to build and boost our skills in word problems. I love word problems... I know they are frustrating... but they really are like a mystery story. I like how students have to interact with word problems. Some draw pictures to help them with the math stories. That's really all any math problem is: a story.  I like approaching them in a fun way and  using math and reading together to solve problems. :)

Reading and Language Arts

In spelling this week we are focusing on bossy-r words or, r-controlled vowels.  Specifically, we're talking about r-Controlled ar, or, ore, and oar..  We'll be focusing on the "rules" for how to change a word's base word to a word with one of those endings.
You can read words with -s, -ed, and -ing added by reading the base word, then the ending, and blending the two together. 

When a word has a single vowel like a or o and it's followed by the letter -r, it has an r-controlled sound. 

• Spelling words this week are: 
• part, hard, born, horse, more, chore, smart, farm, porch, corn, before, score
• Challenge words this week are:
• cardinal, morning, therefore

Want some fun TouTube videos for this concept? Click HERE!

Please make sure to keep a close eye on your son or daughter whenever they are exploring YouTube at home. 

In English students are going to be focusing on nouns. A noun is  person, place, animal, or thing. As you run errands, watch television, and converse with your kiddo this week, try seeing who can recognize as many nouns in the conversations you have. Or, challenge your child to distinguish nouns for their type (Example: "See that woman walking her dog? What nouns do you see?... Oh, you see a dog?! What kind of noun is a dog? (animal)" or... collar/thing, woman/person, business in sight/place, etc. 

One of my favorite blogger teachers is Stephanie Lemons. She creates great activities to go along with lots of concepts. 

Click here to see Mrs. Lemons's noun activities.  Those are short, sweet, simple, and effective. 

In Reading we will read Tara and Tiree, Fearless Friends and focus on the concept question: How can people help each other in dangerous situations.  The comprehension focus this week is cause and effect.  A cause is why something happened. The effect is what happened.  We'll also be working on summarizing the story in 4 or 5 sentences. Summarizing means to retell a story in the order it happened in your own words. 

Social Studies

Study guides for the Unit 1 test came home on Friday.  I'm hopeful we'll be able to take the social studies test on Tuesday this week. However, Ms. Mary will be coming from Farm Bureau on Tuesday, and we go to Library and invite Ms. Kate into our classroom for character education on Wednesdays. The point is, Ms. Mary is awesome and always has a great social studies lessons for us every other Tuesday! Ms. Kate's lessons are super important too, and she helps us remember how to use our whole self- body, brain, and heart- at school and in our lives. Since those ladies are coming, we may just take the opportunity to study our study guide a few extra times until Thursday.  Be prepared for either option. 

OTHER THINGS

• Are you ordering a yearbook?  Yearbooks are a special treasure to many kiddos. Orders must be turned in by October 23 and cost is $12.00. Checks should be made payable to Balfour. 
• We are holding a school wide fundraiser! Order forms and money need to be turned in no later than October 7th. Items will be delivered around November 7th. 
• Students receive a Minion collectible for selling 3 items. The top seller in the school will win $100. There are a ton of other prizes for selling items and the proceeds for our school are definitely worth it.  The chocolates book is my favorite.
• If fundraising isn't your favorite thing, but you wish to make a donation to the GJAL PTO, you can! Our PTO does so much for the teachers in the building, and the students at the school.  Donations made directly impact GJAL's kiddos. 
• Send in Box Tops AS SOON AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN! We're drawing a winner on October 2nd for passes to Bandy's Pumpkin Patch and a fall-themed gift basket. 
• On Friday from 12:30-3:00pm, MYRC will be hosting an early out, hang out day!  Admission is $5 per person and includes: snacks, pool table, table tennis, music, and lots of other games.  Call 684-8243 to register.  MYRC will have a yard sale on October 3rd from 8:00am-12:00pm.  Booth rental is available for $20.  There is also a FREE Movie Night on October 3rd from 6:30-9:00pm (rain or shine) at the MYRC.  Bring your chairs!
  
  September 25 - Noon Dismissal
  October 9 - No School - Teacher Institute
  October 12 - No School - Columbus Day
  October 16 - End of 1st Quarter
  October 23 - Report Cards go home/Make - up Pictures
  October 27-30 - Book Fair
• Don't forget about October book fliers! I'd check prices in that option first. Remember, I get to purchase books for your kiddos to read for A.R. time with scholastic points from those orders. THANK YOU!  :D
• Book Fair proceeds go to our school, also.  The experience of Book Fair can be magical for a kiddo. I remember book fairs from my elementary days vividly... Either way, thank you for supporting your child's interest in holding books and interacting with them in meaningful ways. 
• You may wish to remind your child that their book fair money is to be used for books, not erasers, funny pencils, posters of cards, or coloring books. I am not demeaning those projects. Oh, no no-- I will probably buy the entire collection of gigantic erasers and fuzzy pencil toppers. I love that stuff!  Just a reminder, since I know there are parents out who prefer their children not purchase those items. 
• October 30 - Noon Dismissal

Here's What's happening from 9/21/15 to 9/26/15

This week's post is short and sweet.  We're hitting math and social studies hard this week to get closer to being able to finish up those units.  In reading, we'll focus on a read aloud from the 2nd book in the Magic Tree House series, which students will have the option to take an A.R. test on.  Otherwise, it's time for our Unit 1 test for Reading and English!

This week's spelling words are all mixed up using the words that we studied over the first five weeks of school.  Some words are familiar words that we've already had, others are new.  

There's not much else to say here that hasn't been said in previous posts or in the newsletter.  Get ready for next week, as we'll start unit 2 in English and Language Arts.