Classroom Newsletter: March 26, 2012

This Week

We have had a lot of fun and exciting events over the last few weeks!  Thank you SEA for the funds for our Winterim trip.  We had a great time at the movies and a very enjoyable lunch.  Enjoy spring break with your loved ones as we do not have school next week through Easter Monday.  We will return to school on April 10^th.  Report cards will go home with your child this Friday.

As the weather has warmed up, I have noticed a drop in student grades and behavior.  I know that many students are busy with spring activities, but it is still important to incorporate reading into the nightly routine.  As I help prepare your child for third grade, I will be stricter this quarter with classroom discipline.  Your children are a great group of kids and are generally very well behaved but listening, following directions and keeping hands to self are, at times, an issue.     

Reading/Creative Writing

Overall, I felt that literature circles went well last week.  It was a great lesson in personal responsibility and helped students to apply their reading skills to a more lengthy selection.  I was, however, disappointed in the Unit 4 Benchmark test results.  I will be working with the class this week to identify why mistakes are incorrect and allow them to fix their answers for additional half-credit.  New skills we are working on this week are distinguishing between fact and opinion.  During creative writing time, we will write a friendly letter to Jack and Annie from the Magic Tree House books.

Phonics/Language

Our sound of the week is the “ue” sound as in “blue”.  We will learn about synonyms and use an electronic Thesaurus to identify words with the same meaning.   

Math

Subtraction timed tests start this week.  We will finish our measurement chapter and test on Thursday.  A chapter review will go home Tuesday.

This Week’s Assignments

 Math homework Monday-Wednesday

Practice subtraction facts

Reading worksheet went home today: Due Friday

Have a great week and a super spring break!

Mrs. O’Brien

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