January news and updates
Brrrrrrr…..it’s CHILLY out!!
This email is filled with lots and lots of important and useful information. January is the start of quarter 3 and is it is the busiest quarter of the school year.
Spelling tests: Beginning the week of January 14th and lasting until the end of the year, we will only have 1 spelling test a week, and it will be on Fridays. There will no longer be an opportunity to re-test. Additionally, the spelling list will also increase from 10 to 15 words a week, starting January 28th. This helps prep the students for second grade when they need to spell 15 with an increase to 20 words a week.
Math: Timed math tests will begin the week of January 21st with the 4’s. We did many practice tests before the break and will continue with facts 0-3 next week. Each student will make flash cards and keep them in their desks to review throughout the week. I highly encourage all students to have both addition and subtraction flashcards at home to practice nightly.
You will receive their first study sheet next Friday (18th) in preparation for the test the following Wednesday.
The test is timed for 2 minutes and they need to answer 25 addition facts. There will be all combination of 4’s up to 12. Ex. 4+12, 12+4, 11+4, 4+11 and so on down to 4+0.
Everyone takes the test on Wednesday.
Those who receive 100% do not need to re-take the test for the rest of the week.
Those that did not get 100% re-take on Thursday, and if need be on Friday, too. Be prepared for tears the first few weeks. This is a new concept and many expect perfection. It is hard to do 25 facts in 2 minutes (especially with 6, 7, 8, and 9 math facts.)
Friday’s grade is the final grade I take.
Footprints: We will continue with one Footprint sent home and one done in class a week. Nine need to be completed for the quarter. We will complete our first Footprint together next week. We are talking about using the word ‘and’ in our sentences to join two ideas together. The sentences should be a bit longer and filled with more details from the story.
Most students should be completing these with little assistance.
We are still having a difficult time understanding how to correctly use quotations and dialog in our sentences, so I am asking that there are NO QUOTES in their HOME Footprints.
I promise these have a purpose!! If done correctly, they will learn to become independent writers who will be able to summarize any story given to them, which is a key tool needed in 2nd grade.
I updated the calendar and created a few sign up lists to the Shutterfly account. We have many in-class projects and events these next few months, and I need your help. Please look at the lists and see if there is anything you are able to contribute to the class. Thank you very much!
• 1st event: 100th day. Each student makes a necklace (with 100 beads each) and a trail mix with (100 food items). This will take place on Wednesday, January 23rd.
• 2nd event: Dr. Seuss in-class project. Please send in shoe boxes for the dioramas. Other materials and supplies are needed as well. We will start this project February 11th.
• 3rd event: Leprechaun Trap. We will use remaining shoe boxes as the trap but will need other items to lure those sneaky Leprechauns in. We will start this project March 4th.
Each subject has a common theme this quarter, and that is ‘to prep them for 2nd grade.’ Conferences are just around the corner, and I am looking forward to sitting down with each of you to share (and show) the growth your child has made this year. The sign-up sheets are on Shutterfly with available times.
Wood Acres Winter Open house is Sunday, January 27th. This is a great opportunity for you to meet and visit our 2nd-grade teacher, Mrs. Littleton. Not only will she share some of the curriculum for next year, but this also gives you an opportunity to explore her classroom and ask any questions you may have.
I appreciate all your support in what I do each day. Your children are all amazing! It will be a long 3rd quarter….but together, we will get through it!!
Kim