The Weber Weekly

We have had an AWESOME first full week back!  We spent a good chunk of this week reviewing expectations and practicing routines, procedures, and transitions.  One thing that I really pride myself on is classroom management.  For years administrators and other teachers have complemented how well my classroom is run.  The kids have a blast in my room, but definitely understand my expectations.  I truly believe that continuous review plays a big role.  The kids take ownership of their behavior and work hard to set a good example.  Their amazing behavior is what leads to maximum learning potential.  I am in awe at each and every one of the kids and how far they've come in just a few short months.     

This week in writing, we transformed from second grade students into doctors and nurses.  First, the students dressed the part with masks and gloves.  They gathered tools such as a scalpel (scissors), stitches (tape), and bandages (Band-aids).  Each team assisted each other throughout the surgery.  They cut off the letters they didn't need for a contraction and stitched them back together with tape and a Band-aid (apostrophe).  I cannot wait to share pictures with you!  (Coming soon!)

We've been working hard on two-digit addition with regrouping.  We started out just adding two 2-digit numbers and we've worked our way all the way up to FOUR numbers!!  It's incredible watching these little people work so diligently to add all the numbers to find a very large sum.  Yesterday, we began 2-digit subtraction with regrouping.  We'll be working on these concepts for the remainder of January.

In social studies, we began one of my favorite topics...Martin Luther King, Jr.  It is heartbreaking, yet so powerful to teach these kids about this influential American and the history of our nation.  The looks on their faces, their innocent questions, their realizations of how different life was during this time...these children are filled with so much empathy and compassion and I truly believe these discussions bring us closer together as a class.  We'll continue learning about Martin and then lead into other famous African Americans such as Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges.

I want to thank all of you so much for donating supplies to our classroom.  Our Expo dry erase markers, glue sticks, and hand sanitizer supply has been restocked and ready to get us through the next couple of months.  Thanks for your generosity!

Six Flags reading logs were sent home this week.  Please have your child record the books he/she is reading.  Their totals must equal six hours in order to receive a free ticket to Great America.  While this program is running, there is no need to have your child record books on the classroom reading log (on the back of the calendar). 

Here's a peek at what's to come next week:

• Monday - Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr. (No School)  This is also our Family Fun Zone night.
• Tuesday - Healthy Health Class (gym shoes required)
• Thursday - Library Day

Reminder:  If you haven't returned your report card signature card and envelope, please do ASAP.  Thanks!  :)