We've been working on adding more details to our stories. One way we can do this is by adding adjectives. The kids came up some great ones!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Back to Reality
I loved our winter break SO much! But, I'm happy to be back to a routine. I like schedules, procedures, and order. :) Speaking of routines, does your family have a homework routine? Good study skills can make a big difference in school performance, and it's important to start building good habits now.
Here are a few tips to establish a successful routine:
1. Find a quiet, comfortable place. This needs to be a place away from distractions like television, computer, and so forth.
2. Have materials ready. It might be fun to decorate a box or basket to keep materials neat and orderly. Some supplies that should be available are: pencils, erasers, crayons, scissors glue.
3. Have a set time to do homework. Finding a consistent time can be challenging with soccer, basketball, dance lessons, etc. However, make an attempt to complete homework about the same time every day. Your child will probably be tired when he/she comes home from school and would benefit from a snack and short break to recharge his/her batteries before tackling homework. Using a timer is helpful if you have a child that struggles with time management. Kids with shorter attention spans may need to do half of the assignment, take a break, then complete the rest. Of course, getting a good night's rest is vital! Complete the homework early in the evening if possible. Have your child pack his/her backpack and be ready for school long before bedtime. This will lower the chances of panic and chaos in the morning!
4. Be involved! Check the Monday Folders every Monday. Examine the weekly homework, review schoolwork that has been sent home, and talk with your child about their day! :) Some of the homework assignments may require your assistance and involvement. It's my belief that the time spent establishing routines now, will pay off in the future!
5. Encourage your child to do his/her very best. In 2nd grade, the purpose of homework is to help your child develop organizational skills, learn responsibility, and reinforce skills we're learning at school. If your child has tried their best, and is still having trouble completing the assignment in a reasonable amount of time, please let me know!
Here are a few tips to establish a successful routine:
1. Find a quiet, comfortable place. This needs to be a place away from distractions like television, computer, and so forth.
2. Have materials ready. It might be fun to decorate a box or basket to keep materials neat and orderly. Some supplies that should be available are: pencils, erasers, crayons, scissors glue.
3. Have a set time to do homework. Finding a consistent time can be challenging with soccer, basketball, dance lessons, etc. However, make an attempt to complete homework about the same time every day. Your child will probably be tired when he/she comes home from school and would benefit from a snack and short break to recharge his/her batteries before tackling homework. Using a timer is helpful if you have a child that struggles with time management. Kids with shorter attention spans may need to do half of the assignment, take a break, then complete the rest. Of course, getting a good night's rest is vital! Complete the homework early in the evening if possible. Have your child pack his/her backpack and be ready for school long before bedtime. This will lower the chances of panic and chaos in the morning!
4. Be involved! Check the Monday Folders every Monday. Examine the weekly homework, review schoolwork that has been sent home, and talk with your child about their day! :) Some of the homework assignments may require your assistance and involvement. It's my belief that the time spent establishing routines now, will pay off in the future!
5. Encourage your child to do his/her very best. In 2nd grade, the purpose of homework is to help your child develop organizational skills, learn responsibility, and reinforce skills we're learning at school. If your child has tried their best, and is still having trouble completing the assignment in a reasonable amount of time, please let me know!
Want some more ideas on how to help your child with homework?
Helpful tips from the US Department of Education.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
We Survived!
Happy New Year!
In case you had any doubts, we made it through the first day back! I really didn't want to go back today. Not because I don't *love* what I do... but I was really enjoying sleeping in, scrapbooking, and hanging out in my jammies. :)
It was great to see the kiddos Tuesday morning! They started out very slow and sluggish (and complaining about how tired they were) but they warmed up in the afternoon. They were pretty chatty in the afternoon; I think they missed each other!
I'm looking forward to our "fresh start" with the new year and all that we have planned for 2012.
Holiday Concert
What a wonderful group of kids! They were amazing at the performance for the teachers and students. They've been working so hard in music... and it payed off!
I was very proud of our 2nd grade performers.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Saying Goodbye!
We took our fish babies to Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone last week. Each student scooped out a few smolt (there were a lot of them!) and helped them into the river. It turned out to be a great day for letting them go... it wasn't raining!!
Everything was going "swimmingly" (haha!!) until a boat went by. The waves created by the boat were a bit rough for our little fish! Some of them got swished back up on to the rocks... however, we were able to get most of them back into the water quickly. Whew!
The waiting in between was the hardest part... but the kids were so good!
Can you see the little guy?
Some couldn't decide what to do... we figured they were in a bit of shock! They huddled together whenever they found a buddy. It was a fun - if quick - field trip. Next time we'll have to take our lunches and have a picnic. (If the weather is warmer, that is!!)
Monday, December 5, 2011
I know I’ve said this before, but it’s true! This year has flown by! How in the world is it already the end of November? I’m going to have to start training myself to write 2012 before I know it!
There was such an overwhelming response to the Dental Sealant Program this year, that they ran out of time to see all of the students. They will be returning to Linwood on December 5th.
We will be heading out to Bar Park to release our fish babies. It has been so exciting to watch them grow... they are beginning to lose their yolk sac and are swimming more freely. Remember to send back your permission slip so we can all go along on such a fun field trip! (We’ll be back by lunch time!)
The Cafe program is having a canned food drive this week and next. If you are able, please send cans or non-perishable food items to school so we might help families that can use a little extra help this season.
There was such an overwhelming response to the Dental Sealant Program this year, that they ran out of time to see all of the students. They will be returning to Linwood on December 5th.
We will be heading out to Bar Park to release our fish babies. It has been so exciting to watch them grow... they are beginning to lose their yolk sac and are swimming more freely. Remember to send back your permission slip so we can all go along on such a fun field trip! (We’ll be back by lunch time!)
The Cafe program is having a canned food drive this week and next. If you are able, please send cans or non-perishable food items to school so we might help families that can use a little extra help this season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)