November 18, 2010

We have been up to so many fun things in class.  The year is flying by. 

Word Work Time: We have been learning about synonyms, antonyms, compound words, and contractions over the last 5 weeks.  As we learn each new word is becomes harder to remember them all.  Can you give an example of each type of word. 

Writing: We are beginning to learn about nouns.  Using exact, specific nouns in our writing adds detail and makes our writing more fun to read. 

Math:  We just started chapter 3.  We are reviewing telling time and counting money.  Earlier this week we counted our pockets.  Then we made a bar graph and found the maximum, minimum, range, and median.  We are still working hard on our addition facts.  Lots of kids are passing their monkey math tests. 

Reading:  This quarter all the reading classes are learning about non-fiction features.  We are also working on finding the main idea and supporting details in a non-fiction book. 

Jr. Achievement:  We have been so lucky to have 4 lessons with Mr. Tracy over the past month.  Next Wednesday is our last lesson.  We are learning about communities.  We learned that there are products and services.  We got into assembly lines in order to make donuts, paid taxes, and voted on a mayor for our town.  It is so much fun!!! 

Coming up!!  Tomorrow we have a special guest form Northwest Fire Department.  We had so much fun at Mini Muster I know this will be fun. 

Next week Homework:  There will be a project coming home on Monday.  You have all week to work on it.  You can even work on it over the 2 day break.  Don't forget- NO school on Thursday or Friday next week. 

Class News Sept 24th

Book orders have been placed and should be here in about a week.  The October book orders are up if you didn't get a chance to order last month. 
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Use our class activation code to order: GRDFQ

Conferences are coming up beginning October 4th.  Please see the calendar above for your time.  If you don't have a time yet please pick one of the times that says OPEN and email me the time you would like. 

Picture Day - Tuesday September 28th is picture day.  If you would like to order pictures please send in the packet by Tuesday. 

Chick Fillet Night - Wednesday September 29th is the fundraiser at Chick Fillet.  Come on over for dinner! 

Fall Break -  Don't forget there is no school from October 11-15. 

The kids have been working so hard these last few weeks.

Math - We are finishing up Chapter 1 in math. Here are some of the topics we have covered:
  • writing numbers
  • ordering numbers
  • counting coins
  • telling time
  • addition facts 1-10
  • finding missing numbers
  • patterns
  • odd and even numbers
  • place value tens and ones
Science - We are learning about weather.  The kids have been observing it each day.  We have learned about:
  • temperature
  • clouds
  • wind
  • types of weather
Writing - You can see our classes writing in the hall way near the library.  The kids wrote awesome stories about what life would be like as an object.  Stop by and read them and see there amazing illustrations.  We have been working on:
  • using good ideas
  • sticking to the topic
  • using capitals and punctuation
Reading - Each reading class has been working on these reading concepts:
  • Characters
  • Setting
  • Sequencing Events
  • Problems and Solutions
  • Cause and Effect
Spelling - Each day the class gets to play with letters and make words.  We spent 5 weeks reviewing short vowel sounds.  Just this week we have started learning about long vowel sounds and the "magic e".  Students are learning about word families and rhyming words.  Ask you child what silent or magic e does to the letter a. 

8/31 Update

We are in full swing now!  There is so much happening in our classroom and it is very exciting.  To find out what we are learning about take a look at the
QUESTIONS
section to the right of this.  The students are working hard.  You will also see along the right side a place where you can order books
BOOK ORDERS
and a place where students can access a reading website that the school purchased for each student to use. 
RAZ-KIDS.
This is a great place to let you kids go to do their 20 minutes of reading each night. 

Many of you have already signed up for October parent-teacher conferences.  If you have not please take a look at the calender and let me know 2 or 3 times that will work for you.  I have marked all the times I have available with the word OPEN. 

Thank you all so much for coming to open house.  It was really great meeting you all.  I heard many of you went to Dairy Queen night too.  I was in class and not able to go but I sent my mom.  :)  Thank you so much for supporting our school and your child.

First day of School

Today was a great day. I really enjoyed meeting all the students.  We did lots of getting to know you activities and went over tons of "How do we dos". 

Here are some things you can ask your child about:
-We made a puzzle.  Ask them what shape it made.
-We looked at each others' names.  Ask them why the names were written with some blue letters and some red letters.  Also ask them what was special about the first letter of the names. 
-I told the kids all about me.  Ask them if they remember anything about my family, pets, or hobbies. 

I look forward to seeing them all tomorrow.  If you haven't gotten a chance yet would you please click on this link and fill in the information. 
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGtUSU1LdktyVUNySGl5TG0tU2dBWFE6MQ

Welcome to 2nd Grade

I would like to welcome you all to the 2010-2011 school year.  I am so excited to be at Walker this year and to be YOUR teacher.  We have so many new and exciting things to learn this year.  I can't wait to meet you all.  Please come by our classroom (Room 6 North) on Tuesday August 10th between 1 and 3 to meet me and see your new room. 

Before that you can click on this link and tell me about you!  Help your parents fill in the information.  http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGtUSU1LdktyVUNySGl5TG0tU2dBWFE6MQ

Don't forget school starts on August 11th.  I look forward to seeing you at 7:40am!  Bring your smile and laugh and be ready to learn. 

Miss Tracy

Miss Tracy's Class Supply List:
Backpack
Pencils
Glue sticks
2 Spiral Notebooks
Black Dry Erase Markers
Box of 24 or smaller Crayons
Scissors
Tissue

Other items if you want to share:
Markers
Colored Pencils
Clorox wipes
hand sanitizer
Ziploc bags (any size)

Please DON'T bring...
3 ring binders or Trapper Keepers
Mechanical Pencils
Pencil Box (we don't have desks - we have tables!)
Pens

2009 - 2010 Year in Review!

The best things about this year.

Russell - When we learned about Gladiators!
Louie - Mrs. Reid's last day kickball game.
Nicholas-We learned about the Ancient gods and goddesses
Ashley-Everything about school, especially our USA play
Whitney-It was fun to explore 3rd grade. I like the environments the best.
Sydney S - I liked it when Mr. Tracy came in to teach Jr Ach
Jack - I liked having the Olympics out on the field
Joseph - The best memory is when I learned the multiplication method lattice.
Andrea - I liked when we did Monkey Math
Quincey - I liked when we did the Ellis Island
Sydney T - I liked how we learned explorers
Charly - I liked when Alex and I were singing Eye of the Tiger for the class.
Kali - I liked when we went on the field trip to learn about the biomes. Biosphere II
Alex - I liked it when we went to the Gem and Mineral Show
Madison - I liked when we did the cookie thing. We used our 5 senses to describe different kinds of cookies.
Kaylyn- I liked when we were singing on the bus
Leah - My favorite thing that we did in class this entire year was Mrs. Reid teaching to us and Miss Tracy.
Travis - I liked when we learned the parallel song.
Mallory-I liked it when Miss Tracy taught us partial products.
Max - I liked when we did music math.
Romeo - I liked when Mr. Tracy taught us zones.
Jake - I liked traditional multiplication
Laura - I liked Math 4 Today

Miss Tracy - When we cut apart the fruit and made a mess.
Mrs. Sheber liked when we were pen pals with her classes.

We really liked doing our USA Play! We really liked when we did our dance in library because we turned in all of our books first.

May 10th Update

Miler’s Club!
We came in second to Mr. Walling’s class by 12 miles. J The kids did a great job. Actually, if you take out the guest miles (parents, ect) our students walked more miles than Mr. Walling’s. Due to both classes doing such a great job we are going to have a pizza party together on Monday the 17th.

This Friday the kids get to watch a movie because they reached their goal of 950 miles. They actually walked 1013 I think. Mrs. Paulson is looking for a few parents to help with supervision during the movies, 1:20-3:00. If you can help out during this time please let me know. It is pretty much just making sure the kids are following the rules in the MPR while watching the movie.

The last week of school:
Come see the kid’s environment projects presentations. They will be presenting every 15 minutes between these times. Drop in during one of these times to see the environments and hear the students present.
Tuesday May 18th starting at 10:15. Last presentation at 11:15 (ending at 11:30 right before lunch)
Wednesday May 19th starting at 9:30. Last presentation at 10:15 (ending at 10:30)
Wednesday May 19th starting at 11:00. Last presentation at 11:15 (ending at 11:30)

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL INFORMATION
Thursday May 20th Last Day of school - Read In
***The last day of school we are going watch various movies on different environments around 9:30. Students will pick the environment movie they want to watch and then head to one of 3 classrooms. Kids can bring a pillow or blanket on this day to snuggle with while watching the movie. Please don’t let you child bring in HUGE items as they are hard to carry home. If you would like to donate a healthy snack or juice for the during the movie please email me and let me know what you would like to bring. If someone has already volunteered to bring it I will let you know. We will have a little end of the year celebration and snack “distribution” at 9:00.

***After the video students will have year book signing time and we will be doing some wrap up activities. If you child did not purchase a yearbook with their school pictures they can bring a little notebook or folded homemade book to have their friends sign.

***After lunch on Thursday May 20th is the Recorder concert. Our class will be playing their recorders for you at 1:30. It will be about 15 to 20 minutes long. This is during our music class. As of right now the concert will be on the stage. I will let you know if this changes.

***After the recorder concert we will do some more wrap up activities and than participate in the 5th grade send off.


We are still working so hard in class. Help me in reminding the kids that we still have learning to do before the last day of school. I am reminding them a lot about making good choices. It is hard with all the spring fever. J Thanks for all you do to help with this. Have a great year and I hope to see you all in the next 2 weeks before summer.

Carol Tracy

May 6th 2010

Written By: the class

This morning we wrote our morning agenda. After that we did some math for today. One of the problems was rounding numbers and then subtracting them. Then we worked on our stories for writers workshop.

Next, finished adventure two where we wrote a journal entry and illustrated it. Then we read our Geronimo Stilton books and started adventure 3.

We took a break on the playground to get our minds working again.

After that we practiced lattice. We learned 3 to 2 digit lattice. When we were finished Miss Tracy showed some people how to do 2 to 3 digit partial products. Then Mr. Eigen explained to the class how to do partial products.

After math we ate lunch. Lunch today was pizza, salad, fruit and milk. YUM! Then we went to lunch recess.

After lunch we practiced our math facts doing monkey math.

Then it was time for music. We played our recorders and learned Merrily we Roll Along, Old McDonald, and a Native American Song.

At the end of the day we worked on researching our environments. We have to have information for each visual we have and a visual for each information card we have.

We had the funnest day ever! :)

(me too! Miss Tracy)

Thanks!

Mrs. Reid - Mrs. Reid's last day was on Friday May 2nd. We had a great celebration. The kids in our class played kick ball against the kids in Mr. Walling's class. They had a student teacher too. The kids made a book for Mrs. Reid. Each child wrote her a letter about what makes a good teacher. They also included a picture of themselves with Mrs. Reid. Thanks to all the wonderful parents for you monetary donation. We were able to purchase a $75 gift card as a going away gift. She was very surprised and grateful. She wanted me to thank you all for letting her be a part of your child's learning. She learned so much from your children and is going to be a wonderful teacher.

I want to take a minute to thank you, students and parents, for all the wonderful treats, gifts, cards, books, and flowers. You guys (the kids) piled everything on my desk each day and I am not sure what was from who. I was having a difficult time thinking of how to write you each a thank you card when I am not sure what to thank you each for. SOooo instead I would just like to thank you all for your thoughtfulness and kindness. This year has flown by. It has been such a joy teaching each and every one of you. I am going to cherish these last couple of weeks. You all bring me happiness each day. You have learned so much and grown so much this year. I am proud to have been given the chance to teach you and help you grow. Thank you for all you do for me kiddos. :) Let's have a great couple of weeks.

Miss Tracy

May 5, 2010

written by: the class

We started our day by writing our agenda. We did our 4 math 4 today problems. Next, we worked on our new writers workshop stories.

After that, we read our Geronimo Stilton Books. We create a web about what Geronimo did and saw during today's reading. We started Geronimo's journal entry about what happened, the weather, temperature, and details about what was happening in the story. We had to pretend we were him.

Then we took a break to celebrate Max's birthday. We ate cupcakes and milk. YUM!

We came back inside and learned 2 new different ways to do multiplication. We learned traditional method or "parents way" of multiplication. We practiced partial products method too.

After math we went to lunch. Hot lunch chicken tenders, mash potatoes, corn and fruit. You could have gravy if you wanted. We also got chocolate milk.

Next was, Monkey Math!!!! We love fact practice.

Then it was time for PE. We had PE celebration today. Thanks to Alex and Brandon for bringing snacks. We played "Get em All".

After PE we learned about decomposers. We played games about decomposers and the food chain on the computer. Then our environment groups created food chains.

Now, we are writing this. :) But we will go home soon!

May 3, 2010

Today was an exciting day and the week is looking great! Thank you all so much for the beautiful flowers you brought today. Our room is so colorful and smells great.

Here is a look at what we are up to.

Reading: This week we are starting literature circles with various Geronimo Stilton Books. Students will be completing 4 different “adventures” with the book. Math: We are learning how to complete multiplication problems with 2, 3, and 4 digit number. We learned partial products method last week and this week we are learning lattice method and traditional method (the one we all learned) They have lattice homework tonight. See if they can teach it to you!

Spelling: The kids did awesome on their first dictation test Friday. This week’s paragraph came home today. Students need to copy it tonight for homework. On Friday they will have their test where they will be read the paragraph and have to write it as it is read. This is how 4th grade does it so it is good practice.

Writing: For the last 3 weeks of school students are going to be in writer workshop. They will hopefully go through the entire writing process between now and the end of the year and have a published book at the end. This is our goal.

Science: The environment projects are coming along. Students have learned about producers and consumers. Now they are researching different producers and consumers in their environment. We will be learning about decomposers and the food chain this week. We will have times the last week of school where you can come in and see their projects. I will get you times very soon.

After winter break our class wrote letters to a new group of college students learning to be come teachers. Each child had their own pen pal. Today our pen pals come to our school and helped us learn about consumers. Ask your child about their pen pal.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. We are nearing the end of the year. Parents, please help your child stay focused on school for another 13 days. J

Carol Tracy

What's Up Today?

March 29, 2010 by: Kaylyn

The day started when I came in and unpacked my backpack. We all wrote our agendas, and worked on our math 4 today. Then we wrote in our journals. We had to write if we would rather be flat or really really tall. I picked really really tall. There are a couple reasons why but one reason was to scare my sisters.

In reading we learned about the rules in a kitchen. One rule is to wash your hands before you handle food.




... to be continued

Computers March 2nd

Let's learn a little more about Greece.
Visit http://www.carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/GREECE/home.html


Work with a partner to learn new information about Architecture and Geography.


When you are finished come back to the blog and blog about 2 interesting things you learned. Post one comment for you and your partner. Make sure to include both of your first names in the "name/url" box.


When you are all done you and your partner can work individually at your own computers. You may bake some cookies here!
COOKIES

Hit some moles (this is hard it is division - You may only go here is you are on letter N or further on multiplication monkey math)
Hit the Moles


Computers 2-23

We are going to learn about Hercules. Visit
http://www.mythweb.com/hercules/

When you are finished with your activity visit
http://amphimath.com/ruler_new.html
and click on lesson.
or click
http://amphimath.com/Materials/MEASURING%20WITH%20A%20RULER.ppt
to go straight to the lesson.

This lesson will teach you a little about measurement!
After you watch and practice with this video you can practice measurment with these game links.
Use a Ruler
The Ruler Game
Sal's Sub Shop! Measurement
Measure the Teddy Bear
How long is the line?
EASY Fish Tank Measurement
Bob the Builder Measurement
All Measurement Games

What's Up Today? 2-18

by Sydney S.

This morning we watched the announcements. After that we talked about Greek gods and goddesses. The Greeks thought that when it rained that it was because of Zeus. Everything that happened was because of the gods and goddesses.

After that we learned about symmetry and how 2 sides have to be equal for it to be symmetrical. During that time Mrs. Reid's teacher was giving her a grade. We went online and saw how things are symmetric and not. We got shapes and folded them to see if they were symmetrical. Then we got to draw the lines for the crease if they were symmetrical. If they weren't we had to put a big X across it.

Then we went to lunch. We ate pizza. Then we went to Recess and everyone signed my pants. :)

Then we graded our Math 4 Today.

In music we learned about high pitches and low pitches and we discussed about our recorders.

Then we went to recess cause we did good for Mrs. Reid.

In spelling we learned about dropping the e in words. We drop e if the suffix starts with a vowel. Like in the word care and ing. You have to drop the e and make caring.

We just started learning about exact nouns. For example when someone writes a movie review they have to write the actual movies name or they won't know what you are talking about and they will be asking what you are talking about.

That was our fun day today.

What's Up In Class Today? 2/16

By Jack E

Today was a really fun day.

We graded each others journals by getting red pen and a highlighter. Miss Tracy told us what to do. We checked if our partner wrote the date, commas like after dear Mrs Reid and after your student.

We did the Olympics thing in computers. There was a bunch of questions. We had to answer them. One of the questions were to find out 4 sports.

In computers we also went to the game Sal's sub shop and dance mat typing.

In reading we played rivit. It's a game where the teacher started writing the word and we had to guess the word. Some of the words were proposal, court, and spoiled.

I had a cold lunch today so I don't know what was for lunch. I played tetherball at recess.

We did math after that. We were learning about 3/4 turns and 1/2 turns and 1/4 turns. We drew them on our whiteboards and showed Mrs. Reid. Some people acted hard ones out the hard ones like more than a 1/4 but less than 1/2 turn.

It has been one of the funnest days!

Computers 2-9

Visit the Olympic Games!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/

Scroll to the bottom of the page and find the link that says
"The Olympics - Visit the ancient games!"

When you are finished come back to the blog and comment on
3 things you learned
2 things you want to know or questions you have
1 thing you already knew.

If you still have time you can visit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

Computers 1-5

http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/thezone/rocks/index.htm