Happy Holidays!
If you just pinched yourself to see if you were dreaming then by now you know that you aren't! It is the last school week of 2011 and while it is only a three day week we are jamming five days worth of fun and learning into it. One big announcement this week is that there is no homework this week (except of course to read each night). I hope that this helps your student ease into the Christmas break nicely. Also, interims went home last Monday so if you did not receive one then your child is on grade level. There are a few students who are on the border in writing so this holiday I will be sending home a Christmas Break journal with all of the students. They can write down each day what they do over the break to help them practice their handwriting and indenting (the first line of each paragraph). Every student that writes in their journal at least 9 of the days we are out will earn a prize when they return to school on Tuesday, January 3rd. I'll even be writing in my own journal as a way of walking the walk with the students. Please do not have your student rush through the last day of break to complete nine entries. My intention is not to stress my students out but help them build their skills through daily practice while at the same time giving them a record of memories. As I've grown up I've forgotten many stories from my elementary days and rely on friends to remind me, my goal is for your student to not only practice but to also create something that you can cherish and that they can relish when they are older.
In Math this week, we are wrapping up our Unit 5 word problems. We will also be using the holiday season to create Gingerbread House Graphs, work through 2 and 3 digit addition and subtraction problems (NCSCOS says we should be working with #'s thru 500), and of course a few fun word problems. Since we do not have any math homework this week please encourage your student to practice their math facts (1+3=4) at home. I have seen some of my students blossom thus far this year while a few of my friends are still dependant on their fingers. While that is still alright, your student should be making the transition from fingers to facts currently or very soon. I do not want any of the Heroes to fall behind in this vital area. As an extension, I have begun to show some of the students the relationship between addition through grouping and multiplication. If your child is ready please support this learning at home. At the same time, if your student is not able to solve basic one step math problems please do not push them into multiplication. Pushing students beyond their ability only creates learning gaps that can lead to problems later.
In Reading and Writing, we are continuing to write our Snow Monster stories that may be a comedy or a tragedy depending on what your student wishes to do. I know I love a good laugh so hopefully that will be the direction that they go in. The main goal is for your child to continue to practice their paragraphs and handwriting. We are also finishing up some of our nonfiction writing and learning about all of those text features that exist in nonfiction writing.
Don't Forget
*Hanukkah begins on sundown Tuesday.
*Wednesday is our "Polar Express Day" where your student can choose to wear their pajamas if they would like. We will also be drinking hot chocolate but feel free to send in another snack for your child to eat during the movie. Your child can also bring in a favorite stuffed animal if they would like.
*Our Christmas Break begins on Wednesday at 3:45 pm. Please have a safe and happy holidays and I will see you all next year on January 3rd! I am already excited about all of the fun that we will have next year.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
December 12th through Decemeber 16th
December 12th-16th
Hello parents and Students,
We are going to be wrapping up our learning about "How To's" this week. Today we watched a "How To" about decorating a Christmas Tree. When then wrote out the process for what we do at our house and decorated our own Christmas Trees for the hallway tomorrow. Hopefully, our last magnet tour families will love them! Tomorrow's "How To"...well, you'll just have to ask your student about that one but I'll give you a hint...it involves Hanukkah. After this we will be switching to learning more about author's purpose through examining non-fiction articles. Keep those newspapers handy and get ready for some weekly articles about world events. Examining articles and authors' purpose will help your student become a more confident reader and competent reteller.
In Reading, your student may be reading about the dentist (yikes!) water animals (and the importance of that ecosystem), Hot and Cold Weather (our weather unit is after the holidays) or Polar Bears and their environment. We will read and reread these non-fiction stories through next Wednesday and hopefully create some double or triple Venn Diagrams comparing these books to other books. Text to text connections can be difficult but must be mastered by the end of the year. In addition, we will be reading about Hannukah amd Kwanza through next week so if you would like to come in an share some information about those holidays please feel free to let me know. Part of the reason that Hunter is so amazing is because of the diverse nature of our parents!
In writing, we are gearing up for one more final structured writing sample before the end of the quarter. We are going to write about a snow monster (but don't worry, it could be friendly or fearsome depending on the adjectives). Your student will carry this prompt through the entire process and hopefully publish it by next Wednesday. I think they will make for a terrific January Hallway Display.
Regarding Math, we are hammering home word problems both one and two steps ones. Sometimes they involve comparison, sometimes they involve money, but they are always going to be challenging. Please make sure that your student is practicing their math facts at home this week. The only homework we have is in a packet that is being sent home today in the Monday folder. While we do not have structured Math homework pages please use this time for students to master their addition facts.
Are you ready for some great news??? Well, the Heroes have so far collected 273 food items for our December Backpack buddies. So far, the lead contenders for the Imax Movie & Lunch are: Gregory, Liam, Keith although Ellia, Kenly, and Ava are not far behind. Of course, this could be anyone's game as one little lady said "I'm going to convince my mom to bring 75 things." For the sake of our Bookbag Buddies, I hope that she does. All of these items are making our class one of the most successful canned food item suppliers in school history. Let's keep those food items coming in. Remember that it doesn't have to be a canned item. It could also be any food that children could easily make such as instant mac and cheese, ramen noodles, granola bars, etc. As long as the food is nonperishable that is the most important thing that matters. Also, I have to say that I am touched by how amazing the generosity is within the class. Just remember that you are touching lives with every donation no matter how large or small. .
Important News
*Starting on December 14th through December 20th your child will be learning about various holiday traditions from around the world. We will switch classrooms from 2:50-3:30 pm each day so that your student can be exposed to another teaching style as well as another country's traditions. I'm teaching about Italy so feel free to ask your child about "Old Befana" when the time comes.
**Since we met our class goal of 150 canned food items we will be having a class crazy hat/bring a stuffed animal to class/popcorn party on Monday. It seems like a bit of a crazy way to start the week but the students earned it so what can you do? Please let your student bring their stuffed animal to class and if they want to wear a hat (in the classroom). I'll wear a crazy hat so I'll be looking for theirs!
We are going to be wrapping up our learning about "How To's" this week. Today we watched a "How To" about decorating a Christmas Tree. When then wrote out the process for what we do at our house and decorated our own Christmas Trees for the hallway tomorrow. Hopefully, our last magnet tour families will love them! Tomorrow's "How To"...well, you'll just have to ask your student about that one but I'll give you a hint...it involves Hanukkah. After this we will be switching to learning more about author's purpose through examining non-fiction articles. Keep those newspapers handy and get ready for some weekly articles about world events. Examining articles and authors' purpose will help your student become a more confident reader and competent reteller.
In Reading, your student may be reading about the dentist (yikes!) water animals (and the importance of that ecosystem), Hot and Cold Weather (our weather unit is after the holidays) or Polar Bears and their environment. We will read and reread these non-fiction stories through next Wednesday and hopefully create some double or triple Venn Diagrams comparing these books to other books. Text to text connections can be difficult but must be mastered by the end of the year. In addition, we will be reading about Hannukah amd Kwanza through next week so if you would like to come in an share some information about those holidays please feel free to let me know. Part of the reason that Hunter is so amazing is because of the diverse nature of our parents!
In writing, we are gearing up for one more final structured writing sample before the end of the quarter. We are going to write about a snow monster (but don't worry, it could be friendly or fearsome depending on the adjectives). Your student will carry this prompt through the entire process and hopefully publish it by next Wednesday. I think they will make for a terrific January Hallway Display.
Regarding Math, we are hammering home word problems both one and two steps ones. Sometimes they involve comparison, sometimes they involve money, but they are always going to be challenging. Please make sure that your student is practicing their math facts at home this week. The only homework we have is in a packet that is being sent home today in the Monday folder. While we do not have structured Math homework pages please use this time for students to master their addition facts.
Are you ready for some great news??? Well, the Heroes have so far collected 273 food items for our December Backpack buddies. So far, the lead contenders for the Imax Movie & Lunch are: Gregory, Liam, Keith although Ellia, Kenly, and Ava are not far behind. Of course, this could be anyone's game as one little lady said "I'm going to convince my mom to bring 75 things." For the sake of our Bookbag Buddies, I hope that she does. All of these items are making our class one of the most successful canned food item suppliers in school history. Let's keep those food items coming in. Remember that it doesn't have to be a canned item. It could also be any food that children could easily make such as instant mac and cheese, ramen noodles, granola bars, etc. As long as the food is nonperishable that is the most important thing that matters. Also, I have to say that I am touched by how amazing the generosity is within the class. Just remember that you are touching lives with every donation no matter how large or small. .
Important News
*Starting on December 14th through December 20th your child will be learning about various holiday traditions from around the world. We will switch classrooms from 2:50-3:30 pm each day so that your student can be exposed to another teaching style as well as another country's traditions. I'm teaching about Italy so feel free to ask your child about "Old Befana" when the time comes.
**Since we met our class goal of 150 canned food items we will be having a class crazy hat/bring a stuffed animal to class/popcorn party on Monday. It seems like a bit of a crazy way to start the week but the students earned it so what can you do? Please let your student bring their stuffed animal to class and if they want to wear a hat (in the classroom). I'll wear a crazy hat so I'll be looking for theirs!
*December 20th is also our Book Club celebration for all book club members. We'll be eating treats that were mentioned within the story (think pineapple and tea) and begin to get pumped up for our next book The City of Ember which will start after we return from Christmas Break.
*December 21st we are having an "In House" School Arts assembly at 1:30pm. We should be finished around 3pm so please be sure to let me know ahead of time if you are going to pick up your student early.
*December 21st will also be our Polar Express Day where students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school. We will be drinking hot cocoa and having a fantastic time. Please put this on your calendar so that you and your child do not forget.
*December 22nd-January 2nd is our Christmas Break/Winter Holiday. Please be sure to have you student ready to learn on Jauary 3rd 2012 when we come back!
*December 21st we are having an "In House" School Arts assembly at 1:30pm. We should be finished around 3pm so please be sure to let me know ahead of time if you are going to pick up your student early.
*December 21st will also be our Polar Express Day where students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school. We will be drinking hot cocoa and having a fantastic time. Please put this on your calendar so that you and your child do not forget.
*December 22nd-January 2nd is our Christmas Break/Winter Holiday. Please be sure to have you student ready to learn on Jauary 3rd 2012 when we come back!
Have a terrific week and if you need anything please email or send in a note!
Sincerely,
Mr. H
Sincerely,
Mr. H
Monday, December 5, 2011
December 5th-9th
December Greetings Parents and Students,
I hope that everyone is ready for a very exciting week. We only have 12 more school days until Christmas Break, can you believe it? While this can be a very exciting and festive time for the students please encourage them to work hard and try their best to focus. There is a lot of information to cover in those twelve days and while I will do my best to plan in an exciting way it is imperative that your student be "in it to win it" or else they may miss out on a fun activity in class. Like I tell the students, we can only have as much fun as you let me give you.
Speaking of fun...The Harvey's Heroes started out today by watching a short YouTube video on The Honey Badger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W05VFxtVetI). As part of our NonFiction unit I prepared a listening guide for the video with some challenging questions. Please feel free to follow the link and watch the video but beware, the original version is not very kid friendly so please only watch the one in the link). This can lead to some great dinner discussion of you wish. The rest of this week we will continue to learn about other mammals in our reading as well as continue writing "How To's." Monday we will write about how we get ready for school (we didn't quite get to that last week). Tuesday we will write a recipe for Holiday Cookies, Wednesday we will write a how to for decorating a Christmas Tree/getting ready for Hannukah/Kwanza, and Thursday we will write a how to for building a gingerbread house. On Friday...well, that'll be a surprise. Also, on Friday we have our walking Field Trip to Ligon. We should be back by 1:40 pm but if you plan on checking your student our before 2pm then please let me know ahead of time so that I can plan accordingly.
In Math, your students are continuing to create pictures with 100's, 10's, and 1's to solve math problems. This is an important skill as it allows them to concretely picture the concept of regrouping. When helping at home please keep in mind that squares are 100, lines (I) are now 10, and circles (0) are ones. Have your child ring the numbers that they need in order to regroup and encourge them to create the new picture immediately. I have seen several students that forgot to count the regrouped pictures causing them to miss the problem. Please encourage your child to always double check their work and to make sure that their answers seem correct.
Are you ready for some great news??? Well, the Heroes have so far collected 55 food items for our December Backpack buddies. So far, the lead contenders for the Imax Movie & Lunch are: Ellia, Joanna, Liam, Kenly, and Amy. Let's keep those food items coming in. Remember that it doesn't have to be a canned item. It could also be any food that children could easily make such as instant mac and cheese, ramen noodles, granola bars, etc. As long as the food is nonperishable that is the most important thing that matters. Other good news is that the 2nd Grade Spelling Bee Winner is none other than our very own Noah Anderson.
Important News
*Unit 4 Fundations Assessment will be on December 7th
*Our walking field-trip to Ligon is this Friday. Please be sure to send your student to school on time and that if you are checking them out early I know. Friday's can be hectic and I have a feeling that this Friday could be very hectic.
*On Sunday there is The Second Annual Transit Concert to benefit The Hunter Holiday Gift Program. This is an all-ages show, so bring the kids! It's at The Oxford - 319 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
at 7pm. Dinner w/ a percentage proceeds going towards our Holiday Gift Program will begin at 5:30, so folks can come early if they wish, eat, and then enjoy the show or just come at 7 for food and/or music.
Website: http://www.transitvocalband.com/ Admission: No admission charge. Donations of money & gifts from our needs are listed on the Hunter School Website are welcome and encouraged.
Have a terrific week and if you need anything please email or send in a note!
Sincerely,
Mr. H
I hope that everyone is ready for a very exciting week. We only have 12 more school days until Christmas Break, can you believe it? While this can be a very exciting and festive time for the students please encourage them to work hard and try their best to focus. There is a lot of information to cover in those twelve days and while I will do my best to plan in an exciting way it is imperative that your student be "in it to win it" or else they may miss out on a fun activity in class. Like I tell the students, we can only have as much fun as you let me give you.
Speaking of fun...The Harvey's Heroes started out today by watching a short YouTube video on The Honey Badger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W05VFxtVetI). As part of our NonFiction unit I prepared a listening guide for the video with some challenging questions. Please feel free to follow the link and watch the video but beware, the original version is not very kid friendly so please only watch the one in the link). This can lead to some great dinner discussion of you wish. The rest of this week we will continue to learn about other mammals in our reading as well as continue writing "How To's." Monday we will write about how we get ready for school (we didn't quite get to that last week). Tuesday we will write a recipe for Holiday Cookies, Wednesday we will write a how to for decorating a Christmas Tree/getting ready for Hannukah/Kwanza, and Thursday we will write a how to for building a gingerbread house. On Friday...well, that'll be a surprise. Also, on Friday we have our walking Field Trip to Ligon. We should be back by 1:40 pm but if you plan on checking your student our before 2pm then please let me know ahead of time so that I can plan accordingly.
In Math, your students are continuing to create pictures with 100's, 10's, and 1's to solve math problems. This is an important skill as it allows them to concretely picture the concept of regrouping. When helping at home please keep in mind that squares are 100, lines (I) are now 10, and circles (0) are ones. Have your child ring the numbers that they need in order to regroup and encourge them to create the new picture immediately. I have seen several students that forgot to count the regrouped pictures causing them to miss the problem. Please encourage your child to always double check their work and to make sure that their answers seem correct.
Are you ready for some great news??? Well, the Heroes have so far collected 55 food items for our December Backpack buddies. So far, the lead contenders for the Imax Movie & Lunch are: Ellia, Joanna, Liam, Kenly, and Amy. Let's keep those food items coming in. Remember that it doesn't have to be a canned item. It could also be any food that children could easily make such as instant mac and cheese, ramen noodles, granola bars, etc. As long as the food is nonperishable that is the most important thing that matters. Other good news is that the 2nd Grade Spelling Bee Winner is none other than our very own Noah Anderson.
Important News
*Unit 4 Fundations Assessment will be on December 7th
*Our walking field-trip to Ligon is this Friday. Please be sure to send your student to school on time and that if you are checking them out early I know. Friday's can be hectic and I have a feeling that this Friday could be very hectic.
*On Sunday there is The Second Annual Transit Concert to benefit The Hunter Holiday Gift Program. This is an all-ages show, so bring the kids! It's at The Oxford - 319 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
at 7pm. Dinner w/ a percentage proceeds going towards our Holiday Gift Program will begin at 5:30, so folks can come early if they wish, eat, and then enjoy the show or just come at 7 for food and/or music.
Website: http://www.transitvocalband.com/ Admission: No admission charge. Donations of money & gifts from our needs are listed on the Hunter School Website are welcome and encouraged.
Have a terrific week and if you need anything please email or send in a note!
Sincerely,
Mr. H
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