I hope you all had a great minimal day! I think the kids could feel the change in the air and were so full of energy.
Thank you to those of you who have signed up for volunteer times. Feel free to come this week during your scheduled time.
We are going to be doing some different apple activities in celebration of Johnny Appleseed's birthday this week. If you happen to have an apple tree, or any extra apples around, feel free to bring them in!
If you haven't returned your take-home reading permission slip, please do! The students will hopefully start bringing home books Oct. 3.
As always, if you have questions, let me know! Thanks for letting me be such a big part of your children's lives. I am enjoying every moment of it.
Have a wonderful week!
Miss Jensen
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Volunteer Schedule
I set up a little schedule of who was interested in volunteering. Remember, if you feel like you can't commit to help weekly, we could always do once a month, or whenever you have a free day-Just let me know!
I have also made a little change to my schedule. Some of you signed up for writing time (12-12:40). As things have gotten going this year, I have decided that is not our most effective writing time. I would like to switch writing to before lunch-10:30-11:15. If you had signed up to help with writing and that does not work for you now, just let me know. Sorry to be switching things up, but I think it will work out better.
Track 1 (8:00-9:00)
M-
T-
W-
Th-Cathy Lloyd
F-
Track 2 (2:30-3:30)
M-
T-
W-Laura Ellertson (?)
Th-Nina Brown
F-
Writing Time (10:30-11:15)
M-
T-Barbara Murdoch
W-Laura Ellertson (?)
Th-Mary Knight
Monday Folders-
Christina McCullock (Monday Morning)
Brittani Oliver,
Angela Stansel
Aubri Dickerson
If one of you would like to take charge on this- feel free:) Or we can make a schedule.
We also need to recruit volunteers for the school carnival (Oct. 14th). We didn't get any sign ups in our class. The PTA has broken it up into 30 min. shifts. This makes it very doable, but also requires a lot of people.
Thank you to everyone that has been willing to help. If your time no longer works, or you would like to be added to the schedule, let me know! I would love to get started next week.
Miss Jensen
I have also made a little change to my schedule. Some of you signed up for writing time (12-12:40). As things have gotten going this year, I have decided that is not our most effective writing time. I would like to switch writing to before lunch-10:30-11:15. If you had signed up to help with writing and that does not work for you now, just let me know. Sorry to be switching things up, but I think it will work out better.
Track 1 (8:00-9:00)
M-
T-
W-
Th-Cathy Lloyd
F-
Track 2 (2:30-3:30)
M-
T-
W-Laura Ellertson (?)
Th-Nina Brown
F-
Writing Time (10:30-11:15)
M-
T-Barbara Murdoch
W-Laura Ellertson (?)
Th-Mary Knight
Monday Folders-
Christina McCullock (Monday Morning)
Brittani Oliver,
Angela Stansel
Aubri Dickerson
If one of you would like to take charge on this- feel free:) Or we can make a schedule.
We also need to recruit volunteers for the school carnival (Oct. 14th). We didn't get any sign ups in our class. The PTA has broken it up into 30 min. shifts. This makes it very doable, but also requires a lot of people.
Thank you to everyone that has been willing to help. If your time no longer works, or you would like to be added to the schedule, let me know! I would love to get started next week.
Miss Jensen
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sept. 19
Some great things have been happening in our class lately! Last week was the first "real" week of school. We had all 5 days, and everyone is now pretty much used to how things run in our classroom. I was able to really see a lot of progress.
This year, Deerfield has a school-wide goal to improve in writing. I am going to be doing a lot in class to improve our writing. One way I am trying to do this is through daily journal writing. At the beginning of each track time I give the students about 10-15 minutes to just freely write in their journals. During the first week of school this time was a little like pulling teeth. No one could "think of anything to write about". On Friday when I told the students to put away their journals I suddenly heard whining because they wanted to write longer! It made me so happy. They are starting to really enjoy it. They have written some amazing thing. Their journals are like small windows into their minds-pretty hilarious.
You have probably also heard that we got a gecko. He has brought some life and excitement into our room. Some of the students have been begging to take him home. I am not sure what you are hearing on your end of things, but for now he is going to stay in our classroom. In the coming months, we could make a schedule for people to babysit him on the weekends...but I am not sure. I have never had a gecko before and we are just figuring things out as we go. We voted on names and Geckster was the winner-very original. Other choices were Pizza, Captain Underpants, and Templeton. You have some funny kids.
We have been working on money during math time. Money is a difficult concept for kids to really grasp. I am also finding that some students have it down, and others can't yet differentiate between a nickel and a quarter. I am doing my best to meet every one's level, but feel free to work on it at home. If you are at the store, help them count out the money you need. Discuss each coin and what its worth, discuss how many pennies are in a dollar, etc.
Spelling was amazing last week! There was a small handful that missed one word, but the majority got almost all-including the bonus words. We have taken the words up a notch in difficulty this week and added some more bonus words. Keep up the practicing, it is paying off!
Picture day was today and there were a few of you that forgot money. If you would like to order pictures you can call and go through the company but it will cost more to do it individually. You can also wait until picture re-take day and send your money to the company then. If you choose to send it on re-take day you can get the original picture or a new one.
Have a great week!
Miss Jensen
This year, Deerfield has a school-wide goal to improve in writing. I am going to be doing a lot in class to improve our writing. One way I am trying to do this is through daily journal writing. At the beginning of each track time I give the students about 10-15 minutes to just freely write in their journals. During the first week of school this time was a little like pulling teeth. No one could "think of anything to write about". On Friday when I told the students to put away their journals I suddenly heard whining because they wanted to write longer! It made me so happy. They are starting to really enjoy it. They have written some amazing thing. Their journals are like small windows into their minds-pretty hilarious.
You have probably also heard that we got a gecko. He has brought some life and excitement into our room. Some of the students have been begging to take him home. I am not sure what you are hearing on your end of things, but for now he is going to stay in our classroom. In the coming months, we could make a schedule for people to babysit him on the weekends...but I am not sure. I have never had a gecko before and we are just figuring things out as we go. We voted on names and Geckster was the winner-very original. Other choices were Pizza, Captain Underpants, and Templeton. You have some funny kids.
We have been working on money during math time. Money is a difficult concept for kids to really grasp. I am also finding that some students have it down, and others can't yet differentiate between a nickel and a quarter. I am doing my best to meet every one's level, but feel free to work on it at home. If you are at the store, help them count out the money you need. Discuss each coin and what its worth, discuss how many pennies are in a dollar, etc.
Spelling was amazing last week! There was a small handful that missed one word, but the majority got almost all-including the bonus words. We have taken the words up a notch in difficulty this week and added some more bonus words. Keep up the practicing, it is paying off!
Picture day was today and there were a few of you that forgot money. If you would like to order pictures you can call and go through the company but it will cost more to do it individually. You can also wait until picture re-take day and send your money to the company then. If you choose to send it on re-take day you can get the original picture or a new one.
Have a great week!
Miss Jensen
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Volunteer Opportunities
At Back to School Night I set out some sign-ups for volunteers. If you were not there, and are interested in volunteering on a regular basis, for class parties, or whenever you have a free day-Let me know! We are trying to get a little schedule together and would like to get started with our regular volunteers this week. Thanks to all that have already signed up!
Here are a few times that I would love volunteer help....
Track Time (8-9 or 2:15-3:15):
This would include helping out with literacy activities. Usually you would spend your time reading one on one with students, help individual students finish writing assignments, or do phonics activities with students.
Writing Time 12-12:40:
This would include one on one helping students with their writing assignments-listening, editing, spelling, keeping students on task.
Writing Editor (anytime by phone):
Everyday pretty much all 30 students are dying to share what they write, and I just can't get to everyone. As a reward, I want to allow students to use our class phone and call a parent (doesn't have to be their own)and read them their story. After listening to the story you could tell them something they did well and anything they could improve on. I would like to have a little list of numbers and the students could just go down the list until somebody answers.
Class Parties: We will be having 4 class parties this year and would love all the help we can get for those!
Halloween-Christmas-Valentines-Easter
Monday Folders:
Each Monday our folders have to be stuffed and ready to send home. This could be done at school or at home on Friday or Monday.
Here are a few times that I would love volunteer help....
Track Time (8-9 or 2:15-3:15):
This would include helping out with literacy activities. Usually you would spend your time reading one on one with students, help individual students finish writing assignments, or do phonics activities with students.
Writing Time 12-12:40:
This would include one on one helping students with their writing assignments-listening, editing, spelling, keeping students on task.
Writing Editor (anytime by phone):
Everyday pretty much all 30 students are dying to share what they write, and I just can't get to everyone. As a reward, I want to allow students to use our class phone and call a parent (doesn't have to be their own)and read them their story. After listening to the story you could tell them something they did well and anything they could improve on. I would like to have a little list of numbers and the students could just go down the list until somebody answers.
Class Parties: We will be having 4 class parties this year and would love all the help we can get for those!
Halloween-Christmas-Valentines-Easter
Monday Folders:
Each Monday our folders have to be stuffed and ready to send home. This could be done at school or at home on Friday or Monday.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Reflections
Some of you have expressed interest in participating in Reflections. If you lost the information paper that went home in the Monday folder.
Check out this website for all the rules:
http://www.ptareflections.org/
There are very specific guidelines that have to be followed exactly.
The theme this year is "Diversity means...."-kind of an odd theme, and a little hard for 2nd graders to grasp, but good luck!
Check out this website for all the rules:
http://www.ptareflections.org/
There are very specific guidelines that have to be followed exactly.
The theme this year is "Diversity means...."-kind of an odd theme, and a little hard for 2nd graders to grasp, but good luck!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sept 12th
We had a very busy day today in 2nd grade. Mondays just seem to fly
by! Remember to keep an eye out for Monday folders today. They were full
of important information.
There was a little confusion last week about how our spelling will work, so I quickly wanted to set the record straight. Each Monday we will make a list of spelling words together as a class based on a word chunk. Today our list was based on the word chunk "op". I have the students generate words that have that sound in them and then we pick 5 words and a few bonus words together as a class. We then also include 5 high frequency words each week (that is the list in the back of the BEE book). I have the students write them all down on a yellow sheet that should have come home today. If it is lost, or you can't read your child's handwriting....I will post the list each Monday under the "Spelling" tab. On the same sheet as the words I will include some activity ideas to practice the words. I have tried to get creative, because just writing words can get old pretty quick.
Thank you to all of you who signed up to volunteer. I will be meeting with the PTA and figuring out a schedule this week. Hopefully we can start things up next week. For those of you who can't or don't want to volunteer regularly, I may occasionally have a random activity where a pair of extra hands would be appreciated and I will let you know through the blog. I also need to put a plug in for the Take Home Reading program. We are so lucky to have such an established program at our school, but it takes parents to make it happen. I heard that so far only 4 people have signed up to help with that program. With those numbers it just won't be able to happen. I think it can be a commitment of just once a week. Let me know if you are interested.
What we are up to this week:
Math: We have been working on our "fast facts" (combos of 10, doubles, etc), and we will be starting to work on money this week.
Reading: making predictions
Writing: Our writing this year will be done in the "Writing Workshop" format. They will be taking their different pieces of writing through the writing process, and really being creative. Hopefully tomorrow they will be finishing up poems they have written about a monster they created. They are a crack up! We will then be starting a unit on personal narratives.
Science: You may have heard that we are going to be getting a gecko in our class. I have been trying to make the most of it and have them do some research about different reptiles. Today we discussed different animal habitats and why certain animals live where they do. Tomorrow we will be getting or gecko habitat ready.
Remember school pictures are next Monday!
Let me know if you have any questions. I am having a blast teaching your children!
Thanks,
Miss Jensen
There was a little confusion last week about how our spelling will work, so I quickly wanted to set the record straight. Each Monday we will make a list of spelling words together as a class based on a word chunk. Today our list was based on the word chunk "op". I have the students generate words that have that sound in them and then we pick 5 words and a few bonus words together as a class. We then also include 5 high frequency words each week (that is the list in the back of the BEE book). I have the students write them all down on a yellow sheet that should have come home today. If it is lost, or you can't read your child's handwriting....I will post the list each Monday under the "Spelling" tab. On the same sheet as the words I will include some activity ideas to practice the words. I have tried to get creative, because just writing words can get old pretty quick.
Thank you to all of you who signed up to volunteer. I will be meeting with the PTA and figuring out a schedule this week. Hopefully we can start things up next week. For those of you who can't or don't want to volunteer regularly, I may occasionally have a random activity where a pair of extra hands would be appreciated and I will let you know through the blog. I also need to put a plug in for the Take Home Reading program. We are so lucky to have such an established program at our school, but it takes parents to make it happen. I heard that so far only 4 people have signed up to help with that program. With those numbers it just won't be able to happen. I think it can be a commitment of just once a week. Let me know if you are interested.
What we are up to this week:
Math: We have been working on our "fast facts" (combos of 10, doubles, etc), and we will be starting to work on money this week.
Reading: making predictions
Writing: Our writing this year will be done in the "Writing Workshop" format. They will be taking their different pieces of writing through the writing process, and really being creative. Hopefully tomorrow they will be finishing up poems they have written about a monster they created. They are a crack up! We will then be starting a unit on personal narratives.
Science: You may have heard that we are going to be getting a gecko in our class. I have been trying to make the most of it and have them do some research about different reptiles. Today we discussed different animal habitats and why certain animals live where they do. Tomorrow we will be getting or gecko habitat ready.
Remember school pictures are next Monday!
Let me know if you have any questions. I am having a blast teaching your children!
Thanks,
Miss Jensen
Back to School Night Info
For those of you that were unable to come to Back to School Night. Here is the handout I went over that night. I went into a little more detail on a few items, so if you have questions let me know!
Miss Jensen’s 2nd Grade
- Homework
- Read AT Least 20 minutes 5 days a week (I
will record minutes at the end of the month)
i. JUST RIGHT BOOK!
- Homework sent home Tues-Thurs.
- Spelling words sent home on Monday (Also
posted on blog)
- B.E.E. Book
- Sent home everyday!
- Grading
- Students will be assessed in Language
Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
i. Each trimester we assess a set of skills (as a
grade level).
ii. Skills based assessment (4-1)
- For specialty classes (art, music,
PE/health, computers), students will receive a Pass or Needs Improvement from the specialty teacher.
- Class Management
- Variety of positive consequences (2nd grade money system).
- Classroom Habits- Teach good behavior
- Reprove in private
- No toys
- Sharing once a month on Fridays
- Library
- Wednesday.
- Students have to have their books returned
before they check out another book.
- Volunteers
- SIGN UP TODAY
- Birthdays
- Students may bring treats (must be store
bought)
- If you choose to send treats for your
child’s birthday, please keep in mind that there are students in our
class with nut allergies.
- For students with summer birthdays, we
will celebrate “half” birthdays.
- Box Tops
- Please send in all box tops! Money goes
directly to our class!
- Book Orders
- Sent home monthly
- Can order online or send the order form
with a check to school.
- Make checks payable to Scholastic Book
Clubs
- No cash please!
- Communication
- PLEASE feel free to contact me with any
questions, suggestions, or concerns!
- Feel free to visit the classroom anytime
(my hours are from 7:30-4:00).
- Email is the easiest way to reach me (sarahjensen@alpinedistrict.org).
- Call the school (801) 796-3141 ext. 169
- Class blog (missj2ndgrade.blogspot.com)
i. Weekly update, spelling list, supply lists, etc.
- Monday Folders- Important school
information will come home in these. Please return these folders the
following day, along with your signature that you have seen and read the
information.
- 2nd Grade Money Donation/Class
Wish List
- We are asking for $15 donation (per
student) to help pay for our fun 2nd grade activities and
science supplies.
If you would like to
donate any of the following items, please send them anytime throughout the
year:
· Tissues
· Clorox/sanitizing wipes
· Dry erase markers
· Pencils
· Paper (lines or copy paper)
· Books for our classroom library
· Board or card games (used for inside recesses)
I may occasionally list
items to donate on our class blog that may be needed for a specific activity.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Happy Labor Day!
I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend! I have loved having the extra day to get on top of things, and soak up a little more summer. Here are a few things to keep in mind for the upcoming week:
I will be sending home several different Scholastic book orders on Tuesday. If you would like to order something, send it in before the end of the week. You can also order on the internet. Each book you order on the internet gives our class $3 in book credit! Our class code and sign up info can be found in the BEE Book.
Students should be reading “just right” books at home in order to best improve their reading skills. A "just right" book is one that is on their level, and that can be read fluently with fewer than 3 mistakes on a page. In class last week we discussed how to pick books that are "just right" for us and have done some practicing, but this would be a great thing to be aware of at home as well.
Please save your Box Tops and send them in! They are great for classroom supplies.
A few students have birthdays in the upcoming week. I will be doing a little something to celebrate each students' birthday. If they would like to bring something to share with their classmates, there are 30 students.
Back to School Night is on Thursday from 6:30-7:30 pm. There is a PTA meeting before that starts at 6:15. Hope to see you there!
Can't wait to see you all tomorrow. Feel free to contact me with any questions!
I will be sending home several different Scholastic book orders on Tuesday. If you would like to order something, send it in before the end of the week. You can also order on the internet. Each book you order on the internet gives our class $3 in book credit! Our class code and sign up info can be found in the BEE Book.
Students should be reading “just right” books at home in order to best improve their reading skills. A "just right" book is one that is on their level, and that can be read fluently with fewer than 3 mistakes on a page. In class last week we discussed how to pick books that are "just right" for us and have done some practicing, but this would be a great thing to be aware of at home as well.
Please save your Box Tops and send them in! They are great for classroom supplies.
A few students have birthdays in the upcoming week. I will be doing a little something to celebrate each students' birthday. If they would like to bring something to share with their classmates, there are 30 students.
Back to School Night is on Thursday from 6:30-7:30 pm. There is a PTA meeting before that starts at 6:15. Hope to see you there!
Can't wait to see you all tomorrow. Feel free to contact me with any questions!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Welcome to 2nd Grade!
A new school year has begun and in all honesty, I have really loved teaching your children these past two weeks. I can tell it is going to be a wonderful year!
Each week I will be writing some kind of “newsletter” to keep you updated on what we are doing in our classroom. I will be posting those right here by Monday afternoon.
Please feel free to contact me with any information, questions, or concerns. The easiest way to reach me is through e-mail at sarahjensen@alpinedistrict.org
As a reminder, please save your Box Tops and send them in! The money we collect through those goes directly to our class. Thank you to all who have already donated supplies!
This is going to be a great year! I am so excited to continue to get to know and work with your children. I hope to share my excitement for learning with them! I appreciate your time, support, and effort to help facilitate the learning in our classroom, and I am looking forward to getting to know each of you. See you at Back to School night (Sept. 8 6:30 pm)!
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