Our Program

Parents,

Our Program is scheduled fot Thursday, Decemeber 1, 2011 at 7:00pm. If you are unable to attend that even we are putting on the show for the student body Wednesday afternoon at 1:00pm and Thursday morning at 10:00am. We would love to have you there if you can not make it for the evening performance.

Past Posts

I have plenty of posts typed and ready to be published but am missing my pictures. I had to back up my hard drive before restoring my computer...technology can be so glitchy...I will have posts from our field trip, assemblies, and pumpkin day up soon!! Thank you for all you do to help support your students.


Miss Foster

Addendum for Spelling

I have had a few parents voice concern regarding spelling. I was able to speak to parents at Parent Orientation about the program more in depth but I will again share my confidence in this program. I can remember when I was in elementary school, as I am sure many of you will, when my teacher gave me a list of 20 words that I memorized one week, took a test, and promptly put them from my mind to make way for the new words. I believe that can be an effective spelling tool. However, I utilize Words their Way as a program that helps not only spelling improve, but in other academic areas as well. I love that this program functions to help students notice patterns in words, so that not only does it help them spell that one word for that week but it translates into their writing and their reading. The focus on patterns will help solidify an understanding of language.

I have had a few parents worry that their child is used to getting 90-100 percent on spelling tests, as it has been that way for the last two years. Some have said their student is frustrated that the scores are not as high this year. While I do not mean to say the score doesn't matter, a high score on a spelling test is not my main objective. I want your students to benefit from the objectives of this program and use the strategies they learn in spelling in all academic areas. This program is specifically built to streamline understanding of language patterns into those areas.

I have also noticed a trend with spelling scores these past few weeks. We did a few practice weeks, getting everyone acquainted with the new program, they were practicing spelling words every day at school, and should have done the same for homework. Many of the students are spelling their words correctly,however they do not put the word in the correct column. The test is scored out of 20 points, each of the ten words will be awarded a possible 2 points, one for correct spelling, and one for correct placement. When they are practicing their spelling words at home focus on the patterns, have them identify the sort headers, and explain the distinctions between them. This will help them on Friday spelling tests.


Please know I want to see your children succeed and that starts with building their repertoire, expanding their vocabulary, increasing their exposure to literature. That repertoire is based on SO much more than a percentage. These students are bright, creative, artistic, academic minded students who will become lifelong learners. It is my goal to set them up for success, to teach them skills, and give them tools to help them on their path in education.

Thank you for letting me have a part in their learning, and allowing me to do my job and love it.

September Book Orders

Parents,
I sent home September book orders, I am going to be sending in an order this weekend, so the LAST DAY I will accept book orders is this Friday, September 23rd. Please make sure you have them turned in by Friday!

Thanks!

September 19-23rd

This Week's Vocabulary Words
1. photographer
2. explored
3. hobby
4. imagination
5. camera
6. through
7. artist
8. thought
9. favorite
10. amusement

Week of September 12th-16th

Our vocabulary words for this week are:
1. victory
2. confidence
3. consoled
4. encouraged
5. improve
6. probably
7. rarely
8. squad
9. suddenly
10. tryouts

Spelling Program

Dear Parents,

Some of you have asked how your child is to complete their homework. Every day your child is expected to practice their spelling words. I use a program called Words their Way, which is a program designed to better meet the needs of your student rather than a set list for everyone. Every Monday I introduce the sort to the students and they cut them out and sort them. After they sort it in class, they write the words in their spelling notebooks.


Your child will take a page of words home to practice during the week. They are to cut out and sort their words at home the same way they have practiced in class. Once they have sorted their words they should be written on the homework packet in the appropriate column. Depending on the words that week, your child may have up to 5 groups of words. Each group has a sort header which is to be written at the top of the column on the homework page. For example,





I know how beneficial this program will be for your students and want to make sure they are getting the most of it.
Once students have mastered the new spelling routine I will also include math and writing prompts. There will most often be 4 math pages, one to be completed a day and 1 writing prompt that can be completed at any point during the week. All portions of homework are to be returned on Fridays.


Miss Foster

Field Trip

Parents,
We are going on a walking field trip on September 21st. We had to do a little shifting when our farm field trip was switched to the Spring. A note is coming home tomorrow, Thursday September 8th. Please make sure it is sent back to school on Friday so that we can turn in our lunch count and have enough sack lunches for those who do not bring them from home.

Also, the link with homework policies and instructions will be up and running by Friday.

Miss Foster

Week of September 6th

We had A TON to get through today, seeing as we had a lovely Labor Day holiday. We have not had a chance to complete our vocabulary words, but for reference later this week so your students can earn a treat here are the vocabulary words...

1. tiptoed
2. murmured
3. whispered
4. scribbled
5. beautiful
6. announced
7. modeled
8. recited
9. coincidence
10. pleasant


And, in case they need them here are our spelling words...
zip, bit, but, big, jug, pin, tub, rip, will, him, cut, rub, hum, win, fun, six, nut, run, put, did, gum.


I appreciate all that you do, for your support both for me and the students. Enjoy this short week!

Parent Orientation

Thank you to everyone who came to the Parent Orientation Night. I had lots of information to hand out, especially about homework and spelling. I am working on a quick link that will explain homework and spelling to post on the blog. If you were unable to make it please emaiil me with questions. I will do all I can to make sure the assignments are clear. I have magnets for everyone with my email, blog address, and twitter name. If you did not get one please email me and I will send it home with your student! Thanks!!

Miss Foster

New School Year

I am so excited for this new school year. As much as I love my summer vacation, nothing compares to the start of a new school year. I am so excited you are all in my class and look forward to a great second grade year!!

2nd Grade Program

Parents,
I have heard from some of you that you will be out of town for our program Monday May 16th. The 2nd grade will be performing 2 times during the day for the school and if you would like to attend then you are more than welcome. We will be performing Friday May 13 at 2:00pm and Monday May 16 at 10:00am in the auditorium. The students have worked very hard these past few weeks to put the final touches on the program and we'd love you all to see it!

Thanks.

Testing Information

April 29, 2011

Dear Parents and Students,

As this year comes to a close, and testing season begins, students have the opportunity to show all they have learned in 2nd grade. We plan on beginning testing May 3rd. Before we begin there are a few things I will need your help with. It is very important that students get a good night sleep and eat breakfast during testing. It is imperative your children are here on time and if possible, do not leave school early. These practices will help your children feel awake, alert, and help them to perform their best. Thank you for your help and support this year and during testing.

These are the days we plan on testing; please make sure your child is at school on time.

May 3-May 5

May 10- May 12



Sincerely,


Miss Foster

Back from Spring Break

This morning was full of sleepy students itching for another day of Spring Break. There were a select few who said they were ready to be back at school. I hope you all enjoyed your week off and were able to relax. We will begin reviewing these next few weeks for testing to help everyone feel better prepared. I will be sending a note home with specfic testing dates. We are almost to the end! This year has just flown by, but it has been an incredible one and I owe much of that to you and your students.

Can You See Them?

Mrs. Jensen has taught our second grade all about adapatations. Animals have senses and basic instincts necessary for survival. Some animals have the ability to blend into their surroundimgs. Some of theses animals even have the ability to change colors. Again, thanks to Yahoo for giving us some great pictures to illustrate these unique abilities. Students were able to look at these to find 11 different animals camouflagued in their environments. See if you can find them.


Published with the help of Ashley and Grey.

Who Is The Meanest Animal?

We have spent the past few weeks studying animals in both our science units and our liteacy books. We were able to find a video that was full of interesting facts about animals that live around the world. We voted on which animal was the meanest and collectively the class chose the great white shark. We then watched this video, compliments of Yahoo! to discover we were no where near the right answer. Hopefully you find it just as fascinating as we did!

TOMS No Shoes Day

Today we talked about the humanitarian work TOMS Shoes is involved in around the world. For every pair of TOMS shoes you buy a pair is given to a child who is in need of shoes. Millions of children are at risk of disease and infection without shoes as protection. TOMS, one days a year, hosts a 'One Day Without Shoes' day to raise awareness. In class we talked about the different circumstances children around the world face. I asked the kids to participate with me and give up their shoes for the day. Now I didn't want any serious injury so the kids could put their shoes back on for recess and lunch, but most participated. I wasn't sure my real message had hit home, but when one of the other teachers told me how excited the kids were to share the reasons they were barefoot I was glad to know they were listening. I don't expect them to go out and buy TOMS, but just knowing what is going on in the world around us is one step in becoming a more united and understanding culture. We watched a great video on YouTube of a shoe drop they did in Rwanda and the pure joy on the faces of the children receiving shoes is beautiful. That video can be found here TOMS shoe drop in Rwanda

Here is a link to the TOMS website if you would like to read more about their mission. One for One Movement

Some of your kiddos enjoying the freedom of barefeet!

Spelling: April 4-8

Parents,
I pulled an April Fool's Day joke during our spelling test last Friday so the students were not tested on their actual words. This week they will be having the same words they had last week and I will test them on Friday.

Please make sure animal questions are turned in by Thursday and those with math tests to fix come in by Friday.

Thanks!!

April Fools Day!

Today our 2nd grade team decided to switch classes for our morning routine to play a little April Fool's Day joke on our classes. I left all of our calendar dates up as if we were in the month of March and added a March 32nd. Every student stared in disbelief as I began to tell them that on the news they announced we needed an extra day in the year and they added it to March. I even had a few kids agree with me, to the point of saying they saw it on the news too!

We then switched classes after the first bell and I immediately began administering a test to Mrs. Williams' class. They were not very pleased to have a surprise test that was going to count for half of their grade. I could tell by the look on their faces that they knew something was up, but they went right along with it.

The Mapleton Fire Department switched our fire drill to a flood drill. The Sargent had us sit on our desks, put our arms out in front of us and move our arms as if we were swimming. It was rather entertaining and the students were in an uproar! It was a fun, eventful morning.

Happy April Fool's Day!

March 28- April 1

This week has been a very full one. We finished our rock unit with science rotations and classifying rocks. We had a great assembly put on by A.R.T.S., Inc. The Slickrock Gypsy came and shared the roots of American music. The kids danced and sang along. Some of our kids were even able to play some of the South American and African instruments.









This week we have been reading all about endangered animals. Mrs. Jensen started our new science unit and each student made an endangered species sticker book.

Thursday we supported the 5th graders by walking through their wax museum. Each 5th grader picked a deceased historical figure, dressed up, and shared a short little biography as other students walked through to learn about the individuals. It was so great to see the excitement on their faces and the wide variety of figures the 5th grade chose.

Our New Blog!

Parents,

I have finally created our classroom blog! I hope it will be a way to keep you informed of the goings on in our classroom. I will post links to enrichment activities, my UEN page, and Mapleton websites as well. I will also have a link to other 2nd grade blogs so you can see what our grade level has been working on. I will do my best to post each week. Thank you for all your support!

Miss Foster