*Weber Weekly - updated by the first day of the week
Week of September 15th and 22nd
deanna.weber@southwestschools.org
http://weberwebpage.weebly.com
Word of the Month… Friendship, Acceptance, Respect
Thanks for your part in the Entertainment Book Sale!
We have survived the first half of the quarter already. Mid-term reports will come home next week.
We are writing daily in our 100 Days Journal. Students are working on becoming consistent with capitals and endmarks. We are up to four sentences each morning. We also are consistently practicing math number patterns in the morning routine. Students fill in a practice grid as part of their morning work. And then they have the remainder of the time to read /test AR.
AR is going well for most students. Please check the Student Record Report (it’s a cut slip of paper) that I send home after each week of testing. I appreciate your follow up and checking from home. I encourage students to always have two Library AR books and one additional AR book from the 2nd Grade Library next door. We have access to the Book Nook every morning but those books cannot be taken home. Some students will read with our volunteers but there isn’t a particular schedule for any specific student. Please remind your child to prepare and be ready for their test by Thursday mornings (most weeks – unless we have hurricane weather). This goal works well for us since we have Library on Thursday and we are able to check out new books. I just like them to have tried by Thursday so that if they are having a problem, I am able to help before Friday comes. Please let me know if you have any questions! We cheer each passing quiz with a muscle pose and students get to take their tag down to help us keep track of who still is reading.
In Language Arts, we are reviewing classifying, short vowels, final consonant blends and homophones. We are learning about long vowels with VCe (vowel, consonant, silent e) and initial consonant digraphs (sh, ch, th, wh). Our target reading strategy with The Workers and Tools is author’s purpose and study skill is map-reading. In writing, we are working on predicates and organizing with sequence words first, next, then and last to write direction paragraphs.
(next lesson) In Language Arts, we are reviewing author’s purpose, sequencing, vowel-consonant-silent e words, initial consonant digraphs (sh, th, ch, wh) and homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings). We are learning about long e spelled ee or ea and final consonant digraphs. Our target reading strategy with Green Leaf Club News and Three Bikers is setting (the when and where) of a story.
I am trying something new with Spelling that I am sure will help if made to be a consistent routine. Students should rewrite their word list on the practice paper each night. This paper will not be turned in until Friday morning. Hopefully, most scores will improve!!
In Math, Mrs. Ange will teach students to: find missing addends in addition sentences, study fact strategies – counting on one, two, or three, doubles +1 facts, complete chapter one test.
In Science, Mrs. Asbrock will be discussing inventors and inventions. The first project is the folder today. (We had to adjust dates.) She will move in to the technology unit next. The vocabulary from Chapter 13 will be checked. Please take a look if possible. You may access the textbook online using the information on the sticker we put in the HOMEWORK folder.
**Remember** Invention project is due next Wednesday, September 24th..
In Social Studies, we are discussing feelings and how to treat others. We made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with our partner last week and are writing the directions using sequence words (first, next, then, and last). We met our sixth grade pen pals today. Our class is paired up with Mrs. Ventre’s class. Next we will discuss ancestors and traditions. We will read stories that illustrate the concept of family ties. Monday’s homework is to write about a special family tradition that you celebrate. I will also ask kids to bring in any special ‘treasures’ (with your permission) that have been passed down to them. Send a photo of the item if you would rather.
Spelling Words – test Monday, September 22nd
child, chin, chip, shape, ship, shut,
clean, many, use, work, world,
*grade, *write
Spelling Words – test Friday, September 26th
deep, free, leaf, meal, seem, team,
should, their, through, very, would
*each, *lunch
**Any words missed on Friday’s test will need to be practiced again (written 5 times) during next recess or for homework. Study some each night!!!
Homework – fill in Spelling nightly!
9/17 Wednesday Look over the ‘Pencil Invention’ assignment from Mrs. Asbrock. Please ask early if there are any questions. Numbers 1 and 2 are due tomorrow while the rest are due next Wednesday, 24th. *Math?
Thursday Reading worksheet. *Math?
Friday In your homework notebook, take a practice test. Write the words you miss 5 times so you get them correct tomorrow.
*Math? ** Send back behavior report card.
9/22 Monday Fill in the worksheet with a tradition unique to your family. *Math?
Tuesday Reading worksheet. *Math?
Wednesday Poetry. Draw a picture to match the meaning. Remember to get a signature. *Math?
Thursday In your homework notebook, take a practice test. Write the words you miss 5 times so you get them correct tomorrow.
*Math?
Friday Send back behavior report card. *Math?
Have a nice weekend!!
Week of September 8th
deanna.weber@southwestschools.org
http://weberwebpage.weebly.com
Word of the Month… Friendship, Respect, Friendship
Wednesday - practice ‘Lock Down Now’ drill
Friday - Entertainment Book sale ends
I can’t believe we’re in our third week of school already. After spending some time with your children and talking with many of you last week, I’m certain this is going to be a fun and productive year. We’re off to a great start!!
The PTA kicked off the fall fund-raiser last Friday. They will be holding their annual Entertainment Book Sale. The PTA does many wonderful things for our school!! Please have checks made payable to WVE PTA. Thanks for your part.
In Language Arts, we are reviewing making predictions, initial blends, and c, k, ck. We are learning about homophones and final consonant blends. Our target reading strategy with Wobbly People of Ellen’s Block House and Poppleton and the Grapefruit is character and study skill is parts of a book / Table of Contents. Our spelling pattern this week will be short e (like egg) and o (like octopus). In writing, we are working on subjects, webbing to organize ideas, and descriptive sentences about a friend.
**FYI… You will notice the first of many paper books, The Fox and the Crow, coming home some time this week. This is our first Phonics Reader. Every new lesson will have a different reader for students to continue practicing with at home. I suggest saving these take-home books in a special spot and reviewing them occasionally to keep fresh with the skills taught each particular week. I have made my own practice/enrichment papers to go with these readers. Sometimes they will be required as seatwork and other times they will be sent home to complete as an option. I offer Cat Cash as a motivator if we run out of time to complete the papers in class and students choose to do the work at home.
Another FYI… I usually send the reading textbook home the night before the reading test. Most weeks the test will happen on a Friday. If you noticed the textbook last weekend, that’s because I suggested students read the stories one more time at home to help prepare for the five-question multiple choice test. We’ll do the same each week for each new set of stories.
And another FYI… AR went great last week! Students should be practicing books within their range and planning to test by Thursday. We had a few re-do’s for the first week which we talked about. Students need to learn for themselves when they are ready to test. I suggest reading a book at least two times. I am reminding students to bring books to school each day and home each night. Our Book Nook (Second Grade Library) will be open beginning this week. Students will have the opportunity to read with volunteers each morning. We still are scheduling volunteers if you are able to make it in for a morning. We’ll use you from 8:45 – 9:30. Just let us know which morning works best for you!
I have checked students with sight words. Please go over this list often, at least weekly, so that these frequently used words are easily read. I did tell students to keep their copies in their Homework Folder behind the newsletter. I will recheck using the same paper at the end of 1st Quarter. Thanks!
This week in Spelling, we will continue practicing blends and short vowels e and u. The pretest comes home at the start of the week. I have designed the study paper to have a first try column and then a correct word list written by me. I have explained to students that they should rewrite words correctly in the middle column as part of the weekly practice. Thanks for your help with studying!!
In Science, Mrs. Asbrock will teach about classifications and begin inventions and inventors.
In Math, Mrs. Ange will work on using the commutative property to find sums (numbers in an addition problem can be put in any order to solve), recognizing facts that have a sum of ten, fact families, and finding missing addends in problem solving.
In Social Studies, we will talk about similarities, differences and feelings and review The Golden Rule. We’ll practice the steps of conflict resolution.
Spelling Words:
desk, land, last, lost, sand, send,
live, made, people, taste, your,
*pencil, *stop
**Any words missed on Friday’s test will need to be practiced again (written 5 times) during next recess or for homework. Study some each night!!!
Homework
Monday Read the poem, “If We Didn’t Have Birthdays”. Draw a picture of you on your birthday. Get a signature on the back of someone who read with you. *Math?
Tuesday Reading worksheet, both sides.
Wednesday Reading worksheet, both sides. *Math?
Thursday In your homework notebook, take a practice test. Write the words you miss 5 times so you get them correct tomorrow. *Math?
Friday Send back behavior report card.
*Math?
Have a nice long weekend!!
Week of September 1st
deanna.weber@southwestschools.org
http://weberwebpage.weebly.com
Words of the Month… Friendship, Respect/Acceptance
Monday - September 1st, Labor Day – No School
Wednesday - Fire Drill
Thursday - Bus safety program
- practice ‘Lock Down Now’ drill
We are off to a wonderful start! What a great bunch of kids!! I am truly enjoying your child… they are making it an easy transition for us.
Thanks so much for the quick return of school forms and volunteer offers. I have made a list of those offering help and plan on taking advantage of your generosity. I will call within a week or two once our schedules are finalized. Please feel free to join us anytime – if you are ever at school for some reason or have some time free. Let me know. We’ll use you!
I spoke with some of you already about the new year and plan on making more calls by the end of the week. If I didn’t get to you yet, have any questions about our class ready. I look forward to discussing your child with you.
The first fundraiser of the year began on Friday. The PTA is selling Entertainment Books at $20 a book. There are some great deals in there!
Students are bringing home book orders. The clubs have books that are on grade level as well as some that are more challenging. If you choose to order, please send in a check made out to the book club by Thursday. I’ll place the order on the weekend.
We were busy last week getting used to routines and getting to know one another. There were lots of smiles and questions… When is lunch? When is recess? What time is school over? It was a long but fun and productive week. Some routines that we will follow daily include journal writing/sharing, calendar (math) activities, class meeting, ‘switching’ for Science, Social Studies and Math, and a different special each day… and a second recess if we are all caught up. We are working hard on building friendships and cooperating with each other. We’ll beat the heat again this week! We had lots of water bottles and bathroom breaks.
In Language Arts, we are learning about plot as we discuss beginning, middle, and end with our reading stories, Franny and Ginny and Daddy, Could I Have an Elephant?. Our reading strategy is predicting and study skill is using the library. We will practice beginning consonant blends and final double consonants, as well as soft c (circle) and g (gem). In writing, we are working on making complete sentences. Last week, we were able to complete the series’ placement test and check sight words individually. If you are interested in having a second copy of our reading text to practice with at home, I do have some extra books that may be borrowed. Let me know with a note!! Also, I am sending home a list of missed sight words for extra practice. Please go over this list often so that these frequently used words are easily read. I did tell students to keep their copies in their Homework Folder behind the newsletter. Please practice the list weekly.
This week in Spelling, we will practice short a (apple), short i (igloo), and short u (umbrella). I will be giving spelling pretests at the start of each lesson, which is usually the beginning of each week. We then try to finish the lesson by testing on Fridays. On the pretests, the students attempt the week’s words and correct their own papers. This sheet is then sent home for use in studying. I tell students to “hang it on the fridge” which really means to have it some place visible in order to study each night. The spelling is integrated with the daily reading and language lessons so that the words are easily practiced and retained.
In Science, Mrs. Asbrock will teach about the job of a scientist. She will discuss tools and equipment used, the scientific process, and inventors.
In Math, Mrs. Ange will give a math placement test. Students will also learn to solve story problems by writing an addition number sentence, to compare two groups to find out how many more or how many fewer, to write subtraction sentences to solve both separation and comparison problems, and to solve problems by choosing addition or subtraction.
In Social Studies, we will learn about similarities and differences between people. One of our jobs is to practice respect for self and others and tolerance for others. We will focus on feelings and friendship.
Spelling Words:
bat, cub, fit, mug, that, this (list words),
could, have, need, then, was
(high frequency words),
*flag, *ship (challenge words)
**Any words missed on Friday’s test will need to be practiced again (written 5 times) during next recess or for homework. Study some each night!!!
Homework
Tuesday Read the poem, ‘Lucky You’ and draw a picture of your face. Remember to get a signature on the back of someone who read with you.
*Math?
Wednesday Look over the Reading Placement test and correct “with a color”. Please sign it and return tomorrow. I have also sent a ‘Parent Report’ to be kept at home. This shows your child’s Beginning Year GE (grade equivalent) and ZPD (range). Keep the Word List behind the newsletter to remember to practice.
*Math?
**Try to have your AR test taken by tomorrow.
***Book orders are due tomorrow if interested.
Thursday In your homework notebook, take a practice test. Write the words you miss 5 times so you get them correct tomorrow.
*Math?
Friday Send back behavior report card.
*Math?
Have a nice weekend!!
_____________________________________________________
Open House Letter
August 25, 2008
Dear Parents,
Welcome to an exciting and brand new year of school. My name is Deanna Weber and I will be your child’s 2nd grade teacher. This is my eleventh year at WVE in second grade. I am looking forward to working closely with all of you in developing an enriching year for your child. Each week I will be sending home a newsletter to keep you up to date. The Weber Weekly will highlight our upcoming events, classroom activities, themes, spelling words, “One of a Kind Kid” and the daily homework. Or look us up on the class web page at http://weberwebpage.weebly.com.
In our classroom, there will be an emphasis on reading and writing throughout the curriculum. We’ll be working out of the Scott Foresman reading series. Supplemental tradebooks are also used frequently. I plan to motivate your child to read and write in many ways. Along with time spent in guided reading groups working on various skills, your child will spend time reading independently. We will also do whole group shared readings with big books and charts. Your child will accumulate a poetry collection with a new poem being added each week. Within our grade level, we visit our ‘Book Nook’, a second grade library of Accelerated Reader titles. In addition, students may check out books we’ve studied and books written by class authors. I also use commercial book clubs. Many of the books offered are favorites and on second grade reading level.
Your child will write daily in their 100 Days journals. Letter-writing is also a high priority. We hope to have an exchange classroom of penpals from an upper grade. And students are encouraged to write each other using our own postal system. We will work the writing process from ‘sloppy copy’ to a final publishing on different occasions throughout the year. I hope to make learning more meaningful by integrating the content areas into our reading and writing.
*After Christmas, we’ll begin learning cursive writing!!
The second grade teachers work hard at working together for your child. Mrs. Asbrock, Mrs. Ange and I will rotate for periods of 40 minutes daily. Your child will practice science and health hands-on with Mrs. Asbrock while learning about Ohio plant and animal adaptations, light, shadow and sound, weather, moon changes/stars, body systems, and making healthy choices. Mrs. Ange will introduce math concepts including patterns, problem solving, place value, fractions, regrouping, geometry, money, measurement, time, and interpreting graphs. Students will become actively involved with concrete materials as they experience real-life math. I will teach the Social Studies portion to all second-graders and spend extra time on writing instruction.
Friendships will be heavily emphasized in Social Studies as well as in daily activities. Early on I like to develop a sense of respect for one another. Working together is a top priority. That’s why we’ll work in cooperative groups much of the time. Topics we’ll touch on include family ties, timelines, map skills, special Americans and holidays, American symbols and government, continents, oceans and landforms, and basic economics. There will be a school-wide focus on Conflict Resolution as well. During the year, each student will be randomly highlighted on our “One of a Kind Kid” board. This gives the student special recognition for the week and allows parents the perfect opportunity to brag!
Our special classes are as follows:
M T W Th F Lunch / Recess11:45 / 12:00-12:30
M P.E. 2:15-3:00
T Music 2:30-3:00
W P.E. 1:55-2:35
Th Library 10:35-11:05
Th Music 1:15-1:45
F Art 9:40-10:35
Much of my evaluation in second grade takes the form of teacher observation of directed tasks. To me, this seems to be the most realistic measure of progress since the student is actually participating. I can see more of the process by using this approach as opposed to judging the final product as right or wrong as in paper/pencil exercises. Through the course of the year, I will select and file writing samples, word checklists, reading records, anecdotal messages, etc. in a portfolio. Then at conference time, together we can see your child’s progress rather than discuss what an O, S, or N really means.
Parents are the most important people in a child’s life, and we need to work together for the benefit of your child. I need you to support my academic, homework, and discipline efforts here at school. In return, I will keep you informed about all aspects of your child’s experiences at school. With school and home working together, I know that your child can have a wonderfully successful school year. Please know the door is always open for both communication and participation. If you have any questions or concerns... or want to volunteer, feel free to contact me anytime by sending a note or calling my home (367-0291), e-mail (deanna.weber@southwestschools.org) or the school office (367-5577).
Fondly,
Deanna Weber
Open House Mrs. Deanna Weber 2nd Grade
Hello! Cookout follows classroom meetings!
Take your folder home tonight; May leave supplies in your desk for 1st Day if you brought them.
1st assignment …return paperwork (parents)
…bring show and tell to school (students)
ME school (367-5577) or home (367-0291)
or e-mail deanna.weber@southwestschools.org
Weber Weekly – keep in Homework folder
Web Page - http://weberwebpage.weebly.com
Please communicate ?’s, concerns, problems, silly stories, etc.
Team Teaching - Mrs. Weber... Social Studies / Writing
*Kids stay, teachers switch. - Mrs. Ange... Math
- Mrs. Asbrock... Science-and-Health
2nd Grade ... everyone learns at own pace; tougher than Gr. 1 since we aim for independence
... work hard! (busy and fun!!)
Folders - SAVE Folder... stays at school
- HOMEWORK Folder... HOME / SCHOOL
- POETRY Folder... I’ll look for signature, please try to comment
Discipline sticks (flips) - most get flipped, even me
- learning experience; need parent support
(look at ‘offense’)
Homework Policy - not finished?? complete at recess and automatic flip
*an assignment from me and math each night and read
(Go online to Progress Book to check grades)
Grading... wonderful! ( + = Perfect… YAHOO… stickers!!)
o.k. - look over mistakes
fix and return in color; I’ll correct with green and a
AR goals for 2nd Grade - 1 book/week for 1st Quarter
- 2 books/week or 1.0 points (chapter book)
for 2nd Quarter
*Encourage to test by Thursday; Friday is for catch up
*Students should be growing into reading and testing independently
NEW this year!!! Social Studies series (district) and ELMO (Thanks, PTA!)
Scott Foresman is our reading series – comprehensive
Spelling tests usually on Friday
100 Days Journal... 15 minutes daily writing
Math - calendar, daily fact paper, lesson, nightly homework
Character Education - monthly theme and ABCDE steps to resolving conflict
‘One of a Kind Kid’ bag
Appointments – please send a note so your child can pack up
Absences - please make up promptly; send unfinished work with a note and I’ll try to help.
Birthdays - send a note with day and time (2nd recess is at 3:00)
- ‘wellness policy’ asks that snacks be healthy and individually wrapped
Book Orders – optional; make check out to the company
Volunteers… Room Parents - Book Nook – PTA – Junior Achievement
Students are encouraged to take bathroom/drink breaks anytime we’re in the hall.
WHEW!!.... Let’s have a great year!!