Friday, December 12, 2008

January 5, 2009

January 2 I e-mailed parents, who purchased Math Whizz for their child, their child's username and password. Please e-mail me if you didn't receive it or if you have any problems getting into the site.
December 10, I sent home a packet of spelling information. The spelling list your child needs to work on was attached. Continue encouraging your child’s correct spelling. These words will be recycled and checked again throughout the year. I’m sending home a list of Level 3 Priority Words”. All second graders should know these words as well. A list of “Level 3 Core Words” is also attached. The starred words are words that will be worked on during the year. The other words on the list are an accumulation of level one and level 2 words. Parents of second graders may focus more on the un-starred words. Parents of third graders may make sure their child knows all of the words through the year. Please hang onto these word lists through the year, and check your child’s spelling of them on a regular basis.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing assignment: Write a story about what you did during your vacation. Start with a 4-square, telling about 3 separate things you did. Write an introduction to your story, then the 3 paragraphs about each of the 3 different activities. Write three detail sentences about each activity. Try to write transition sentences between your paragraphs (We’ve been working on this!) Write a concluding sentence. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by next Friday, January 16. I’m giving an extra week on this assignment because it’s longer.

The first round of reading and math state assessments will be given to the third graders beginning next week.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday.


Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday.

Friday, December 05, 2008

December 8, 2008

Second grade students will have the opportunity to make birdhouses on December 10. They will need to bring $3.50 to help cover the cost of materials. Two students still need to turn in their money by this Wednesday!

Last Friday I sent a spelling sheet for you to work on with your child. Be sure it gets back to school by tomorrow (Tuesday, 9th). Later in the week, we’ll begin a new spelling unit.

This week, I’ll be testing your child on “weather”. We’ve covered why we have seasons, the seasonal weather patterns, and that light and energy come from the sun.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Work with your child to write a goal. Make a list of why the goal will be helpful and 3 things that will need to be done to achieve the goal. Then write the topic sentence stating the goal and why it’s a good goal. Next write three detail sentences stating the three things that will need to be done to achieve this goal. Concluding sentence states how your child will feel after goal is achieved. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday.

Friday, November 28, 2008

READ!!!! ENJOY!!!!


Get a Voki now!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

December 1, 2008

I’ve added two websites for language arts. One is called Toondoo and the other one is Kerpoof. Students can create stories with characters, setting, and plot. I also added information about the food pyramid (It changed a couple of years ago!). There is a game on it called “Blast Off” that lets students decide which foods they will need to fuel their bodies for a trip through space.

Second grade students will have the opportunity to make birdhouses on December 10. They will need to bring $3.50 to help cover the cost of materials. Four students still need to turn in their money.

Later this week, I’ll send home a spelling sheet for you to work on with your child.

This week we’ll begin new activities during Number Corner. Temperature, number patterns on a 101-200 board, reading and interpreting bar, line, and pictographs, arrays (rectangles) to figure multiplication, fractions, and elapsed time. Students are also working on different strategies to add and subtract 2, 3, or more 2-digit numbers.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Write about 1-3 rooms in your home. Each one you write about should be a complete paragraph with topic sentence, at least 3 details and a concluding sentence or a transition (so the story flows from one idea to the next smoothly) into the next paragraph. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday.

Friday, November 14, 2008

November 17, 2008

Second grade students will have the opportunity to make birdhouses on December 10. They will need to bring $3.50 to help cover the cost of materials.

In spelling, we’re still working on the same grouping of words (words with the long I and short I sound).

In math we are continuing to work on telling time and determining what time it will be in 10, 15, 30 min. etc. and what time it was 10, 15, 30, etc. minutes ago. Students are also working on different strategies to add and subtract 2, 3, or more 2- digit numbers.

We’re finishing up our water cycle unit (including the clouds) this week, and our health unit on the brain. We’ll be learning about the first Thanksgiving this week.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Write about one, two, or three things you are thankful for. Each one you write about should be a complete paragraph with topic sentence, at least 3 details and a concluding sentence. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Be sure to confirm the conference time that’s been given to you. Please let me know if you aren’t able to make it, so I can try to reschedule at time during conference week for you.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Next week is conference week and Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with your family!

Sight Word Website

This is a great sight for students to practice their sight words. It has practice for students and check off sheets for parents to check their child's progress. I've added it to the "Links".
http://curriculum.leeschools.net/words/words_main.htm

Telling Time and Counting Money Website

A new website has been added to the "Links." It's Haley's favorite for playing money and time games!

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/math.html

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

November 13, 2008

Second grade students will have the opportunity to make birdhouses on December 10. They will need to bring $3.50 to help cover the cost of materials.

We are beginning a new spelling program this week. Do not expect spelling lists on Mondays anymore. See the letter I’ve attached that explains the program.

Second graders have been working on telling time. Please practice this with your child. I’ll soon be checking the third graders on their telling time abilities, too.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Understand what the word “mighty” means. Write a description of a story character or a real person who is mighty. You can add your own voice to it, by adding your own feelings into the paragraph. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Monday of next week.

Ask your child about how the water cycle works (evaporation, condensation, precipitation). We’ve also studied 4 types of clouds (cirrus, stratus, cumulus, cumulonimbus) and what weather is associated with them.
Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Times for conferences will be sent home on Thursday. Please return your confirmation as soon as possible. I look forward to meeting with you in a couple of weeks.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Friday, October 31, 2008

I warned the students that I may be on jury duty this week, but it's been postponed until April 14.

Second grade students will have the opportunity to make birdhouses on December 10. They will need to bring $3.50 to help cover the cost of materials.

Third grade students will be taking formative assessments in reading and math this week. Please encourage them to do their personal best.

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday. Study individual words that the student missed on the pre-assessment. A method I’ve taught the students is:
1. Study the word. (Look at its parts, beginning, middle, ending.) Point to each letter and say it.
2. Cover the word and spell it orally.
3. Look at the word to check your spelling. Point to each letter as you check it! (If you are not right, start at the beginning step again.
4. Cover the word and write it.
5. Look at the word to check your spelling. (If you are not right, start at the beginning step again.)
1. As we go places, we should take our time.
2. I only have so much time to jump into the water.
3. No, I don’t want to ask him.

4. Please don’t be nervous about taking an assessment.
5. Children have a natural curiosity.

Continue working on identifying coins and counting change. We’ve been working on the addition and subtraction facts at school. Please work with your child at home as well. Flashcards are helpful. If you need some, please let me know, and then I will send some home with your child.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Tell what your Halloween was like by writing a short narrative. You might describe some of the things you observed with your senses (taste, sight, smell, feel, hear—maybe what it would say?!) You can add your own voice to it, by adding your own feelings into the paragraph. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Friday, October 24, 2008

October 27, 2008

There will be a guest teacher in our room on Tuesday-Thursday. I will be at a technology conference in Seattle.

Meg Lippert (author) will visit our school on Tuesday.

In science we are studying about the water cycle and in health we are learning about the brain.

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday. Study individual words that the student missed on the pre-assessment. A method I’ve taught the students is:

1. Study the word. (Look at its parts, beginning, middle, ending.) Point to each letter and say it.
2. Cover the word and spell it orally.
3. Look at the word to check your spelling. Point to each letter as you check it! (If you are not right, start at the beginning step again.
4. Cover the word and write it.
5. Look at the word to check your spelling. (If you are not right, start at the beginning step again.)

1. All of the people were called.
1. He may go with you or my friend.
2. An animal just like that one has its legs to walk with.

3. The water cycle is an interesting science subject.
4. Finding the difference in mathematics can be described as difficult.

Continue working on identifying coins and counting change. We’ve been working on the addition and subtraction facts at school. Please work with your child at home as well. Flashcards are helpful. If you need some, please let me know, and then I will send some home with your child.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Describe a pumpkin or Jack-o-lantern. Write a paragraph describing this object. You might describe some of the things you observe with your senses (taste, sight, smell, feel, hear—maybe what it would say?!) You can add your own voice to it, by adding a bit of your own feelings into the paragraph. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

It's Time to Prepare a "Me" Speech!

Time is creeping up on me! I will be at a technology conference in Seattle on October 28-30. There will be a guest teacher in our room. I’ve also been called up for jury duty in Portland on November 3 (unless the Friday night before I find out the case has been canceled), so students will have another day with a guest teacher. If I’m selected for jury duty, the case may last a week.

One thing we haven’t done this term, yet, is a speech. Students have wanted to share, so this will give them an opportunity to do that! Please help get your child prepared!

I would like for your child to choose 3-5 objects to represent what is important to him/her. The objects could include family pictures, awards, medals, favorite book, a treasured card or letter, a picture he/she drew, something representing his/her happiest memory, favorite place, or favorite restaurant, etc. The objects need to fit into and come to school in a brown paper bag. The bag may be decorated if your child chooses. The following is a description of the assignment:

*The students need to be prepared to name the objects, describe them, explain why they are important, and tell any other important information about the objects.
*Students will be scored on:
1. Having a beginning, middle, and an ending to their speeches.
2. Using appropriate language (grammar).
3. Giving the audience eye contact.
4. Speaking loud enough for the audience to hear.
5. Keeping the body from fidgeting.
*Students will not need notes since this will be such a short speech (2-3 minutes).

Students will need to practice at home. Speeches will begin by Thursday, October 23. I’ll take volunteers first. All speeches need to be prepared and ready to be given by Friday, October 24. We’ll try to have all students present by Monday, October 27, but some may have to wait until I return on Friday, October 31.
Thank you for helping your child get ready.

Friday, October 17, 2008

October 20, 2008

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday.
1. In about an hour, she will be at home.
2. They should know by then.
3. How many of them are there?
4. A mayor is the leader of a community.
5. An apple or a banana with chocolate will taste great for dessert.

Please continue playing the games I‘ve sent home in the past. Continue working on identifying coins and counting change. We’ve been working on the addition facts at school. Please work with your child at home with them as well. Flashcards are helpful. If you need some, please let me know, and then I will send some home with your child.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Choose an object to describe. It could be a cookie fresh from the oven, an old shoe, or a bone with a little meat attached. Write a paragraph describing this object. You can add your own voice to it, by adding a bit of your own feelings into the paragraph. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Friday, October 10, 2008

October 13, 2008

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday.
1. Which was her favorite?
2. When would they come over?
3. See his many friends.
4. Your vacation location is beautiful.
5. You sure have a curiosity for knowledge.

Please continue playing the games I‘ve sent home in the past. Continue working on identifying coins and counting change. We’ve been working on the addition facts at school. Please work with your child at home with them as well. Flashcards are helpful. If you need some, please let me know, and then I will send some home with your child.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Family writing for this week: Think about an exciting experience or event in your life that you would like to share. Write a personal narrative about it. Consider creating a mood of suspense, humor, or fantasy. Tell what happened and how you felt. This encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Friday, October 03, 2008

October 6, 2008

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday.
1. It’s a long way up, but get it if you can.
2. Only take the other one.
3. Who is out the most?
4. Always plan enough time to draw a picture.
5. The country we live in is the United States of America.

I sent a new math game home, “Plus-Minus-Stay the Same. Please play it and continue playing the games I‘ve sent home. Continue working on identifying coins and counting change. We’ve been working on the addition facts at school. Please work with your child at home with them as well. Flashcards are helpful. If you need some, please let me know, and then I will send some home with your child.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. Write a paragraph (topic sentence, at least 3 detail sentences, and a conclusion) describing why you enjoy your pet or someone else’s pet. This encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Friday, September 26, 2008

September 29, 2008

There will be a guest teacher in our room on Monday and Tuesday. I will be at a technology meeting in Eugene for those two days.

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday.
1. Each of us will take one.
2. What have your friends done?
3. Where had they been?
4. I thought you knew something about my niece.
5. Your necklace is just right for the occasion

Continue playing the games I‘ve sent home. Continue working on identifying coins and counting change. We’ve been working on the addition facts at school. Please work with your child at home with them as well. Flashcards are helpful. If you need some, please let me know, and I can send some home with your child.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. During the week, I’d like to encourage you and your child to write together. Write about someone that you admire. Tell the characteristics you admire and give examples of how those characteristics make that person admirable. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Due to some schedule changes, I had to rearrange my volunteer needs:
Volunteer Opportunities (Starting the week of Sept. 15)
M, Tu, W, Th 12:30-1:35 (reading, writing, preparation)
M, Tu, W, Th 2:05-3:10 (math, preparation)

Please let me know if you are interested in helping out at any of these times. E-mail (ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us) or a note would be the best way to reach me. I will confirm your time with you. Thank you!

Friday, September 19, 2008

September 22, 2008

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday.
1. Did you know this?
2. Could I do more than that?
3. Use very little water.
4. We were anxious to go bicycling.
5. We had a great attitude during the assembly.

We continue working with combinations of 10 (ex. 4 + 6, 7 + 3) and doubles (ex. 3 + 3or 3 x 2) this week during math. I sent several games home last Thursday. Please keep the games and the number cards (They will need to be cut out.), so the games can be played throughout the year. The number cards will also be used in other games I’ll send home later. Students are also working on identifying coins and counting change.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. During the week, I’d like to encourage you and your child to write together. Write a thank you note to someone that did something nice for you recently (I’ll return it without any marks on it, so you can give it to the person!) State your reason for writing the letter. Explain in detail what effect his/her action had. Let him/her know again how much you appreciated his/her efforts. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring the writing in by Friday.

Our library check out day is on Tuesday. Please help your child to remember to return his/her book back by Monday.

Take home folders (with reading logs attached) need to be turned in on Thursday instead of Friday. Then students can bring home “Thursday Thoughts” and other papers in their folders.

Our daily schedule has changed, and I’ve had to schedule writing first thing in the morning, reading right after lunch and math at the very end of the day. If you need to make an appointment for your child during the day, probably the best time, so he or she won’t miss any core subjects, would be right before lunch. Lunch and recess are from 11:30-12:30.

Due to some schedule changes, I had to rearrange my volunteer needs:
Volunteer Opportunities (Starting the week of Sept. 15)
M, Tu, W, Th 12:30-1:35 (reading, writing, preparation)
M, Tu, W, Th 2:05-3:10 (math, preparation)

Please let me know if you are interested in helping out at any of these times. E-mail (ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us) or a note would be the best way to reach me. I will confirm your time with you. Thank you!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

September 15, 2008

I’ve added some links to help students with their reading, spelling, writing, science, and math.

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday.
1. First we find it.
2. Some of these are words.
3. They make their own.
4. He has gotten to ride his bicycle in February.

We continue working with combinations of 10 (ex. 4 + 6, 7 + 3) and doubles (ex. 3 + 3 or
3 x 2) this week during math. It would be helpful if you could reinforce this at home. I will be sending several games home. Please hang onto the games, especially the number cards (They will need to be cut.), so the games can be played throughout the year.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. During the week, I’d like to encourage you and your child to write together. Write about one day, any day, and what your child did during that day. Write a topic that states the main idea. Next, use details to make the main idea more clear and vivid. The story needs to be in order of when everything happened. Finally, end with a satisfying conclusion. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. Please have your child bring it in on Friday

Due to some schedule changes, I had to rearrange my volunteer needs:
Volunteer Opportunities (Starting the week of Sept. 15)
M, Tu, W, Th 12:30-1:35 (reading, writing, preparation)
M, Tu, W, Th 2:05-3:10 (math, preparation)

Please let me know if you are interested in helping out at any of these times. E-mail (ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us) or a note would be the best way to reach me. I will confirm your time with you. Thank you!

Monday, September 08, 2008

September 8 Parent Letter

Please have your child draw a picture or bring in a photo of his/her favorite memory of the summer. This needs to be at school on Tuesday!!!!

This week for spelling, I’ve assigned dictated sentences using some of the top 100 most commonly used words. The last two sentences are for students who have no trouble learning the first 3 sentences. Please work on these at home. The final test will be on Friday.
Two people were there.
This time it may be over.
He said it after that.
My cousin is doubtful and jealous of me.
Your idea is outrageous.

We are working with combinations of 10 (ex. 4 + 6, 7 + 3) and doubles (ex. 3 + 3 or
3 x 2) this week during math. It would be helpful if you could reinforce this at home.

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. I’d like to encourage you and your child to write together. Write about something you did together during the summer (different from the picture or photo you are sending to school!). Write a topic sentence that states the main idea. Next, use details to make the main idea more clear and vivid. Finally, end with a satisfying conclusion. Writing together encourages your child to see you having fun with writing, and allows you an opportunity to spend time with your child while he/she learns. This is due on Friday.

Volunteer Opportunities (Starting the week of Sept. 15)
M, Tu, W, Th, F 10:30-11:30 (math and preparation)
M, W 12:45-3:10 (reading, writing, preparation)
Tu, Th 12:45-2:10 (reading, preparation)
Please let me know if you are interested in helping out at any of these times. E-mail (ryan_ginny@salkeiz.k12.or.us) or a note would be the best way to reach me. I will confirm your time with you. Thank you!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to Forest Ridge! I'm delighted to be here! I look forward to getting to know you all better. Here's the homework for this week:
1. E-mail me from your home computer, or
2. Bring the e-mail address of your choice to school tomorrow, or
3. Send a note with your child stateing that you choose not to be contacted by e-mail. IF you can't be contacted by 3-mail I will send hard copies home with your child instead.
4. Read 20-30 minutes each night this week and record it on the reading log sheet I sent home on Wednesday. Take home folders and reading logs are always due on Friday.