December 13, 2012

Dear Parents: 

            Continue the great work in reading with your child for 30 minutes each day and recording it in the RAH folder.  The first part this term in reading, we’re working on character qualities, point of view, cause and effect relationships, recounting stories, theme, moral and lesson, sequence of events, and compare and contrast.

            Math: Continue playing the array games a couple of times a week.  Second graders actually only need to know their multiplication (arrays) through 5X5, but I've included all the arrays because many of the second graders are ready for them!  For third graders (and second graders who are ready), looking on the backside of the array, tell the other factor. That’s division!

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice or the array games.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!)  Falcon Fast Facts will officially begin in January and it will be added to the RAH minute folder.

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

       Family Writing:  We’ve been working on fiction stories and developing the main character through physical descriptions, dialogue, actions, and other character’s reactions.  Your child should know about setting (time and place) and plot (problem/conflict and solution) as well. 

            Create your own fiction story.  Often times the best fiction story is based on something that really happened to you, but you’ve elaborated to make the story even better.   Use your graphic organizer to plan your story.  Include a beginning, middle, and ending.   Skip lines as you write to make revising and editing easier.

Next revise (add missing parts, complete sentences, and details) and edit (spelling, capitals, periods, matching verb tense, paragraphs) your paper.  Try to use a different word to begin each sentence.

Divide your story into about five parts.  Draw five different scenes of the story and neatly write the part of the story under your picture it goes with.  Papers clip your finished book together. 

At school, we’ll make a movie out of your story!  Be sure it’s back by Wednesday, January 9!

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.

http://forestridge.salemkeizer.net/  School website

http://forestridgec4.blogspot.com/    Our classroom Blog site

December 6

Dear Parents: 

    Is there a parent who would like to organize the winter party on Tuesday, December 18 at 3 p.m.?  Please let me know if you are interested.  Also let me know if you'd like to contribute, and I'll give the first parent who contacts me to organize the party your contact information!   

           

    Continue the great work in reading with your child for 30 minutes each day and recording it in the RAH folder.  The first part this term in reading, we’re working on character qualities, point of view, cause and effect relationships, recounting stories, theme, moral and lesson, sequence of events, and compare and contrast.

            Math: Continue playing the array games a couple of times a week.  Second graders actually only need to know their multiplication (arrays) through 5X5, but I've included all the arrays because many of the second graders are ready for them!  For third graders (and second graders who are ready), looking on the backside of the array, tell the other factor. That’s division!

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!)  Falcon Fast Facts will officially begin in January and it will be added to the RAH minute folder.

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

       Family Writing:  We've been working on fiction stories and developing the main character through physical descriptions, dialogue, and actions.  Your child should know about setting (time and place) and plot (problem/conflict and solution) as well.  Choose a character that is having the best time of his/her life.  What happens to him/her to make it the best? It is ok to choose a different topic for the fiction story, if this one doesn’t encourage the flow of writing!  Include a beginning, middle, and ending.   Include a beginning, middle, and ending.   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 use the graphic organizer to think through the paragraph before beginning your draft on notebook paper.  Skip lines on the notebook paper, so there is room to revise and edit the story.  If the first draft is neat, a final copy is not necessary.

            Family writing is due Tuesday, December 11, 2012. 

            

            All book orders are due by December 7.  They should be back before winter vacation! 

http://forestridge.salemkeizer.net/  School website

http://forestridgec4.blogspot.com/    Our classroom Blog site

                                                                                                    

November 29, 2012

Dear Parents: 

         

            Continue the great work in reading with your child for 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on characteristics of characters in the story, setting (time and place), problem/solution.

            Math: All array cards should have been completed by now.  Second graders actually only need to know their multiplication (arrays) through 5X5, but I've included all the arrays because many of the second graders are ready for them!  I’m still waiting on three students to turn theirs in.  Continue playing the array games Multiplication Pairs and Count and Compare. Play this week several times.   Please keep the arrays and the games to play periodically.  It’s a great way to practice multiplication facts and division facts.  There should be a factor on the back of the array, near the product (answer when you multiply).  See if your child can determine the other factor.  That’s division!

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!)  Falcon Fast Facts will officially begin in January and it will be added to the RAH minute folder.. 

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

       Family Writing:  Write about how you celebrated Thanksgiving or about one thing you did during your time away from school.     

Please use the graphic organizer to think through the paragraph before beginning your draft on notebook paper.  Skip lines on the notebook paper, so there is room to revise and edit the story.  If the first draft is neat, a final copy is not necessary.

            Family writing is due Tuesday, December 4, 2012. 

            In social studies we continue to learn about geography.  Your child should know his/her address, including city, state, county, country, continent, and hemispheres.  We’ve been learning the continents and the oceans.  Ask your child about this!!

           

            New book orders are attached.  I’ll send the order in on December 7.  They should be back before winter vacation. 

http://forestridge.salemkeizer.net/  School website

http://forestridgec4.blogspot.com/    Our classroom Blog site

November 15 Homework

Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, and retelling stories.

            Math:  Now’s the time to play the array games at home.  I’m hoping your child has already shown you how to play Multiplication Pairs.  If not, the directions are attached.  Also the game Count and Compare and  is attached.   Play this week several times.   Please keep the arrays and the games to play periodically.  It’s a great way to practice multiplication facts and division facts.  There should be a factor on the back of the array, near the product (answer when you multiply).  See if your child can determine the other factor.  That’s division!

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!) 

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

       Family Writing:  Write a paragraph about an interesting person you know. You may make up parts of the paragraph to make your person more interesting!  Describe him/her in detail including the person’s action, thoughts, and what he/she says.  You can add your own voice to it, by including your feelings into the paragraph. Include a beginning, middle, and ending.         

Please use the graphic organizer to think through the paragraph before beginning your draft on notebook paper.  Skip lines on the notebook paper, so there is room to revise and edit the story.  If the first draft is neat, a final copy is not necessary.

            Family writing is due the Tuesday after you get back from Thanksgiving vacation, November 27. 2012. 

            In social studies we continue to learn about geography.  Your child should know his/her address, including city, state, county, country, continent, and hemispheres.  We’ve been learning the continents and the oceans.  Ask your child about this!!

           

            I will send Scholastic Book orders in on Friday, November 16 this month.  That should give us one more time to order before winter vacation.  I’ll have to send that order in quickly for us to get them back before vacation.

November 8, 2012

          Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, and retelling stories.

            Math:  Finish the arrays at home.  Cut them out and place them in a container (zip lock bag works great).  Directions are attached.  Have child practice telling you the product of the arrays.  Bring the arrays back in a plastic bag by next Tuesday.  Be sure your child’s name is on the bag.  I’ll send them back home next week with some games.

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!) 

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

       Family Writing:  Write something in which you are thankful for about your family or the world around you.   Give examples and explain further.  You can add your own voice to it, by including your feelings into the paragraph. Include a beginning, middle, and ending.           

          Please use the graphic organizer to think through the paragraph before beginning your draft on notebook paper.  Skip lines on the notebook paper, so there is room to revise and edit the story.  If the first draft is neat, a final copy is not necessary.

            Family writing is always due the Tuesday after it is assigned, the event or holiday story is due Tuesday, November 13, 2012.

            In social studies we’re learning about geography.  Be sure your child knows his/her street number and address. …phone numbers, too!  Show your child a map while you are traveling, and help him/her find locations and roads you’re traveling.

November 1, 2012

          Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, and retelling stories.

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!) 

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

Family Writing:  Tell about a fun event or holiday in which you have participated.  What made it fun?  Describe one thing about that event or holiday.

          Please use the graphic organizer to think through the story before beginning your draft on notebook paper.  Skip lines on the notebook paper, so there is room to revise and edit the story.  If the first draft is neat, a final copy is not necessary.

            Family writing is always due the Tuesday after it is assigned, the event or holiday story is due Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

            Students’ science inquiry papers are attached.  We did this sheet together in class.   We wrote a measurable question (Will an ice cube melt faster on a metal or Styrofoam surface?), a hypothesis (I think the ice will melt faster on a metal surface because the metal absorbs the temperature around it.—This channeled quite a discussion!), a procedure, data collection, and an analysis.  Please go over the process with your child.  Later in the year, they’ll be doing a science inquiry mostly by themselves.

October 25, 2012

Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, and retelling stories.

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!) 

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

       Family Writing:  Read a short story or choose a chapter book you’ve read or heard.  Fill in the summary outline.  Write in complete sentences.  I may ask you to retell your story orally, too, without your summary outline.  Can you do it?! 

          If your child is writing on his/her own, look over the summary with your child when he/she is finished.  See if you and your child can add some details to make the story more clear and vivid.

            Family writing is always due the Tuesday after it is assigned, Tuesday, October 30.

            In science, we’re winding up our matter unit.  Students are practicing the inquiry method by writing a measurable question (Will an ice cube melt faster on a metal or Styrofoam surface?), a hypothesis (I think the ice will melt faster on a metal surface because the metal absorbs the temperature around it.—This channeled  quite a discussion!), a procedure, data collection, and an analysis.

                                                                                                  

            Students have been learning about elections and the presidency.  Any discussion of candidates in your home would be helpful.  We’re not getting into that at school!

October 18, 2012

            Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, and retelling stories.

            If you don’t have computer access for you child, please work on flashcard practice.  Second graders need to know their addition facts through 10 + 10 (or 20’s) and subtraction facts through 20’s.  Third graders need to know addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts through 10’s (11’s and 12’s would be nice, too!) 

            Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know. 

       Family Writing:  Read a short story or choose a chapter book you’ve read or heard.  Fill in the summary outline.  Write in complete sentences.  I may ask you to retell your story orally, too, without your summary outline.  Can you do it?! 

          If your child is writing on his/her own, look over the summary with your child when he/she is finished.  See if you and your child can add some details to make the story more clear and vivid.

            Family writing is always due the Tuesday after it is assigned, Tuesday, October 30.

            In science, we’re winding up our matter unit.  Students are practicing the inquiry method by writing a measurable question (Will an ice cube melt faster on a metal or Styrofoam surface?), a hypothesis (I think the ice will melt faster on a metal surface because the metal absorbs the temperature around it.—This channeled  quite a discussion!), a procedure, data collection, and an analysis.

                                                                                                  

            Students have been learning about elections and the presidency.  Any discussion of candidates in your home would be helpful.  We’re not getting into that at school!

Summary Outline

October 18, 2012

Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, and retelling stories.

In math we’re working on multiplication as repeated addition.  Help your child know the 2’s (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20), 3’s (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30.), and 5’s (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50).

Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know.  Some students need a bit more work in place value. 

Have your child use the website on “Links” on my website, titled “Telling Time” and “Place Value Game”.

If you are interested in ordering Scholastic Books for your child, please use the online ordering.  Book orders will be sent in on October 25.

Family Writing:  Think about an interesting incident that you would like to share.  Tell what happened and how you felt. 

            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.

          If your child is writing it on his/her own, look over the story with your child when he/she is finished.  See if you and your child can add some details to make the story more clear and vivid.

          I’ve provided a graphic organizer.  The circle is for the title.  The rectangle at the top is for the beginning.  The bottom rectangle is for the ending.  The rectangles coming out of the circle are for the details (in order).  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.   After filling in the graphic organizer, write the story on paper.

Family writing is always due the Tuesday after it is assigned, Tuesday, October 23.

October 10, 2012

I'm sorry I'm late in posting this! Homework packets and letter were sent home with your child on Thursday.  October 10, 2012

Dear Parents: 

Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, retelling stories.

Please continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know.  Some students need a bit more work in place value.  I’ve given some extra sheets in the packets to help students who haven’t met the standards yet or didn’t complete the work in the stations during class time.   Also I’ve included the latest assessment over several of our standards for second grade.  Please go over these carefully with your child and help him/her as needed.  I will eventually retest these standards for those who haven’t met them yet.  We’re now ready to begin repeated addition and delve into multiplication.

Have your child use the website on “Links” on my website, titled “Telling Time” and “Place Value Game”.

If you are interested in ordering Scholastic Books for your child, please use the online ordering.

Family Writing:  Think about an exciting experience or event that you would like to share.  Consider creating a mood of suspense, humor, or fantasy.  Tell what happened and how you felt. 

            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.

          If your child is writing it on his/her own, look over the story with your child when he/she is finished.  See if you and your child can add some details to make the story more clear and vivid.

          I’ve provided a graphic organizer.  The circle is for the title.  The rectangle at the top is for the beginning.  The bottom rectangle is for the ending.  The rectangles coming out of the circle are for the details (in order).  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.   After filling in the graphic organizer, write the story on paper.

Family writing is always due the Tuesday after it is assigned.  Due Tuesday, October 16.

Jog-a-Thon 2012

Homework and Letter Sent Home October 4, 2012

Hi, 

Scholastic Books came in today.  Orders were sent home with your child today.  New Scholastic order forms are with the papers sent home today.  You may order online.   There is a link to the right, under "Links".

Continue the great work in reading with your child from 30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders.  In reading we’re working on predicting, determining the most important events or details, sequencing, retelling stories.

Continue to have your child use Xtra Math and SumDog.  If you need the passwords, please let me know.  Some students need a bit more work in place value.  I've given some extra sheets in the packets to help students who haven’t met the standards yet or didn't complete the work in the stations during class time.   Also I've included the latest assessment over several of our standards for second grade.  Please go over these carefully with your child and help him/her as needed.  I will eventually retest these standards for those who haven’t met them yet.  We’re now ready to begin repeated addition and delve into multiplication.

Have your child use the website on “Links” on my website, titled “Telling Time” and “Place Value Game”.

Social Studies:  We are learning about the presidential election.

Science:  We’re beginning our study of matter (anything that takes up space and has weight (mass)).  Students are learning about the three states of matter:  solid, liquid, gas.  They’re also learning about the properties of each.

Family Writing: (In school we are working on telling stories and writing personal narratives.)

Our goal this year at Forest Ridge is to improve students’ writing. I’d like to encourage you and your child to write together. The graphic organizer and story are due on Tuesday, October 9.  (I forgot to write this on the paper copy of the letter.)

Think of an early memory you have that you could write about. Tell a complete story with beginning, middle and ending—See if some personality can come out in the story! 

Show your story to your parent.  See if you can add some details with your parent to make the story more clear and vivid. 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.

I’ve provided a graphic organizer.  The circle is for the title.  The rectangle at the top is for the beginning.  The bottom rectangle is for the ending.  The rectangles coming out of the circle are for the details (in order).  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.   After filling in the graphic organizer, write the story on paper.

The Aesop’s Fable play was canceled by TheatreWorks, so we won’t be going on October 29.

September 27, 2012

Graphic Organizer for Narrative Writing

Students Working September 20, 2012

September 20, 2012

Dear Parents: 

Continue the great work in reading with your child from 20-30 minutes each day and recording it in their RAH folders. 

Please help your child get set up with Xtra Math. Last week I sent home instructions.  Only 8 students have used it so far.   Please have your child use it regularly (about 10 minutes/per session/daily if possible!) throughout the year.  Later I’ll send home user names and passwords to another math website, Sumdog.

Please also have your child use the website on “Links” on my website, titled “Telling Time” and “Place Value Game by Soft School”.

Don’t forget the speeches will begin on September 25.  All students need to be ready to present at that time!  If you’ve lost information, go to our classroom website.

Don’t forget book orders are due online by Tuesday, September 25.  I’ll send the order in that day.

Parent Night is tonight!  I hope to see you at school!

Sincerely,

Ginny Ryan

Name: _______________________

September 13, 2012

Classroom Speeches begin: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 (That’s less than 2 weeks away!!  Be ready!)

Each term 2^rd and 3^rd graders will be assessed on their speaking ability.

The areas assessed include:

Content/Ideas

™       Ideas are conveyed clearly.

™       It is evident the speaker knows what he’s talking about.

Organization:

™       It is evident the speech was prepared ahead of time.

™       The speech includes a beginning, middle and end.

™       There are interesting and clear transitions.

Language

™       Words used make the speech interesting.

™       Words are appropriately used.

™       Diction is clear.

Delivery

™       The student carries him/herself with confidence.

™       Smiles appropriately.

™       Stands straight.

™       Uses appropriate hand gestures and at other times keeps hands comfortably at sides.

™       Makes eye contact with students and teacher.

™       Projects his/her voice.

Effort

™       There is clear evidence that the child has rehearsed the speech several times in front of an audience.

Create a timeline for preparing your speech

™      Pick your items and fill in the below speech. Read over it a couple of times.

™      Read over your speech 3 times in front of a mirror using a loud, pleasant voice. Figure out some hand gestures that go nicely with the speech. Practice a couple of times without your script in front of the mirror. Practice in front of an adult

™      Practice more in front of an adult and in front of the mirror. Time yourself at an appropriate pace and make yourself slow down so you don’t say it too fast. Memorize your script.

™      Tuesday, September 25: give a perfect, memorized speech that will blow our socks off!

Extra Credit!

To gain a 5 in Content/Ideas rearrange the script and make it your own, but include the information in the script and add extra interesting details

To gain a 5 in organization make your transitions clever.

To gain a 5 in language look for some new vocabulary words that can be appropriately placed to spice up your speech.

To gain a 5 in delivery practice, practice, practice and let someone hear you speak before you present your speech and give you pointers on how to make yourself sound and look better during your presentation. Then practice what you are told to do!

Topic: Bring one item to school to show the class.  The item should define an important part of who you are as a person.

(For example, I might bring in my laptop and talk about teaching and all the things I have to do on my laptop: grading, e-mailing, lesson planning to be a teacher.)

Template: here is a template to help you prepare your speech. If you follow this template you can earn a 4 in ideas and content

Good afternoon B1 and Mrs. Ryan,

I am so excited to share with you one things from my life. (smile)

I brought in ____________________ because _______________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

If I didn’t have _______________ in my life I would ___________________

_____________________________________________________________

because _____________________________________________________.

I _____________ (received, bought, have or other) it from _____________ _____________________________________________________________.

One time I ____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

If you had ____________ you could _______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Thank you for listening about _____________________ I truly enjoyed sharing with you today. (smile)

(Applause!)

Good luck!!!

September 13, 2012
 Dear Parents:

 We’re off to a good start!

 Most students are reading from 20-30 minutes each day, and they are recording it in their RAH folders. I’ve attached a list of 100+ books to read to your child and for your child to read. Reading to your child and talking about books develops character, strengthens families, and prepares children for long-term success in school and in life.

 For math practice, I’m sending home instructions for Xtra Math. Please have your child use it regularly throughout the year. Later I’ll send home user names and passwords to another math website, Sumdog.

 Also attached is the first speech information. Don’t put off working on this! Speeches will begin on September 25. All students need to be ready to present at that time!

 Bring It on Home is a home assignment on one of the 40 Assets Forest Ridge has adopted. The activities are extra credit. It is due on the last school day of the month (September 28). Each month a new activity sheet will be sent home.

 Don’t forget book orders are due online by September 25. I’ll send the order in that day. Parent Night is coming up on Thursday, September 20.

Matt Myers, Illustrator, Visits Students

Back to School Night Part 2

This free photo slideshow made with Smilebox

Back to School Night 2012

Personalize your own slideshow design

Adoption Ceremony

 July 9 was a happy and memorable day for one of our students who was officially adopted into his wonderful family.

Field Day 2012