Weekly Newsletter September 26, 2014

Mr. H’s Weekly Newsletter

September 26, 2014

Spelling

cry

she

go

fly

we

so

baby

robot

tidy

Reading

We continue to work on the Daily 5.  So far, we have been practicing reading to ourselves, writing and we have just started practicing Word Work choices.  This is an opportunity for kids to practice their spelling words, 

The components of the Daily 5 will help tremendously when I am working with small groups of children on reading skills.

Math

In math, we will be working on noticing things about number patterns on a 1,000’s chart.

Writing

We also started thinking about writing with some mini-lessons that focus on how writing will look and feel.  We have also started to talk about the writing process.  We have just started Drafting!

Reminders

• We are asking that each family send $15.00 towards our second grade class fund.  This money will aide in our journey of learning by funding many needed educational supplies throughout our academic school year.  If sending a check, please make checks payable to the classroom teacher.

• Book Fair begins-Oct 8^th
• Picture Retakes-Oct 9th

• Late Start-Oct 14^th
• National Hot lunch Day-Oct 14^th
• Elementary Conferences- Oct 13-15

Contact Information

Chad Hammerschmidt

320-963-3024 Elementary Office

320-983-7481 Direct Line

hammerschmidtc@maplelake.k12.mn.us

Hours 7:30-3:30

September 19th Weekly Newsletter

Mr. Hammerschmidt’s

Weekly Newsletter

September 19, 2014

Spelling

crate

stroke

glide

woke

plate

pride

reptile

naptime

mistake

Daily 5

We continue to learn about the Daily Five.  We can successfully Read to Self.  We still continue Work on Writing and recently added Word Work.  We will be building our stamina on all three of these components during the next week.

Math

In math, we will be working with number sense concepts, such as place value and number placement on a number chart.

Reminders

• Wellness Wednesday Sept. 24^th
• Homecoming week dress up days:

Monday-PJ Day

Wednesday-Jersey Day

Friday-Spirit Day

Writing

We have been thinking about the writing process and are starting to think, look and sound like writers.

 

Reminders

We are asking that each family send $15.00 towards our second grade class fund.  This money will aide in our journey of learning by funding many needed educational supplies throughout our academic school year.  If sending a check, please make checks payable to the classroom teacher.

Contact Information

Chad Hammerschmidt

320-963-3024 Elementary Office

320-983-7481 Direct line

hammerschmidtc@maplelake.k12.mn.us

Hours 7:30-3:30

Newsletter Friday, September 12

Mr. H’s Newsletter

Friday, September 12

Spelling

Week 1

One Syllable Words

shock

fish

chunk

rock

trunk

dish

Two Syllable Words

napkin

magnet

basket

Reading

This past week we have been preparing for Guided Reading by learning more about the Daily 5, which are centers that go on during our reading time.  These centers enable me to meet with small groups of kids and provide them reading instruction at their particular level. 

So far, we have practiced being independent readers.  Next, we will be learning the steps it takes to become great independent writers.

Math

In math students have been working on building numbers and developing a sense of the groups involved in a particular number.  Next week, we will be working on number placement and patterns on a number chart.

NWEA Testing

Next week the second graders will be taking their first computer-based NWEA test.  These tests assist us in measuring competency in math and reading skills.  These assessments are also used as baselines to help kids utilize such resources as Title I, Special Education, and the Gifted and Talented programs.   In addition, we are able to use these scores as guidelines for flexible grouping in math class.

Responsive Classroom

As an Elementary School we are moving towards a particular behavior approach called Responsive Classroom.  This approach focuses on what the child can do and the positive behavior that each child exhibits.  We continue to build our classroom community.  Our class recently created our classroom rules, which stemmed from the goals each child has made for him/herself in second grade.

Handwriting

We will be starting our handwriting program, Handwriting Without Tears.  This is the same type of program that was used last year and will assist kids in correctly forming letters.

Reminders

Our NWEA testing days are September 17^th and 19^th.

Picture retakes-October 9^th