December 18, 2015

Dear Families,
I felt it would be fitting to use our email today to say....THANK YOU!
Thank you for all the support you have shown me from the very beginning of our year together! It is so bittersweet ending our time together today but I know they will continue to flourish and grow amazingly with Mrs. Elseman!
The time that I have spent with your kids is so memorable and I take with me such great memories of them all! 
Thank you also for all of the sweet gifts! I wanted to write individual thank you notes but ran out of time--sorry!
I hope 2016 is the best year for you and your family! Best wishes!

December 17, 2015

Dear Families,
We read the story The Gingerbread Pirates and talked about the characters! 
We finished sharing our dream tradition posters with the class in writers workshop! 
It has been fun exploring how our families are similar and different when sharing our traditions.
We had fun watching The Polar Express and drinking hot chocolate this afternoon! *Thank you Mikah for the hot chocolate mix!*

Reminders:
*Please check backpacks for a "gift" from your kids! I wanted to pass them out today since tomorrow may be hectic! 
*Tomorrow is our winter party 2:00-2:45! 

December 16, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we went to Art and made mobiles using the 3 primary colors! (Eric)
We heard another version of the Gingerbread Man and compared it to other versions we have read this week! (Iris)
Then we made Gingerbread play-dough! (Beckett)
We still are not sure the play-dough worked but it was fun trying to "cook" him up!
We reviewed how to write the letters q and z correctly! (Jada)
More friends shared their dream posters with the class in writers workshop! (Anthony)
In math, we talked about Function Machines! It is a fun way to practice addition and subtraction! (Megan)
It was a great day back!

Reminders:
*Please clean out take home folders and backpacks. Some are getting very full. Thanks!
*Tomorrow is Polar Express Day! Remember to wear your PJs to school!
*Friday is our winter party 2:00-2:45! 

December 11, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we practiced writing Kap and our new word wall words! 
We reviewed how to count syllables! (Cash)
We added our Israel passport stamps to our Holidays suitcase/passport after reviewing the ways we found answers to our questions this week! (Beckett)
We worked on our Dream Traditions posters in writing workshop! (Alicia) We will share these with each other next week in class!
We went to the ABL lab! (Mia)
We traveled to Germany and learned some fun German traditions with Mrs. Wheeler! (Rachel)
It was a great day!

Notes:
We have been working hard to "earn" a Polar Express/PJ day next Thursday! Today we met our goal! Yay! PJs next Thursday!
Anyone able to send in hot chocolate mix for our class? If so please email me so I can plan accordingly! Thanks so much!

December 10, 2015

Dear Families,
We answered our last questions about Israel on our computer. (Xavier)
We traveled to Sweden today and we ate bread and broth with Mrs. Obermiller! (Kap)
For math we played a number game with my dad! (Annie)
In writers workshop we started making our Dream Tradition poster! (Sylyss)

Notes:
Mrs. Elseman has been spending time with us since Tuesday. It has been fun getting to know her! Our classroom is changing so the kids are having fun finding those changes.
Don't forget you are invited to a meet and greet breakfast for Mrs. Elseman on Tuesday, 12/15 at 8:00am-8:20am in our room!

December 9, 2015

Dear Families,
I am leaving to go to a doctors appointment right before dismissal so our email today is from me.
Today we researched Hanukkah more.
We practiced writing the letters x and y.
We went to the computer lab.
We "traveled" to China today!
We saw a puppet show that reviewed stranger danger and how to handle conflicts/bullies.
Today was a great day!

December 8, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we read about Hanukkah and answered some of our questions! (Jack)
We found words that start with x and y in our poetry folders. (Megan)
In writers workshop, we added more "dream traditions" we wish we had in our families! (Jada)
We reviewed how to play the addition dice game.
We "went" to Mexico today and made a poinsettia. (Iris)
We went to the library and got new books! (Jaxson)
Have a great night!

December 7, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we made a list of questions we had about the holiday Hanukkah and Israel. (Mia) We will read stories to help us answer our questions.
We learned about the letters x and y! (Anthony)
We learned about Australia with Mrs. Wilson today! (Eric) Instead of reindeer, kangaroos help Santa there!
In writing workshop, we started discussing what traditions we "wish" we had in our families or a favorite one we have already.
We learned a new dice game to practice addition. (Rachel)

Reminders:
Don't forget library books tomorrow!

December 4, 2015

Dear Families,
Ms. Dawn came to our class to do 2 Jr. Achievement activities! (Josie)
We worked on finding the first sound/letter in words! (Skyler)
Today we solved number stories with our friends! (Hyrum) 
Some of our stories were solved doing addition and some were solved doing subtraction!
We "went" to Italy today and talked about Old Befana! (Ariana)
We went to the ABL lab! (Kenna)

Reminders:
*Keep sending in those family tradition posters so we can learn more about your families! They are so fun to look at in our hallway!
*Please make sure to look at the email I sent you yesterday from Alisa about our upcoming winter party!

Have a great weekend!

December 3, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we reviewed what makes a good complete sentence.
Then we worked on finishing our fall stories! (Annie)
We discussed ways we can solve a number story by drawing and writing number sentences! (Josie)
Today we "traveled" to Africa and talked about Kwanzaa! (Jack) Ask your child about this neat African holiday. 
Tomorrow our kids will "go" to Italy! 

Reminders:
*Keep sending in those family tradition posters so we can learn more about your families! They are so fun to look at in our hallway!
*Please make sure to look at the email I sent you this morning from Alisa about our upcoming winter party!

December 2, 2015

Dear Families,
Mrs. Elseman came to our class to meet the kids this afternoon so I told them that I would write our email today!
This morning we went to the computer lab!
We read more about Africa to see if we could answer some of our questions!
We practiced writing the letters v and w!
We worked on our fall stories!
We reviewed how to play the growing and disappearing dice game to practice addition and subtraction!
We talked about the ways we dress in spring and summer!

Reminders:
*Tomorrow is our late start day! 
*Keep sending in those family tradition posters so we can learn more about your families! They are so fun to look at in our hallway!

December 1, 2015

Dear Families,
This morning we went to Art! We made mice using the 3 primary colors! (Iris)
We read a short story about Africa. We we will research more about Africa to help answer our questions. 
We found words that start with the letters v and w in our poetry folders! (Rachel)
We finished our background pictures in our fall books and started writing sentences in writing workshop. (Jaxson)
In math we worked on solving more addition and subtraction number stories. (Hyrum)
We talked about the clothes we wear in fall and winter today! (Ariana)

Reminders:
Late start day on Thursday!
Please send your families tradition posters if you still have it!

November 30, 2015

Dear Families,
This morning we made snowman ornaments with Ms. Lisa! (Skyler)
This week we will continue asking questions as we read!
We learned about the letters v and w! (Megan)
We drew background picture details in our fall books in writing workshop. (Xavier)
In math we worked on solving number stories. (Jada)
We looked at our tradition posters from home! (Sylyss)
Please send your families tradition posters when they are finished!

Reminders:
Late start day on Thursday!
Library is tomorrow so please remember library books!

November 24, 2015

Dear Families,
We went to music! (Kenna)
We compared our lives today to the lives of the pilgrims! (Kap)
We had a fun feast! (Mia) Thank you so much for the yummy feast snacks!

We practiced hearing syllables using fall words! (Eric) 
We ended the day playing a dice game called Roll A Turkey!
We went to library!
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving! 

Reminders:

• Please read our December Newsletter by clicking on the tab above if you have not done so already! We are looking forward to seeing your Tradition posters!
• Please help your child find small white reading books if you see it at home! 
• Thank you for all the snacks sent in today! The kids were really excited!

November 23, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we talked about turkeys and Thanksgiving! (Cash)
 We talked about what we are thankful for this season!
We made pilgrim and Native American "hats"! We will wear these tomorrow at our feast! (Beckett)
We wrote a sentence about the pilgrims!
We practice sorting words in different word families! We noticed that they rhymed! (Anthony)
We practiced writing numbers on our November calendars. (Alicia)
It was a good day!

Reminders:

• Please read our December Newsletter by clicking on the tab above. This will be the last newsletter you receive from me. I hope you have found them helpful!
• Square One orders are going home today so check backpacks!
• Please help your child find small white reading books if you see it at home! (We will not do small groups this week since it is a 2 day week.)
• We did not have snacks today because there was not enough for everyone. We will have our feast tomorrow so your child will be feasting during our snack time! 

November 20, 2015

Dear Families,
We read our Thanksgiving book to learn more about the first Thanksgiving! (Sylyss)
We practiced writing Jada's name and some of our word wall words!
We reviewed how animals can make expressions like we do to express themselves. (Anthony)
We compared and contrasted different versions of the story The Little Red Hen! Then we wrote what we would do if we were a farmer (like she was in the story)!
We worked on our fall stories in writing workshop! (Beckett)
We reviewed subtraction. (Cash)
We were excited to hear from Annie, Cash, and Beckett's family about their traditions! (Jaxson)

Reminders:

• I started collecting your child's small reading group book from folders today! Please help your child return theirs if you see it at home! (We will not do small groups next week since it is a 2 day week.)
• Our snack bucket is practically empty now. If you have not sent in 25 wrapped snacks, please do so. The kids were very concerned today!

November 19, 2015

Dear Families,
We read our Thanksgiving book to learn more about the pilgrims journey to America! (Rachel)
We practiced writing a complete sentence that ends with a question mark!(Alicia)
We started a new writing story today using fall pictures in writing workshop! (Hyrum)
We reviewed how to subtract using cubes and dice. (Eric)
We read another version of the story The Little Red Hen!
Meterologist Travis Meyer came to talk to us about the weather this afternoon! (Charlie)

Reminders:

• Remember if you would like to share family traditions with our class you are invited TOMORROW at 1:30 just let me know!
• I will collect your child's small reading group book from folders tomorrow!
• Our snack bucket is almost empty already. If you have not sent in 25 wrapped snacks, please do so. The kids were very concerned today!

November 18, 2015

Dear Families,
This morning we went to Computer Lab! (Skyler)
We started talking about the first Thanksgiving! (Xavier)
We will use a digital Thanksgiving book to help us learn more about this holiday and answer our questions! 
We highlighted words that start with the letters l, h, and k in our poetry folders!(Iris)
We looked at a few photographs of early pilgrims and together we made stories using the photos in writing workshop! 
We reviewed how to subtract. (Megan)
We read another version of the story The Little Red Hen! (Jack) 

Reminders:

• Remember if you would like to share family traditions with our class you are invited THIS Friday at 1:30 just let me know!
• Be on the lookout for your child's small reading group book in folders. I started small groups this week!

November 17, 2015

Dear Families,
This morning we went to PE! (Kap)
We looked at the story Getting Around in reading workshop. We discussed the questions we had after reading it to see if we could answer our questions together. Questions that we couldn't answer are called lingering questions.
We practiced writing the letters l, h, and k!(Ariana)
We had more time to write in writing workshop! 
We played the dice game we learned yesterday to help us practice addition. (Beckett)
We read another version of the story The Little Red Hen! (Annie) 
We went to library! (Kenna)

Reminders:

• Remember if you would like to share family traditions with our class you are invited THIS Friday at 1:30 just let me know!
• Be on the lookout for your child's small reading group book in folders. I started small groups this week!

November 16, 2015

Dear Families,
We read the story The Little Red Hen! (Xavier) 
We will read many versions of this story this week!
We learned about the letters l, h, and k!(Josie)
We are started our new writing unit "Words Add Meaning". Before writing, we looked at a wordless book to see how words would have given us more information!
We played a dice game to help us practice addition. (Mia)
Remember library books for tomorrow! (Jada)

Reminders:

• Alisa Hiner, Lisa O'Connor, and Hillary Speer thank you for helping us with our pumpkins! If you took any pictures please email them to me! Pumpkins are going home today!
• Remember if you would like to share family traditions with our class you are invited THIS Friday at 1:30 just let me know!
• Be on the lookout for your child's small reading group book in folders. I will start small groups this week!

November 12, 2015

Dear Families,
We used an anchor chart to help us learn about bats today! (Rachel)
We practiced writing the letters j and p! (Cash)
We finished revising our favorite story we wrote and shared it with our friends! (Mia)
We used our pumpkins in math!  (Ariana)
We measured them, weighed them, and talked about how the pumpkins were different!
We also put some of our pumpkins in order by size!

Reminders:

• Alisa Hiner, Lisa O'Connor, and Hillary Speer we will see you tomorrow at 1:40 to help us paint pumpkins! 
• Remember if you would like to share family traditions with our class you are invited next Friday at 1:30 just let me know!
• Please make sure to read the other email I sent earlier today about tomorrow! I also attached your child's progress report!

November 11, 2015

Dear Families,
We went to Art this morning and got to finger paint a picture of a pumpkin! (Jaxson)
We even got to mix yellow and red to make orange! (Annie)
We used a new visual strategy (that was shared last night at our Night of Wonder event) to find out that we were going to learn about Veteran's day today!
We wrote about ways we are thankful for our veterans. (Josie)
We went to computer lab! (Eric)
We reviewed how we can use a number line to solve adding number problems and what a plus sign (symbol) looks like.
Then we explored US symbols!
I even showed the class a video of Texas A&M's cadets marching at the halftime show honoring Veterans! (It's where I went to college!) Thank you to all of our family members that are veterans!

Reminders:

• We have enough pumpkins for everyone now!! Thanks to everyone that sent extra pumpkins! (Lisa, Jesse, Hillary, & Linda) Sorry if I left anyone out! Alisa Hiner, Lisa O'Connor, and Hillary Speer will help us paint pumpkins this Friday! 
• Thanks to everyone that offered to help us with our Thanksgiving feast items! All items are "taken" :)

                     25 fruit cups---Rachel's family providing

                     25 juice boxes--Garrett family providing

                     3-4 bags of popcorn (already popped)--Speer family                                providing

                     25 string cheese--Hiner family providing

*all of these items must be commercially prepared and can not contain peanut butter or nut on the ingredient label.

November 10, 2015

Dear Families,
We practiced writing our thoughts and new learning down as we read more about wolves! (Josie)
We looked for words in our poems that started with the letters j and p! (Stella)
We continued revising our writing stories! (Kap)
We used a number line to solve adding number problems! (Skyler)
We discovered how a pumpkin grows! (Charlie)
We got to go to the book fair and preview the books we can buy!
We went to the library and got new books!
Tonight is our Night to Wonder event from 6-7:15pm! If you come you can shop at the book fair too! Hope to see you!

Reminders:

• We have enough pumpkins for everyone now!! Thanks to everyone that sent extra pumpkins! (Lisa, Jesse, Hillary, & Linda) Sorry if I left anyone out! Alisa Hiner, Lisa O'Connor, and Hillary Speer will help us paint pumpkins this Friday! 
• Thanks to everyone that offered to help us with our Thanksgiving feast items! All items are "taken" :)

                     25 fruit cups---Rachel's family providing

                     25 juice boxes--Garrett family providing

                     3-4 bags of popcorn (already popped)--Speer family                                providing

                     25 string cheese--Hiner family providing

*all of these items must be commercially prepared and can not contain peanut butter or nut on the ingredient label.

November 9, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we learned about the letters j and p! (Jada)
We started discussing what a tradition is by recording our thoughts on an anchor chart. After we have explored our traditions, we will look at this chart to see if our thinking has changed. (Kenna)
We started revising our favorite story in writing workshop. 
We learned about number lines in math. (Hyrum)
We read the story Pumpkin Pumpkin and sequenced pictures to help retell the story.

Reminders:

• Please send in 25 individually wrapped snacks and turkey feathers if you have not done so already.
• Also please send in your cantaloupe size pumpkin to school by Nov. 11.Pumpkin donations are appreciated too. Alisa Hiner, Lisa O'Connor, and Hilary Speer will help us paint pumpkins this Friday! 
• On November 24th, I will like to have a Thanksgiving Feast during our snack time. Ms. Allison will help me during the feast. If you would like to provide some of our feast items please email me! We would like:

                     25 fruit cups

                     25 juice boxes--Garrett family providing

                     3-4 bags of popcorn (already popped)

                     25 string cheese

*all of these items must be commercially prepared and can not contain peanut butter or nut on the ingredient label.

November 6, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we practiced writing our new words (Skyler, he, she) and letters e and r! (Beckett)
We learned how to use a new reading chart to help us record what we learned about wolves and what we wonder about wolves. (Iris)
Ms. Dawn came to our class from Jr. Achievement. She taught us about farms and money! (Jack)
We learned how to play the Growing & Disappearing Game. It combines addition and subtraction! (Sylyss)
We wrote about a way we can be safe!
We got a Facts About Me mini book in our folders! Please see if your children can tell you their address, phone number, birth date, name of parents, and where you work! We will start assessing to see if they know some of these next week!

Reminders:

• Please send in 25 individually wrapped snacks and turkey feathers if you have not done so already.
• Also please send in your cantaloupe size pumpkin to school by Nov. 11.Pumpkin donations are appreciated too. We now have 3 parent volunteers to help us paint pumpkins! Thanks so much!
• On November 24th, I will like to have a Thanksgiving Feast during our snack time. Ms. Allison will help me during the feast. If you would like to provide some of our feast items please email me! We would like:

                     25 fruit cups

                     25 juice boxes

                     3-4 bags of popcorn (already popped)

                     25 string cheese

*all of these items must be commercially prepared and can not contain peanut butter or nut on the ingredient label.

November 5, 2015

Dear Families,

Today we talked about a way to help us think while we read about wolves! (Kenna)

We practiced writing complete sentences. (Jack)

We discussed how we can add details to our illustrations to indicate day or night. (Josie)

We reviewed how to play the Disappearing Train Game!

We talked about fire safety tips and when we should call 911! (Mia)

Reminders:

• Please send in 25 individually wrapped snacks and turkey feathers if you have not done so already.
• Also please send in your cantaloupe size pumpkin to school by Nov. 11. Pumpkin donations are appreciated too. We now have 3 parent volunteers to help us paint pumpkins! Thanks so much!
• On November 24th, I will like to have a Thanksgiving Feast during our snack time. Ms. Allison will help me during the feast. If you would like to provide some of our feast items please email me! We would like:

                     25 fruit cups

                     25 juice boxes

                     3-4 bags of popcorn (already popped)

                     25 string cheese

*all of these items must be commercially prepared and can not contain peanut butter or nut on the ingredient label.

November 4, 2015

Dear Families,
This morning we went to the computer lab. (Hyrum)
Today we used different material to see which one kept our ice the coldest. We found out the foil worked the best! (Megan)
We practiced writing the letters e and r. (Annie)
We discussed how we can make our people illustrations better. 
We learned how to play the Disappearing Train Game to practice subtraction. (Kap)
We talked about ways we can be safe in our homes. (Ariana)

Reminders:

• Please send in 25 individually wrapped snacks and turkey feathers if you have not done so already.
• Also please send in your cantaloupe size pumpkin to school by Nov. 11. Pumpkin donations are appreciated too. We now have 3 parent volunteers to help us paint pumpkins! Thanks so much!

November 3, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we designed a hat and told what kind of weather it would protect us from! (Cash)
We founds words in our poems that start with the letters e and r. (Sylyss)
We discussed how multiple illustrations on a page may be needed. (Rachel)
We reviewed how to play the Growing Train Game to practice addition. (Iris)
We talked about ways we can be safe in our neighborhoods. (Stella)
Today we went to library and got new books.

Reminders:

• Please send in 25 individually wrapped snacks and turkey feathers if you have not done so already.
• Also please send in your cantaloupe size pumpkin to school by Nov. 11. Pumpkin donations are appreciated too. We now have 3 parent volunteers to help us paint pumpkins! Thanks so much!

November 2, 2015

Dear Families,
This morning we went to PE! (Anthony)
We used different materials to make a house for our pretend dog! We found out the aluminum foil was the best material because it kept the water out! (Jaxson)
We learned about the letters e and r! (Alicia)
We talked about using the full page to draw our illustrations in writing workshop. (Rachel)
We learned a new math game called the Growing Train Game to practice addition. (Jada)
We discussed ways we can stay safe at school. (Beckett)

Reminders:

• Please send in 25 individually wrapped snacks and turkey feathers if you have not done so already.
• Also please send in your cantaloupe size pumpkin to school by Nov. 11. Pumpkin donations are appreciated too.
• If you want to come assist while kids paint pumpkins on Nov. 13 @1:40-2:10 pm, please email me. So far I have one volunteer. I'd like 3 more if possible.
• I started assessments today. Thank you for working with your child at home! 

October 30, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we discussed how weather can affect how we dress. (Sylyss)
We reviewed this weeks new words (Annie, at, has, not) and letters d and s.
We used our imagination to write what a scarecrow would do if it came to life! (Skyler)
We used Mrs. Pandov's old wallet to practice solving addition and subtraction word problems. (Xavier) We called this pocket problems.
We talked about the ways some of our families celebrate Halloween (our traditions). (Mia)
**I gave the kids a Halloween post card with safety tips! We will talk about Personal Safety next week so this was a great introduction!
Have a great weekend!

Reminders/Class Information:
*Please click on the November Newsletter/Homework tab above if you have not already done so!
*Please return small group books in blue folders on Monday if your child still has it at home. I collected most today. (I will begin assessments next week so I will not be meeting with all groups, just an FYI.)
*The Can Food Drive ended today! Thank you so much for helping us with this community service project!

October 29, 2015

Dear Families,
Due to our late start day, I am writing our email.
Today we heard the Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything song! Then students used all the pictures they colored yesterday to make the scarecrow the little old lady saw in the story!
We practiced writing complete sentences.
We looked at water that was frozen in different shapes of containers. We observed how the waters solid shape differed in each container.

Reminders/Class Information:
*Please click on the November Newsletter/Homework tab above!
*Please remember to leave small group books in blue folders DAILY so they can be switched out easily! I will collect these books on Fridays!
*The Can Food Drive will end tomorrow! Thank you for helping us with this community service project!

October 28, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we went to the computer lab! (Anthony)
We watched a video showing the way water freezes in the freezer! (Jack)
We found words in our poems that start with the letters d and s! (Rachel)
We worked on our stories in writing workshop! (Annie)
A dancer came to our class today and taught us a dance as a form of expression! (Ariana)
We reviewed the names of shapes and found them on our scarecrows in math.
We heard the story the Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything! (Iris) We colored some pictures of things from the story.

Reminders/Class Information:
*Tomorrow is Collaboration day! Remember school starts at 10:40am.
*Please remember to leave small group books in blue folders DAILY so they can be switched out easily! I will collect these books on Fridays!
*The Can Food Drive will end on Friday! Thank you for helping us with this community service project!
*Today was the last day to order Square 1 Art.
*Please sign the top line on the Report card envelope and return the envelope! You can keep the white report card!

October 27, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we went to art and made self portraits! (Stella)
We heard the story Leaf Man! (Beckett)
We made our own Leaf Man characters out of leaves! 
We practiced writing the letters d and s! (Jaxson)
We got to see our class t-shirts designed on our shirts! (Hyrum)They turned out super cute! If you ordered a shirt, they will be in your child's backpack today! 
We used counters to help us solve some number stories in math. (Jada)
We watched ice change into a liquid then a gas! (Alicia)
We went to library! Please remember to leave library books in backpacks so our kids can get new books on library day.

Reminders/Class Information:
*Please remember to leave small group books in blue folders DAILY so they can be switched out easily! 
*The Can Food Drive will continue this week! Thank you for helping us with this community service project!
*Please place your Square 1 Art orders by October 28 if you are interested. Also check student picture packets if you are interested in ordering pictures.
*Please sign the top line on the Report card envelope and return the envelope! You can keep the white report card!

October 26, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we talked about places we see water and ways we use water! (Skyler)
We learned about the letters d and s! (Kenna)
We read the story Dog Breath and focused on the stories illustrations. (Kap) We could see the characters expressions in the story.
We talked about the importance of finishing an illustration before starting another illustration in our own stories. 
We started working on number stories in math! (Eric)
We investigated the parts of a leaf! (Josie)

Reminders/Class Information:
*Please remember to leave small group books in blue folders DAILY so they can be switched out easily! A lot of our kiddos are not having them when I call their group. (I will reassess reading levels in a few weeks.)
*The Can Food Drive will continue this week! Thank you for helping us with this community service project!
*Please place your Square 1 Art orders by October 28 if you are interested. Also check student picture packets if you are interested in ordering pictures.
*Please sign the top line on the Report card envelope and return the envelope! You can keep the white report card!

October 23, 2015

Dear Families,
We practiced writing Xavier's name and our new sight words (are, here, look, have, my). (Alicia)
We made a cloud picture using our cotton balls from yesterday! (Anthony)
We practiced listening for beginning sounds in words! (Jack)
We focused on using color to add detail to our illustrations in writing workshop! ( Hyrum)
In math, we worked on writing the numbers 19 and 20. (Kenna)
We talked about our sense of taste. Then we got a 5 Sense sort! (Stella)

Reminders/Class Information:
*Please remember to leave small group books in blue folders DAILY so they can be switched out easily! (I will reassess reading levels in a few weeks.)
*The Can Food Drive will continue next week! Thank you for helping us with this community service project!
*Please place your Square 1 Art orders by October 28 if you are interested. Also check student picture packets if you are interested in ordering pictures.
*Please sign the top line on the Report card envelope and return the envelope! You can keep the white report card!

October 22, 2015

Dear Families,
We practiced writing complete sentences. (Skyler)
We are focusing on adding details to our pictures in writing workshop! (Rachel)
In math, we worked on writing the numbers 17 and 18. (Mia)
 If students finished early, they got an October calendar missing numbers. Check to see how they did independently.
We reviewed what we have learned about clouds! 
Then we pretended cotton balls were cumulus clouds and used straws to see who could blow their "cloud" the fastest! (Josie)

Reminders/Class Information:
*Please remember to leave small group books in blue folders DAILY so they can be switched out easily! If your child does not have their take home folder, their book will stay at school. ***I will reassess reading levels in a few weeks.
*The Can Food Drive started this week! Please help us with this community service project!
*Please place your Square 1 Art orders by October 28 if you are interested. 
*Report cards are going home today! Please sign the top line on the envelope and return the envelope tomorrow! You can keep the white report card!
*Fall pictures are going home today too. Ordering information is inside the packet!

October 21, 2015

Dear Families,
We started the day in music! (Jada)
Then we went to the computer lab! (Xavier)
We practiced writing the letters a and g. (Annie)
In math, we worked on writing the numbers 15 and 16. (Kap) If students finished early, they got a September calendar missing numbers. Check to see how they did independently.
We talked about ways clouds can be measured and drew our observations in our science notebooks. (Megan)

Reminders/Class Information:
*As you know, I started my small reading groups. After I meet with your chid's group, I will send home the book I instructed on in take home folders. Please read these with your child but return in blue folders DAILY so it can be switched out easily!If your child does not have their take home folder, their book will stay at school. ***If their book seems easy, please remember we work on various phonic skills and comprehension skills in addition to reading them together! Levels change very quickly. I will reassess levels in a few weeks.
*The Can Food Drive started this week! Please help us with this community service project!
*Please place your Square 1 Art orders by October 28 if you are interested. 

October 20, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we talked about our sense of sight and how it helps us observe things around us! (Josie)
We found a and g words in our poems! (Eric)
We talked about using shapes in our illustrations! (Cash)
We practiced writing 13 and 14 and making their sets. (Ariana)
We discussed how clouds can change! (Anthony)

Reminders/Class Information:
*This week I am starting my small reading groups. After I meet with your chid's group, I will send home the book I instructed on in take home folders. Please read these with your child but return in blue folders DAILY so it can be switched out easily!If your child does not have their take home folder, their book will stay at school.Thanks so much!
*The Can Food Drive started yesterday! Please help us with this community service project!
*Today I'm sending your child's Square 1 Art packet. If you are interested in ordering, you can until October 28. 

October 19, 2015

Dear Families,
This week we are talking about our five senses!
Today we talked about our sense of touch. (Jada)
We learned about the letters a and g!(Ariana)
We are focusing our attention on our illustrations in writing workshop!
We practiced writing the numbers 11 and 12. (Stella) 
We started our weather unit on clouds today! We drew our cloud observations in our science notebooks! (Kenna)

Class information:
*This week I am starting my small reading groups. After I meet with your chid's group, I will send home the book I instructed on in take home folders. Please read these with your child but return in blue folders DAILY so it can be switched out easily! If your child does not have their take home folder, their book will stay at school. Thanks so much!
The Can Food Drive starts today! Please help us with this community service project!

October 14, 2015

Dear Families,

 Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with me. I had a great time meeting with you! Your time and involvement is appreciated! I hope you and your families have a great fall break!

October 13, 2015

Dear Families.
We went to PE! (Cash)
We read the story Grumpy Cat! (Kap)
We looked at the illustrations and talked about how important they are to readers!
We made a graph showing how many people carve pumpkins! (Hyrum)
More people in our class have carved pumpkins!
We matched pictures to their seasons! (Xavier)
Please remember no school tomorrow!

REMINDERS/Upcoming Events:
*Please remember the conference date/time you signed up for on SignUp Genius. I look forward to seeing you!
*Please go online to buy our class shirt for $10! https://ok-jenks.intouchreceipting.com/or send $10 in cash or check to school to get a class shirt!  If you are sending cash or checks please put $ in an envelope with the size of the shirt needed somewhere on the envelope. Please place your orders by Tuesday, October 13th! Thanks so much for your patience with this process!

*Please make sure to email Jesse Crain our room mom so she can have your email address! I am having trouble sending her your emails! crainarama@hotmail.com

*Canned Food Drive:  October 19^th – 30^th.  

October 12, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we used our wind gauges to measure wind! (Anthony)
We practiced putting sentences in order in our new Fall booklet! (Alicia)
We talked about the importance of our illustrations in writing workshop.
Then we drew our own illustrations for JWE's yearbook cover contest! (Jack)
We used 10 beads on a string to help us make numbers lots of ways! (Megan)
We talked about the season Fall!

REMINDERS/Upcoming Events:
*Please remember the conference date/time you signed up for on SignUp Genius. I look forward to seeing you!
*Please go online to buy our class shirt for $10! https://ok-jenks.intouchreceipting.com/or send $10 in cash or check to school to get a class shirt!  If you are sending cash or checks please put $ in an envelope with the size of the shirt needed somewhere on the envelope. Please place your orders by Tuesday, October 13th! Thanks so much for your patience with this process!

*Please make sure to email Jesse Crain our room mom so she can have your email address! I am having trouble sending her your emails! crainarama@hotmail.com

*Canned Food Drive:  October 19^th – 30^th.  

October 9, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we made a wind gauge! (Iris)
We practiced writing the letters c and o, along with the words am, my, and Jaxson! (Eric)
We wrote about a way we can take care of our bodies. (Rachel)
We played a card game in math. (Annie)
We reviewed what we have learned about our skeleton, brain, heart, and lungs. 
We went to the ABL lab! (Mia)

REMINDERS/Upcoming Events:
*Please remember the conference date/time you signed up for on SignUp Genius. I look forward to seeing you!
*Please go online to buy our class shirt for $10! https://ok-jenks.intouchreceipting.com/
Purchasing a shirt is not mandatory, however we will have opportunities this year to wear them together!Parents are free to buy a shirt also! Currently 11 students have purchased shirts! The deadline to order has been extended so please order if you haven't done so yet! If you are having trouble ordering online, call Elaine Asher at 918-299-4415 X5601. Sorry for the difficulties!  

*Please make sure to email Jesse Crain our room mom so she can have your email address! I am having trouble sending her your emails! crainarama@hotmail.com

*Canned Food Drive:  October 19^th – 30^th.  Flyer will be available on Peach-Jar soon.

October 8, 2015

Dear Families,
Today we watched a video on wind and drew our observations in our science notebooks! (Josie)
We practiced writing complete sentences with capitals, spaces, and ending marks. (Megan)
We cleaned out our writing workshop folders today! (Jaxson)
Please check take home folders today to see writing workshop stories your child wrote this quarter! They can be kept at home!
In math, we practiced writing the numbers 6-10! (Skyler)
We talked about our heart and lungs today! (Beckett)

REMINDERS/Upcoming Events:
*Please remember the conference date/time you signed up for on SignUp Genius. I look forward to seeing you!
*Please go online to buy our class shirt for $10! https://ok-jenks.intouchreceipting.com/
Purchasing a shirt is not mandatory, however we will have opportunities this year to wear them together!Parents are free to buy a shirt also! October 9th is the last day to order! If you are having trouble ordering online, call Elaine Asher at 918-299-4415 X5601. Sorry for the difficulties!

*Please make sure to email Jesse Crain our room mom so she can have your email address! I am having trouble sending her your emails! crainarama@hotmail.com

*Canned Food Drive:  October 19^th – 30^th.  Flyer will be available on Peach-Jar soon.

October 7, 2015

Dear Families,
This morning we went to Art! We created a landscape and got to paint!
While we were in computer lab we had an unexpected evacuation. There was a gas leak but our class was safe in building D until the problem was resolved.
We talked about our brain and skulls! We found out our brain is an organ that tells other parts what to do!
We found words that start with c and o in our poems.
We read our revised stories to our friends in writer's workshop.
We practiced writing the numbers 0-5 in math.
Today we started our weather unit on wind!

REMINDERS/Upcoming Events:
*Please remember the conference date/time you signed up for on SignUp Genius. I look forward to seeing you!
*Please go online to buy our class shirt for $10! https://ok-jenks.intouchreceipting.com/
Purchasing a shirt is not mandatory, however we will have opportunities this year to wear them together!Parents are free to buy a shirt also! October 9th is the last day to order! If you are having trouble ordering online, call Elaine Asher at 918-299-4415 X5601. Sorry for the difficulties!

*Please make sure to email Jesse Crain our room mom so she can have your email address! I am having trouble sending her your emails! crainarama@hotmail.com

*Canned Food Drive:  October 19^th – 30^th.  Flyer will be available on Peach-Jar soon.

October 6, 2015

Dear Families,
We worked with our friends to make a rain gauge! (Stella)
We will use them on rainy days!
Today we practiced writing the letters c and o correctly. (Iris)
We worked on final revisions in writers workshop. We checked to see that we are using lowercase letters in our writing not just capitals!
We made a birthday graph as a class. October has the most birthdays! (Anthony)
We also learned a new dice game!
We learned that animals have skeletons too! (Mia)

REMINDERS/Upcoming Events:
*Please go online to buy our class shirt for $10! https://ok-jenks.intouchreceipting.com/
Purchasing a shirt is not mandatory, however we will have opportunities this year to wear them together!Parents are free to buy a shirt also! October 9th is the last day to order! If you are having trouble ordering online, call Elaine Asher at 918-299-4415 X5601. Sorry for the difficulties!

*Please make sure to email Jesse Crain our room mom so she can have your email address! I am having trouble sending her your emails! crainarama@hotmail.com

*Canned Food Drive:  October 19^th – 30^th.  Flyer will be available on Peach-Jar soon.

October 5, 2015

Dear Families,
We learned about the letters c and o! (Kap)
We worked on final revisions in writers workshop by focusing on our words.
We talked about our skeleton today. (Rachel)
We found out it has 3 functions: gives us shape, allows us to move, and protects our organs!
We practiced putting numbers in sequence. (Beckett) You can do Home Link 7-14 to practice this skill at home.
We celebrated Ms. Allison's birthday!
We used a rain gauge to measure rain! (Annie)
We started our new IB unit on Expression!

REMINDERS:
*Please go online to buy our class shirt for $10! https://ok-jenks.intouchreceipting.com/
Purchasing a shirt is not mandatory, however we will have opportunities this year to wear them together!Parents are free to buy a shirt also! Some of you contacted me saying you had problems ordering. I just logged on and it looks like the kinks have been fixed. You should be able to find my name with the other teachers (it's not in ABC order) AND you can pick shirt sizes! October 9th is the last day to order!

*Please make sure to email Jesse Crain our room mom so she can have your email address! I am having trouble sending her your emails! crainarama@hotmail.com