First Weeks Back!

We have had a busy first few weeks back! We have started a few new units! In Science, the Grade 2's have started learning about matter and the Grade 3's are learning about space. The class really enjoys science and are eager to learn all the new things. In Social Studies we are learning about communities and pioneers. We have also started learning some of the skills for basketball. For many of us, this is the first time we have played basketball or learned it in gym. Ms. Baldry LOVES basketball and is enjoying teaching the class as much as the students are enjoying it.  In Math, we have been busy and working hard at learning regrouping with 2 digit (Grade 2's) and 3 digit (Grade 3's) numbers. A great way to practice and support this at hone is to ask your children about "happy houses". Have them explain why we regroup numbers and the "house rules"....this is a little story we made up to help us remember how to regroup. In addition, in the tab above that says "Websites to Help Us Learn", there are some math websites where your child can practice their math facts to help them with the process of multi-digit addition and subtraction. Yesterday, we had our first class debate. In Language Arts, we have been reading several Fairy Tales and Folk Tales. We have even read some "Fractured Fairy Tales". We have been comparing and contrasting these stories and yesterday we debated the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. First we read the story, "The Three Little Pigs", then we read, "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs". We then took a stance on who we believed--the pigs or the wolf. Students had a chance to explain who they believed and why. We all were very respectful and shared some good reasons as to why we believed either character(s). We then started to learn how to write a "persuasive" paragraph and tried to support our opinion with some facts. This is something that we will continue to work on throughout the rest of the term. Finally, three of our reading groups will be reading and exploring a novel study for the first time together!

Ms. Baldry is so proud of how hard everyone is working. We have had a great start to 2013!

Upcoming Things/Dates to Remember:

January 18th: Scholastic Book orders due
January 23rd: Spirit Day-students can wear their pajamas to school
January 23rd: Special guest performance in the gym in the afternoon
January 24th: **to be confirmed and notice will follow*-May be attending a play at catchment High School
February 8th: Non-Instructional Day
February 11th: First ever Family Day (no school) :)