Science - Week of January 4th-8th

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We have finished our study of Geology and we are now going to start our study on Astronomy.
This week in Science we will learn about the first Astronomers, learn the phases of the moon, create the phases of the moon using Oreo cookies and make a Sun, Moon, Earth model. We will also do some research on Neil Armstrong and the mission of Apollo 11.

If you would like to donate some Oreo cookies -- that would be great. I will need a total of 64 cookies.

Math - Week of January 4th -8th

 I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please continue to work with your child on the multiplication facts to 12. I want them to memorize them so they will not have to think about the answer.  Practice will make perfect.

This week in math we will:
Discuss and work problems for lesson 4-6 perimeter
Discuss and work problems for lesson 4-7 area and perimeter - determine the difference
Discuss and work problems for lesson 4-8 Area and Composite Units
Discuss and work problems for lesson 4-9 Number sentences for area of rectangles
Discuss and work problems for lesson 4-10 Playing the area and perimeter game

Science - week of 12/14

This week in science we will wrap up our study on geology.  We will continue to review for the science test. We will do an experiment that will explore how chemical weathering can shape and create land forms.We will also make a tornado in a bottle.

Math - Week of 12/14/2015

It is hard to believe that the Christmas Holidays are upon us. I pray that you have a Merry Christmas with your family and friends. May God bless you this Christmas.

In Math this week  we will learn about line plots, measure to the nearest 1/2 inch, review characteristics of polygons and classify quadrilaterals.

Mrs. Carroll December 7-11, 2015

Our Second/Third Grade Christmas Party is December 18!  Mrs. Hepburn is coordinating the goodies for the party and she will be in touch with parents.

 We will have a gift exchange among students:
1.  students will write out a list of their snack preferences for gift exchange (candy, chips, etc)
2.  they will draw names and get the list for the snack preferences (keep it a secret!)
3.  price limit is $5.00
4.  bring the wrapped gift by Thursday, December 17

We have been working on ornaments for a Jesse Tree to observe Advent.  Each day we read Scripture that is moving through the Bible, highlighting events that lead to the birth of  Jesus.

In History, we will learn about the return of Egyptian rule with the defeat of the Hyksos.  Bible stories connect with historical events as we find out the identify of the Egyptian princess who takes in Baby Moses.

This will be a busy week - the Christmas Parade Monday night and the Christ Church School Christmas Program on Thursday night!  But, we are still have work to do!  And, the Elf is watching and reporting back to Santa!

Science - week of December 7th

 Last week we had fun using magnets and collecting iron filing.This week we are going to take the iron filing and see how the magnetic field works. We will also talk about why it is important for the Earth to be in balance.

Math - Week of December 7th

I am looking forward to the Christmas program on the 10. I hope you are as well--see you there.


This week in Math, we will  use all four operations to generate equivalent names for a number and use a ruler to measure to the nearest half inch and centimeter. We will review all the material we have learned for out test on Thursday.

Students need to memorize the 7 multiplication facts

Science - Week of 11/30

This week in Science we will review the water cycle, clouds, layers of the atmosphere. We will also experiment with magnets.

Math Week of 11/30

I hope that everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.

This week in Math, we will explore multiplication squares, discover the turn-around rule for multiplication, learn an adding -a-group strategy for solving multiplication facts, subtracting-a-group strategy and use all four operations to generate equivalent names for numbers.
Students need to memorize the 7 multiplication facts.

Mrs. Carroll November 30 - December 4, 2015

Hello, everyone! I hope you have enjoyed this special time celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends!  Our school had a wonderful week leading up to the holidays - Operation Christmas Child, Friends Feeding Friends, and the Sharing Feast all wrapped us in a spirit of warmth and thankfulness.  We appreciate our parents and grandparents who decorated our festive table and joined us for our meal and special programs.

This upcoming week will give us another opportunity for celebration - Advent begins and Father Justin will lead Christ Church School in Eucharist on Wednesday, December 2.  All of our families are welcome to  join.

This week we will study pattern and memory words that have silent "ght."  Make sure you study your words carefully this week.  We will begin a new book in literature;  Wagon Wheels, which introduces us to life in another time and place in America.

In Bible, we learn about how King David establishes his kingdom in Jerusalem.  We will continue to write and illustrate some of his Psalms in our prayer books.  We will also find out about a Jesse Tree as an Advent experience.

In History, we will study about the Hyksos Invasion of Egypt and the introduction of chariots as weapons of war.

Mrs. Carroll November 16 - 20, 2015

Another busy week in Second Grade is upon us!
Tuesday - trip to CAC for the Singing Zoologist!
Wednesday - Group photos and retakes after Chapel
Friday - Sharing Feast (remember to bring that yummy pumpkin bread!)

Second graders have a fun homework assignment, which is due on Thursday, November 19:  create a disguise for Tom Turkey and write three sentences about his adventure.

Spelling words this week all have silent patterns (gn,wr, kn, and mb)   - some tricky words so study, study, study!  We will have a trial spelling test on Wednesday.  Who knew a gnu could kneel?

In Bible this week, we are focusing on thankfulness for our many blessings, using some of David's psalms to help us express gratitude.

In History, we will practice writing laws using the model of Hammurabi, although they were very drastic!

Students are doing a great job reading A-Z books.  Parents, they should be bringing home a book each week - please listen to your child read the book, ask questions, and enjoy the time together.  When they read successfully to me, they earn a star on the chart - a great motivation for them.

Math week of 11/16-11/20

This week we will use Expand and Trade to solve subtraction problems,explore bar graphs,area multiplication squares and creating scaled picture graphs. Please keep working on the multiplication facts. we will work on the 6's this week.

Science week of 11/16-11/20

Note: 11/17 - Field Trip to CAC
         11/20 Early release - 11:45    Sharing Feast starts at 11:00
         Building closed  11/23-11/27
         Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!


We will discuss the observations we made last week on our nature walk and learn about the different biomes of the world. Last week we had a lot of fun making our rain sticks even- though we could not make it rain- and going on a nature walk.

Mrs. Carroll November 9-13, 2015

Big events coming up-
Thanksgiving Feast  is Friday, November 20.  Our 2nd/3rd grade homeroom is providing the pumpkin bread for the feast.  The recipe is super easy:  Combine a box of cake mix (spice, yellow, or white) with a can of pumpkin.  Generously grease/spray a 9x13 pan or two loaf pans and put the cake mix/pumpkin into the pan.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  I recommend that you use a disposable aluminum foil pan for easy clean-up.

Mrs. Hepburn is our awesome room mother, and she has requested that each student bring $5.00 by this Friday, November 13.  She will use the funds to purchase plates, napkins, cups, and utensils to make our banquet table festive.

Please remember the Food for Families collection - our homeroom is bringing in "yellow" food items (canned corn, pineapple, macaroni and cheese mixes, chicken noodle soup....)  The last day for donations is November 17.

Also, the Operation Christmas Child boxes are due this Friday, November 13.  These opportunities to help others is so meaningful to our students.

Class group photos will be taken on Wednesday, November 18 after Chapel.  Also, the photographer will be available to take pictures of students who were absent or who request retakes.  Remember to place your order online.

Spelling words for this week are city, circle, excellent, decide, pencil, excited, large,danger, change, strange, imagine, huge (soft sounds of c and g).

In History we are learning about the Code of Hammurabi, the first recorded code of laws in history. The laws are surprising and we will hear about "an eye for an eye" justice.

In Bible, we find out about the friendship of Jonathon (son of King Saul) and David and how Jonathon saved David's life.

Science week of 9/11-9/13

This week we will learn about the plants and animals, observe living things in their environment, and learn about the different biomes around the world.

Math Week of 11/9-11-13

This week we will be adding and subtracting 4 digit numbers,explore bar graphs,area multiplication squares and creating scaled picture graphs. Please keep working on the multiplication facts. we will work on the 6's and 7's this week.

Mrs. Carroll November 2-6, 2015

Wow!  Here it is already - November!  There are many events taking place this month, so please keep up with the school calendar and emails for updates.  Food for Families begins this week.

Canterbury Faire was fabulous!  Thank you, Parents' Plus, for all of the creative activities and the fun spirit you brought to our school!  It was a day to remember for all of us.

This week in Language Arts, we will find out about Fall on the Farm for the Superkids and the unusual things that happen,  Spelling Words will focus on the "oo" sound - the word list will come home Monday so check for the Backpack Page.  A Trial Spelling Test"  is given on Wednesdays - if you make 100 on Wednesday, then you don't have to take the test on Friday:)  In Literature we
will read a fun book about Henry and Mudge.

In Bible, we learn more about David and why he challenged Goliath.  Although this is a favorite Bible story, we will understand that God calls whom he wants to call, even a young shepherd boy.  God always provides the strength, courage, and skill that is needed if we follow His will.

In History, we learn about the Code of Hammurabi.  It is important as the earliest written code of laws.  The laws will seem interesting and the punishments harsh, but they represent a set of laws that were meant to be fair to everyone.

Science Week of 11/2-11/6

The class worked real hard last week learning about the layers of the atmosphere. This week we will start learning about the water cycle. If possible they need to bring a paper towel  roll.

Math week of 11/2-11/6

This week in Math we will be using mental math to estimate cost. add 2&3 digit numbers using partial sums, add in columns and work on subtraction. Students should be reviewing their multiplication facts 1-4, 5-10. Ask them about the trick they learned for the number nine.
Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Mrs. Carroll October 26-30, 2015

The spelling words for this week have the patterns of "ow" and "ou"- with some homonyms mixed in!

window
follow
yellow
tomorrow
allow
flower*
flour*
thousand
house
mouse
our*
hour*

In Word Work we will focus on words with the patterns "ow" and "ou" -
now, brown, frown
found, around, ground
shout, sprout, about
ouch, grouch, couch
our, flour, hour

*and "trickers" that have long o sound-
snow, glow

In Writing, students will get started on their "autobiographies" by making a plan.  These creative students have many wonderful ideas to share, so they will be challenged to focus on a single event to write about!

In History, we are learning about the Second Intermediate Period in Egypt history - the period that introduces us to the Black Pharaohs of Nubia and their pyramids.

In Bible, we learning about David, before he became King:  the shepherd boy, the musician, the aide to King Saul, and slayer of Goliath.  We will begin a personal prayer book and include psalms written by David.

In learning about King David's genealogy,  the second and third graders became very interested in their own family trees.  Some of them came home to ask for information about their genealogy! As an
extension, each student may create a family tree for display!   It is not required, but this would be a meaningful and creative experience.

*Reminders:
School begins at 8:00 am.  Arrival after that results in a student being counted as tardy.  Please refer to the handbook for clarification.

Canterbury Faire is this Friday!  School will be dismissed at 11:45.

Bring in those Box Tops by Friday, October 30!

Math - October 26-30

Note: Friday - 10/30 - Canterbury Faire - Early Release

This week in math we will explore fraction circles,area measures and liquid volume in liters,determine the missing number and rule and estimate cost for given problems. There will be a math test on Tuesday. Please work on multiplication with focus on the 6's.

Science - Week of October 26-30

Notes:   ***Friday the 30th - Canterbury Faire - Early Release
             ***This week -From Friday 10/23 - Tuesday 10/27 - Students are to record the weather and the temperature. They have a packet (of notebook paper) they need to label each page with the day and the date.
             *** If possible - please send a paper towel tube by Wednesday 10/28.

This week we will be learning about the water cycle.

Math Oct. 19-23

In math we will be reviewing math skill. Explore even and odd number patterns, solve problems using 4 operations. We will also explore fraction circles, area measures and liquid volume in liters. Please continue to work on math facts. Work on the multiplication facts of 4.

Science - October 19- 23

We have had so much fun using different materials to make the volcanoes erupt. (check-out FB)
This week we will have a test on volcanoes & earthquakes on Wed. We will then predict what is air and what is it made up of.

Mrs. Carroll October 19-23, 2015

Box Tops!!  We need more Box Tops!! Please keep them coming in - deadline is October 30.

Thanks to Ms. Winegar, all second graders have been assessed for reading ability using the DRA system.  Students will continue to bring home leveled paperback readers.  Reading aloud to an adult at home is a valuable tool in building vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills.  Students should be reading at least 20 minutes at home every night.  For incentive, I have them choose a book from the A-Z  website then we print it out.  When they read the book back to me, they get a sticker on the reading chart - not as competition, but for them to see their own progress,

This week we will begin Unit 3 in the Superkids book.  In Word Work, we will work on words that make the "piggy sound" - oi and oy (such as boy, enjoy, oil, boil, join, point...)  Spelling words are "trickers" with the short u sound that are not spelled with u (away, wagon, from).

Spelling words the week are:
annoy
again
alive
alone
apart
among
afraid
begin
between
because
behind
beside

This week I will begin giving a trial spelling test on Wednesdays.  If they make 100 on the trial test, they do not have to take the test on Friday.  I hope this will encourage students to practice every night on their spelling words.

In Literature, we will read a short story, Good Night, Good Knight.  In Composition,  we will begin writing an autobiography.  In Grammar, we will work on punctuation rules for commas and periods, as well as editing for capitalization and spelling.  In vocabulary, we will learn about sy.nonyms and antonyms.

In Bible, we will learn how King Saul fell out of favor because he chose to make decisions on his own and did not listen to the wise counsel of Samuel.

In History, we will find out that Egypt suffered a famine but a man named Joseph became valuable in solving the problem for Egypt.

Another busy week in Second Grade!

Mrs. Carroll October 12 - 16, 2015

This week's spelling words practice the "al, au, aw, al" patterns as well as some "tricker" words that end in a silent e but don't make the vowel long.

almost  also  always   fault   awful   salt   walk   talk   straw   yawn   always  done  give   live  love

We will also work on homonyms (words that sound alike but have different meanings and often different spellings).

We will complete the book, Mr. Popper's Penguins, this week - it is so much fun to follow the antics of this family and to enjoy the rich vocabulary.

In Bible, we will learn about Saul, who is chosen to be the first King of the Israel nation.  

 

In History, we will make amulets and talisman like the Egyptians did for "good luck."

Remember that Wednesday, Oct. 14 is Picture Day!  Wear your Chapel uniform, as usual, for your official Christ Church School photo.

Math Week of Oct. 12th-16th

Please work on the 3 multiplication facts. You need to memorize them. Learn the facts of 3 from
 zero - twelve. 3 x 0 = 0  up to 3 x 12 = 36
This week in math, we will solving array problems, create mathematical representation for solving division problems and solve division number stories.

Science - Week of Oct. 12th-16th

In Science this week we are going to make elephant toothpaste to erupt the mud volcanoes we made Friday.
We will also use toothpaste and sand to see the force it takes to make the volcano erupt. We will learn about earthquakes and review the things we have learned about volcanoes. 

Science - Week of October 5th - 9th

I know you'll had fun playing with mud last week, we are going to do it again! We are going to make thin and thick mud mixtures. We will actually make volcanoes and see them erupt.  We will learn about the ring of fire and earthquakes. Get ready for a fun week of learning.

Math - Week of October 5th - 9th

NEWS:

Oct. 4th - Christ Church Sunday; Please have your child in "chapel uniform" at 9:30. No later than 9:45 Dinner after service - bring your favorite dessert.

This week in math, we will still be working with two-step number stories and solve number stories using two operations. Brush up on your multiplication facts as we will solve problems involving multiples of equal groups and solving array problems.
    Happy multiplying

Second Grade Mrs. Carroll October 5 - 9, 2015

This week we will work on words that have the "er" sound, but they are spelled with or, ear, or ar.  Here are some jingles to help students remember them:

The worst word work is spelling worry and worm.
I've heard it is not too early to learn to save the earth.
Regular sugar costs a dollar.

The Spelling Words and Pattern Words for this week are the same because of their difficulty.
worst
word
work
worry
worm
heard
early
learn
earth
regular
sugar
dollar

In Grammar, we will practice reading the past tense of verbs by recognizing the ed ending.  We will also learn about adding ing and ed to base words, and dropping silent e to add the ending.  We will work with comparing things by adding er and est, as well as changing the final y to i to add an ending.

This week in Bible, we will learn about the Ark of the Covenant and what happened to Eli when it was stolen from  Israel.

 In History, we are now learning about the First Intermediate Period in Egypt (2200 - 2050 B.C.  Life in Egypt at this time became a long period of civil war, controlled by the rich and powerful rulers, but leaving the common people in a time of trouble.  We will make some amulets for "protection" as practiced by the Egyptians.

CCS Sunday

REMINDER!

Christ Church School Sunday

First through 8th grade children need to be here no later than 

9:45 A.M. to rehearse with adult choir. 

Luncheon to follow the service. 

Science - Week of September 28- October 2

OK..... 2nd graders. Get ready to learn  about volcanoes.
This week we will review the rock cycle. Make a cake to see if we can relate to how the layers are formed in the rocks.We will also start learning about volcanoes and see how they are formed.

Math Week of September 28-October 2

NEWS:

OCT. 2nd - Blessing of the pets; parents meet us in the field with your pets at 8:15

Oct. 4th - Christ Church Sunday; Please have your child in "chapel uniform" at 9:30. No later than 9:45 Dinner after service - bring your favorite dessert.

This week in math, we will use basic addition and subtraction facts, pictures or diagrams, to solve problems.  We will also use two different operations to solve number stores. Please keep working on your math facts and fact families.

Mrs. Carroll September 28 - October 2, 2015

Great things are happening at Christ Church School!  The church has called a new rector and we are excited about the spiritual leadership he will bring to our school and his interaction with our students!

Don't forget that next Sunday, October 4, is Christ Church School Sunday - a yearly event that celebrates the school, honors our students, parents, and staff, and provides the opportunity to fellowship as a family.

Spelling words for this week are:
first
bird
third
thirst
turn
return
during
surprise
mother
father
sister
brother
start
sports
forget

These week in History we will learn about mummies!  Everybody is interested in this fascinating aspect of ancient Egyptian history, so we will learn why they mummified people as well as animals!
By the way, the Egyptian village project is wonderful - very creative representations of life during this time.

In Bible, we will learn about Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and Obed.  The most beautiful part of this story is
that God had a plan for Ruth, who became the great-grandmother of King David, and is in the family tree of Jesus.

We are enjoying Mr. Popper's Penguins - there is never a dull moment in the Popper household!  Students take turns reading aloud and are doing a great job! Please remember how important it is for second graders to read aloud at home at least 20 minutes each night.

It is time to schedule fall  parent conferences - can you imagine it is already that time?  A form has been sent home for parents to look over.  I am also sending home information about the Pizza Hut reading program, which begins on October 1.  The project is optional, but it certainly is a win-win for young readers!

Math Week of 9/21-9/25

This week we will work with elapsed time, explore mass, equal shares and equal groups. Students should know their 8's math addition facts and 2 multiplication facts.

Science Week of 9/21-9/25

This week in Science we will  learn what the Earth is made of, learn about the rock cycle and  learn about soil.
Note: They did a great job on their layer of the Earth project!
 

Mrs. Carroll September 21-25, 2015

Dear Parents,

We need a Homeroom Sponsor/Room Parent to help organize class parties and special events! If  I have overlooked this detail and someone has graciously volunteered, please accept my apology!

Have you noticed the CCS Brag Board near the library? Our students are AWESOME, and we just have to brag!  Second and Third Grade is getting noticed for their courtesy in the hallways and in the classroom.  Last Thursday, I had the misfortune of locking myself out of the house with no car keys.  By the time I got to school almost 45 minutes late, I found my students working hard under the supervision of Miss Becky - they had already said the pledges to the American and Texas flags and prayed the Lord's Prayer, and were working in their handwriting books.  What a joy to witness our students taking responsibility and following procedures!

This week in Bible we will learn more about Samuel and how he served the Lord with all his heart.  He was the last Judge God appointed and lived to see King Saul become the first king that God gave  the people of Israel.  We will finish the Judges lapbook.

In History, we will explore the Old Kingdom of Egypt - the period of the Giza pyramids.  Remember
that projects representing daily life in Egypt are due by Friday.

Our Literature selection is Mr. Popper's Penguins - this week we are in chapter 3 and Captain Cook has just arrived at the Popper household!  What will happen now that a penguin has taken over the house, and what in the world will Mama have to say about this??

In Language Arts we begin Unit 2 in Superkids.  Spelling words will come home on Monday - Please remember that the spelling test on Friday will include all 12 Memory Words and 3 random words from the Pattern Word list.  I also give 3 bonus words from the Pattern Word list.  It is important to practice the words every night!  The words are grouped to teach phonetic skills as well as sight word usage.

Science Week of 9/14

This week in Science we will look at the tools that geologists use, learn what the Earth is made of, learn about the rock cycle and  learn about soil.
Note: Layer of the Earth Project is due Tuesday September 15, 2015
 

Math Week of 9/14/15

This week we will solve division number stories, use strategies for 2's, 5's and 10's, work with elapsed time, and work problems with equal share and equal groups. Students should know their 7 math facts.

Second Grade September 14 - 18, 2015

This week in Bible we will complete our study of Gideon and then meet a young boy named Samuel.  We learn how Hannah, his mother, prayed for this child and how God chose him to be His special leader.  The Bible verse we will learn is 1 Samuel 3:9.

Spelling words for this week are:
show
now
work
first
down
many
about
over
only
before
would
could
 we
note
beach

In Literature, we are beginning Mr. Popper's Penguins (the classic story, not the Jim Carey movie!)  It is a lovely book, filled with hilarious adventures and information as well.  We will work on fun activities to go along with the book.

In History, we continue to learn about Egypt, and we will now do an at-home project to share what we have learned about everyday life in Egypt.  The project is a diorama (shoe-box decorated to look like a scene - such as home life, the market, the farm, the river, the buildings...)  It must be completed by Friday, September 26.  My second-graders are VERY creative, so I know they will present some neat projects!

Mrs. Carroll September 7-11, 2015

I hope all of you are having a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!  I heard about family trips and fun  times with this last summer experience.

 In Bible class, we will meet Gideon, a new judge appointed to deliver Israel from the Moabites.  This is a rather long narrative, so we will spend two weeks learning  about Gideon, and his requests for God to guarantee that he really could do what  God told him to do.

In history, we continue to learn about everyday life in Egypt.  This week we will have fun being scribes - writing names and numbers in hieroglyphics.

In Language Arts, we are working on Week 3 lessons in Superkids,  Please look for the Memory Words and Pattern Words on the Backpack page coming home on Tuesday.  This week, we will take a spelling test on all 12 Memory Words and 3 of the Pattern Words for a total of 15 words on the spelling test.  This week we will also begin writing in journals.

We are ready to begin a new book from our Literature selection - Mr. Popper's Penguins.  This is another of my favorite books, and I know we will all enjoy the hilarious adventures.

Math - Week of 9/7/15-9/11/15

Have a wonderful Labor-day week-end!

This week we will use drawings and number models to solve multiplication and division number stories use strategies for 2s,5s,10s facts, and work on elapsed time problems. Students need to know their addition facts of 6 up to 12. 

Science - Week of 9/7/15-9/11/15

This week we are still discussing the layers of the Earth.
Test- Friday - 9/11/15 on the layers of the Earth and the vocabulary discussed during the week.

          




                                 

Reminder: Project is due 9/15/15

Layers of the Earth Project

Layers of the Earth Project

Date Due: September 15, 2015

Directions:

Make a 3-Dimensional model of the layers of the Earth. Project must be bigger than a tennis ball.  Be creative with the materials you use. You can use anything from a Styrofoam ball to food.

Requirements:

1.     Must be 3-Dimentional

2.     Use 4 different colors

3.     Label neatly

4.     Correct spelling

5.     Show difference in the thickness of the layers

6.     Must have an index card that shows:

A, Name

B. Title

C. Key of the colors

RUBRIC

Name:__________________________               Date turned in________________

Category	4	3	2
Layers of the Earth	Includes 4 layers	Includes 3 layers	Includes 0-2 layers
Color	Uses 4 different colors	Uses 3 different colors	Uses 0-2 different colors
Labeled Neatly	All 4 layers are labeled	3  layers are labeled	0-2 layers are labeled
Spelling	All words are spelled correct	1-3 words are misspelled	More than 3 words are misspelled
Thickness of layers	Can see the difference in all the  layers thickness	Can see the difference in 2-3 layers	Cannot see the difference in the thickness of the layers.
Index Card	Has name, title, and color key	Has 2 of the three	Has 0-1 of the three
On Time	Project turned in on time	Project is 1-2 days late	Project is later than 2 days

Science week of 8/31/-9//04/15

This week we will be learning about the layers of the earth.
Test- Friday - 9/04/15 on the layers of the Earth and the vocabulary discussed during the week.

          




                                  

Students will complete a project on the layers of the Earth. This project will be due on the 15 of Sept.. Details of this assignment will be sent home by Wednesday. Please keep a look out for this information.

Math week of 8/31/15-9/04/15

This week we will be using a number line to learn about elapsed time, collect data and make a graph using the data that we collected, use drawings and number models to solve multiplication and division number stories. Students need to know their addition facts of 5's up to 12. For example 5+6, 5+12, 5+3.

Second Grade - August 31 - September 4, 2015

What an exciting adventure we are having in second grade - take a look at our scheduled lessons!

Bible Lesson:  We will learn about two of the Judges God had appointed to lead the Israelite nation:  Othniel and Ehud.  There are some dramatic episodes full of intrigue, disobedience, repentance and victory.  Read Judges 3 for the full story!

Handwriting:  We have begun practicing good handwriting skills using the Zaner Bloser workbooks.

History:  This week we will learn about everyday life in Egypt for the wealthy, the craftsmen, and the farmers.

Literature:  We have completed My Father's Dragon, but this week we will delve into the themes of setting and characters we have enjoyed.  This is a classic book with laugh-aloud events - now one of my all-time favorites!

Spelling Words for this week are:
have, are, be, there, do, here, who, were, what, where, how, why
Homework will be sent home Monday and Wednesday.  If it is on colored paper, you need to turn it in to me the next day!

Our test will be on Friday, September 4.

Daily Routines will include decoding words that have a similar phonetic structure, spelling and dictation, writing and editing.  We do this practice every day - not for a grade but for strengthening skills.

Phonics:  Identifying words with the sound made from the wh words.

Grammar,Usage, and Mechanics: Recognizing and distinguishing between types of sentences, and understanding and using end punctuation.

Vocabulary:  Onomatopoeia, homonyms, and puns

Structural Analysis:  Understanding and using contractions and identify irregular contractions; recognizing and using apostrophes

Reading:  This week you students will be assigned an A-Z reader, based on their level from the spring testing.  New students will be tested as soon as possible.  We expect our second graders to read every night for 20 minutes.  This habit is extremely important to develop skills - please listen to your kiddo read, ask questions, and enjoy the special time together.

We will also take mini-assessments scheduled for the beginning of the school year.

Chapel:  This Wednesday, September 2, will be Holy Communion.  I have received the forms and am are of the students who will receive Holy Communion.  Those who are not to receive will join us at the altar rail and receive a blessing from Father Bill.  They will cross their arms over their chests to indicate that they will not take communion.

Dear Parents,

I have been so busy; I have not had a chance to write to you about our new math curriculum being used in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades.  We are really excited to be able to offer this program, Everyday Mathematics.  When I came to Christ Church School several years ago, we were using Saxon Math through 5th grade.  Saxon Math does not use the higher level thinking skills that is so important for the upper grades and the upper math courses.  It is very good for the lower grades because of its repetition of skills; however we found that we needed a more rigorous math curriculum that would transition and incorporate into the intermediate grades.  After thinking for two years about what we could do to get more “higher level thinking” skills and problem solving in our math program, we decided to implement Everyday Mathematics.  We chose this curriculum because it fits into our Classical Education approach better than other programs by incorporating both the repetition or spiral teaching of math facts and the problem solving and critical thinking crucial to the Classical approach.  We are still going to use the traditional way of solving math problems, but we will also teach alternative methods to help students that struggle with the traditional methods.  We will also continue the CCS approach of using one grade level acceleration for our students.  I am really excited to implement this program because I was one of the first teachers to use it in TISD.  After implementing this program, our math scores for the district rose every year.  I am confident that it will do the same for Christ Church School.  We want the best for our students and I believe that can be achieved with Everyday Mathematics.

Be Blessed,
Lanelle Holbrook