Big Night!

It is winter program night.  We've practiced and are ready to go!  The program begins at 6:30; doors open at 6:00.  See you there!

* Don't forget tomorrow is pj day!!!

Instruments

The class was so excited to talk about their instruments today!  They said they had a lot of fun making them at home.  I was impressed with the variety we have.  If your child forgot to bring his/hers, just send it tomorrow.  We will play with the other 2nd grade classes on Friday.  I'll be sure to snap a few photos to share.

PLHS Singers

Our day started with a quick trip to Lane University to hear the PLHS Singers.  The high school students sang several songs to the elementary students and we were able to sing a few back in return.  I was excited to see seven of my former students in the choir.  It's hard to believe my first class is now the senior class!

Holiday Spirit

I was happy to read a positive report from Mrs. Henderson.  She said the class had a great day.  I love hearing that news!  We took our winter session of the Math MAP assessment today.  Not all students were able to finish (that's okay, there is no time limit).  What results I do have back look good.  We will take the reading MAP assessment next week.  Next week will be a bit crazy, but we are going to try to keep as close as we can to our regular schedule.  Have a great weekend!  Check out our holiday spirit...  (There is a lot more spirit bubbling through our room, but these kiddos had the shirts to prove it!)

Gambino's Night

Notes are going home today that it is PLES night at Gambino's if you order let them know you are with the school and 20% of your order will be given to PLES.  I will be gone tomorrow, Tori Henderson will be my substitute.  She was Mrs. Bradney's student teacher so the students are very familiar with her.  I am sure they will have a great day!

Instruments

I sent a note home today about our instrument project.  Each student is to make a homemade instrument that 1) makes sound 2) changes in pitch and 3) changes in volume.  The instruments should be returned by December 16th.  Don't let this project intimidate you!  It can be as easy as wrapping rubber bands around a plastic tub.  If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.  We looked up some images of homemade instruments today during class.  The students got very excited and came up with some interesting ideas.  I reminded them that this was their project... not their parents!  If your child tries to put the project on you, remind him/her that he/she is the thinker, planner, and builder; you are just the assistant!

Math Poem

The class learned this poem "More on top, no need to stop.  More on the floor, go next door and get ten more. Numbers the same, zero's the game." We reviewed it several times and talked about how we could repeat it to help us solve our subtraction problems.

Subtracting Two-Digits

We had our first lesson on subtracting two-digit numbers.  (Side note: The class did awesome on our two-digit addition chapter.)  I was happy with the work they did today.  As I have said before with addition, knowing basic facts by memory helps in solving more complex problems quickly and correctly.  Challenge your child to see how can solve facts faster!  This is a simple skill to work on in the car while traveling to and from places.

Listening Walk

We have started our unit on sound.  The class had a chance this afternoon to roam the halls and listen for sounds.  They then had to record a description of the sound and what they thought caused it.  Their favorite sound... the flushing of a toilet! (My camera was not cooperating. These were the only two pictures that didn't turn out as a complete blur!)