Sunday, February 28, 2010

Hi All,
Here it is --March already!

Last week, third graders began note taking on their Famous American, using an organizer. They will continue with their research, and then begin writing a report on their person. Second graders should have a person chosen, and an article, by Tuesday. They will also be doing research, and taking notes for their game cards. All of the research and writing for both groups will be done in class. The third graders will do their final drafts at home, which may be typed or hand written.

Please remind your children to pace themselves and plan ahead for their Lit Circle assignments. It is evident when the kids are poorly prepared, and effects the whole group when children come to school with sloppy work, or unfinished assignments. This is the only mark that will be lowered if it is turned in late, because it impacts the entire Lit. Circle.

A big thank you to the parents who offered to provide the class with more dry erase pens, and thank you Benson family for sending them. I've found the white boards to be an invaluable tool for math class. The children really enjoy using them, and we save paper too!

Finally, please remember to send in the permission slips for the Natural History Museum. Both second and third graders from our class are attending, although this is typically a third grade trip. I still need drivers as well. I do not need money,however, as this is the trip the was originally scheduled and paid for in December.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Dear Room 24 Families,
Happy birthday George Washington! As you all know by now, third graders will begin researching their chosen "Famous American" subjects this week. The kids will work on this project in class for the next several weeks, and then bring home a draft to copy or type, and to rework into a first person speech. The second graders will also be reading biographies, but will complete a different project. Second graders will be researching a "Famous Person" and then designing game cards that highlight the achievements of their person. Parents of second graders are encouraged to discuss potential figures for their children to research. Please encourage your child to select people who have contributed to our society's well-being. Books and articles are most easily located on historical figures, but the kids' options are open.

Have a good week!
Carroll

Monday, February 15, 2010

Hi All,
Well, I hope you enjoyed this last three day weekend! It will be a long time until we have another one.

First of all, thank you to all the parents who made the Valentine's Day party successful, especially our fabulous room parents: Cynthia, Sandi, and Jennifer. The kids really enjoyed the party and didn't get too sugared up.

This week third graders should make their final choices of their Famous Americans, and locate a book and Internet article. The completed "Bibliography" is due on Friday instead of a spelling test or homework. Second graders will also be doing a Famous Person research project, but I have not sent home the requirements yet.

Finally, I've rescheduled our field trip to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. It will be on March 10th and I will send home permission slips and requests for drivers shortly.

Have a great week,
Carroll