Happy Holidays!

Thank you to everyone who sent in gifts and treats today. I have been truly spoiled this year on so many levels.  It is my greatest hope that you all have a happy, safe and joyous break with your family and loved ones.  See you all in 2012!!

New Spelling Lists + Homework

With all the excitement today, we did not get an opportunity to copy down these new words.  Everyone will have to do so over the break. 

Grade 2's are asked to pick ONE activity form the list below.

Grade 3's are asked to pick TWO activities from the list below.

Spelling Activities...
Sentences, Definitions, 3 Rhyming words for each, ABC order, XYZ order AND short story

Grade 2
any
many
very
every
happy
pretty
funny
sorry
story
money
fantasy
mystery

Grade 3
oil
boil
soil
spoil
join
point
poison
noise
choice
voice
boy
toy
enjoy
royal
oyster
loyalty

More Donations Needed!

It is the season of giving and as many of you know, Clairlea is working towards assisting families in need. We did so well in our first week of food and hygiene product contributions.  Together, our class contributed 51 items!  Wow!  We almost had the most in the whole school.  Sadly, last week we only brought in 3, and so for this week, we've only got 2! (Thanks Cassie!)
We still have 3 day's left to bring in items for families in need. It would be amazing if we can beat our first weeks numbers, so send in your non-perishables and hygiene products tomorrow, Thursday or Friday! 

Homework

It's a busy time of year and I understand some families are always looking for homework and others are thankful when there is none!  I did not send home any homework today because so many children were telling me that they are busy doing other things.  In the new year when the rush of the holidays has subsided, we will be back full-force into the homework. 
I will be making one change this week and that is to the spelling homework.  We will be writing the test on Thursday as oppose to Friday, which means the funny Christmas story spelling homework will be due at this time as well. 

Friday, December 23

On Friday, we will have a celebration to wrap up 2011. After lunch on this day, we will play board games, have a Christmas sing-along, watch a movie and exchanging handmade gifts.
Some students have asked if they can bring in holiday treats. If families would like to send in a treat for the class, we will not turn them away!

Math Homework

We are working on identifying the area of shapes in our math unit.
The grade 2's are using non-standard units (1inch cubes) and the grade 3's are using the 1cm grid paper.
For tomorrow, the grade 2's have been asked to first estimate how many cubes will cover the shapes, then can proceeed to actually placing the cubes over the shape to find out the true answer.
The grade 3's are creating shapes based on the area provided. They must use a ruler!
This is all due tomorrow.

Health Projects

Ms. Wright is expecting all health projects to be in this coming Tuesday. 

Spelling Lists and Homework

Homework - both grades - write a short, funny Christmas story using all your words.  UNDERLINE the words as you use them.

Grade 2
three
agree
feel
need
street
beat
easy
each
dream
great
cheetah
creature

Grade 3
couch
coach
ranch
bench
pinch
punch
crunch
catch
itch
match
watch
stretch
ditch
pitch
sandwich
ostrich
launch

Tomorrow is our BIG night!

Parents and students should be aware of the following:

• Come to SATEC with a full belly

• Wear your assigned costume pieces

• Arrive at SATEC no later than 6:15pm

• When you arrive at SATEC, look for Clairlea students wearing purple jerseys and they will direct you to your holding room. (we are in room 107)

• Students stay in the holding room until the end of the concert

…A well deserved Pizza Party!
On Friday, Dec. 16, will are having our free pizza lunch for winning the pumpkin carving contest!
Everyone is invited to stay for lunch and enjoy 2 slices of pizza, a drink and a piece of fruit!

See you tomorrow night!

Show n' Tell

Glass Animals

Presented and written by Madison

The other day, I shared my glass animals with the class.  They came from China.  I received them from my grandmother who also collects a lot of them. My grandma babysits me and I always play with them and she let me bring them to school because she loves me.

Birthday Bear and January Doll

Presented and Written by Maria

Last week I brought in 2 of the gifts I received for my last birthday. I really like these dolls because I got them from 2 special people - my grandma and grandpa. They mean a lot to me because I received them from people who are close to my heart. 



Oral Presentations - Starting January 10th.

I have sat down and met with every student to discuss their plans for their presentation in the new year. 
By now, they should be gathering ideas and beginning to put it together. I've provided each student with ideas that they could use, if they find they are having trouble coming up with their own. My ideas can be found in their coloured folder and can be referred to at any time or not at all.  Students are welcome to borrow books from the school or supplies that I have in my classroom. If you have any questions about this, please let me know!  jessica.lowen@tdsb.on.ca

Upcoming Concert Stuff...

Next week marks the beginning of our big concert week!
It is important for everyone to be at school Monday-Thursday next week as we will finally get practice time in the gym and will be performing a few times for the school.  Everyone has a key role in the play so their attendance is crucial. 
Our big night is Thursday, December 15th and everyone should have arrived at SATEC by 6:15.  We will be held in an assigned classroom until our scheduled time slot in the concert.  When you arrive at SATEC, look for a Clairlea student who will direct you to the holding room. 

In everyones agenda, students have written down what they need to wear on Wednesday and the night of the show.

Spelling Lists and Homework

This weeks spelling homework is to chose a different activity from last week.  Here are the options:
3 rhyming words for each, definitions for each, sentences for each, a short story, ABC or ZYX order.

Grade 2
away
may
pay
play
today
snail
mail
rain
paint
afraid
said
playmate

Grade 3
chin
check
checkers
chicken
beach
reach
teachers
march
shape
shark
shine
shy
brush
finish
machine
fashion
chapter

Co-Operative Learning and Problem Solving

We've been talking a lot about how to solve problems in a civilized manner.  We also been talking a lot about how things we do can be a lot more fun, if we just buckle down and co-operate. 
To help move the kids along in these two areas, I've taught them how to play five games - Jenga, Scrabble, Cadoo, Memory-Match and Pictionary.  Today, the class was put to the test.  We brought out the 5 games, and groups of 3-4 were established by me.  Before starting our game session, we came up with a Do's and Don'ts list that we will be referring to when working in a group.  Overall, the response to the game session was amazing and aside from some small issues here and there, the kids worked really well.  Awesome job guys....until next time. 

Measurement Homework

Tonight each student has been asked to pick 1 thing from their home (e.g., bed, pillow, table, tv, rug, etc) and measure the perimeter.  If a ruler or measuring tape is not available, students can use the non-standard units (finger = 1 cm or hand = 10cm).  NOTE: perimeter is the distance around an object or area. 

Holiday Food Drive

This year, each class is taking on a challenge to see who can bring in the most non-perishable items for our local community food drive.  Send in your goods this week and we'll see if we can come out on top!

New Spelling List and Homework

This week Students are given the following options:  ABC or XYZ order, sentences, definitions, short story or rhyming words.  - they must choose 1 and it will be due on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Grade 2
name
same
save
brave
face
place
snake
wake
skate
have
blame
chase

Grade 3
age
cage
page
stage
large
change
budge
fudge
ridge
bridge
edge
ledge
bandage
village
college
challenge
mangage

Grade 2 Field Trip - Museum

Some unfortunate information has come to my attention and it's in regards to the Thompson Museum field trip for the grade 2's on the 14th. 
The 14th is a big day for our class as we will be performing for the school two times. Once in the a.m., and once after lunch.  These are our rehearsal times, in preparation for the big night.
I've informed the group that I would like them to stay behind and that we will be going there next year as part of our pioneer unit.

Sarah's Show n' Tell

DSI XL - written and presented by Sarah

This is my DSI XL.  This is a gift I received from my parents on my 7th birthday.  They bought it in the USA.  I like it because it can take pictures and the games you play on it can make you smarter. 

Measurement Homework

Everyone has been given an oral time test.  They should be coming home with their scores today. 
We are moving to the measuring of objects, distances and space. Tonight, an introductory sheet is coming home that speaks about non-standard units of measure.  Most children's index finger is about a centimeter wide.  They will be using that to measure in their homework. We can use our finger when we don't have a standard measuring tool.  This will give us an estimate or approximation of an objects size. 

Brrrrrrr!!!!

So...our big discussion today was What to wear to school, so we can survive 5 months of cold recesses!

Recess time is 15 precious minutes for teachers to:

• use the washroom
• fill their stomachs
• make a phonecall
• speak to a colleague
• photocopy
• set up a lesson
• providing punishment
• spend extra time working with a student. 

So yes,...all students are expected to be going outside for recess on the cold winter days.

Recess time is also 15 precious minutes for students to:

• use the washroom
• fill their stomachs
• burn off energy
• visit with friends
• play some games
• laugh and have fun

So yes,...students need their 15 minutes just as much as teachers. 

So how do we solve the problem of being cold at recess?
1) wear a warm coat
2) wear waterproof boots
3) bring two sets of gloves/mitts to school
4) bring an extra pair of socks
5) wear a warm hat and scarf
6) wear leggings under your pants
7) bring snowpants if there is snow

mmmm....i get warm just thinking about all these warm items.  It's time to start coming prepared to school with all the items mentioned above. Otherwise, 5 months will seem like 10 and there will be a lot of sick puppies! (ps. I don't like being sick!)

Homework this Weekend...

Again this year, our School Council is organizing the basket raffle for the Holiday Concert.  A green notice is coming home today indicating that our class basket theme is EVERYTHING PINK!
Families are asked to donate a $5 item (pink of course) or simply send in $5 and the council will take the money and purchase an item on your behalf. Once all the items are collected, the fabulous School Council team puts together amazing baskets which are brought to SATEC the night of the concert.  You items or $5 contibution are asked be sent in by Monday, December 5th or earlier.

Time to Shine!

I've sent home an outline of the most recent at-home project for the kids.  It's completely open-ended, allowing them to be creative with their topic choices.  The topic will need to be researched at home and information gather can be displayed in any way they choose (poster, pamphlet, PowerPoint, handout, video, etc.) I will be posting the sign up sheet today, and their chosen date and time will be written in their agendas. 

Show and Tell Requirement

We are going to make Show and Tell more meaningful by adding a little writing assignment to it.  Everyone has been supplied with their Show and Tell outline. It will need to be completed and brought back to school on the day of their presentation.  It will then be typed up and put on the blog along with a photo of the item. 

New Spelling Words + Homework

Spelling Homework - Due Friday, Dec. 2  - put your spelling list in proper ABC order

Grade 2
stand
stamp
stick
stone
fast
last
best
rest
must
taste
listen
student

Grade 3
gas
game
gate
gave
garden
garbage
geese
giggle
gum
guard
guess
guest
guide
guy
guardian
language

Adam's Show n' Tell

Coral - Written and Presented by Adam

The coral came from Trinidad and Tobago.  I chose it because I know that the class will be interested in seeing the coral and learning about it.  I like it because it is rare and it is from the coral reef in Tobago.  My grandmother gave it to me.  She found it on the beach and gave it to me in 2009 when she came back from Trinidad.

Movember

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer. No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, getting them to act on that knowledge thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.
Clairlea students can participate in this event by wearing a moustache to school on Friday, November 25th.  On this day, students can also bring in any denomination of money that will be donated to Prostate Cancer Canada. Clairlea's goal is to raise $250!

No Homework Tonight!

Great News!

We are still on the hunt for a Santa Claus jacket and  Frosty the Snowman black top hat for the holiday play, but I think I've found just about all the costume items that we need.  Thanks so much to anyone who was willing or interested in contributing, but we've got it covered.

Math Homework

In math today, we were trying to get a better idea of what different spans of time feel like.  We did various activities for different lengths of time, including smiling for 60 seconds!  THAT was interesting, to say the least. 
Pairs of students began working on an activity that required them to think about more activities that take different lengths of time.  This incomplete sheet is now coming home as homework.  It is due tomorrow!

Show and Tell

After much demand, we are introducing 2.5 months of Show n’ Tell. See list below for your child's date to present.


The following points are to be addressed when putting together the show n’ tell presentation.

- Presentation lasts 5 minutes, this includes 3 questions from your audience.

- you spend 1-2 minutes explaining the following:

- where your items is from

- why you chose it

- what sentimental attachment you have to it

- who gave it to you or how did you get it.

- How long have you had it or when did you get it

(Notice, it’s the 5 w’s that you have to make sure you cover in your presentation)
Tuesday, Nov. 22 Adam

Tues. Nov. 29 Sarah

Thurs. Dec. 1 Madison

Tues. Dec. 6 Maria

Thurs. Dec. 8 Akin

Tues. Dec. 12 Kamal

Thurs. Dec. 15 David

Tues. Dec. 20 Rishikkesh

Thurs. Dec. 22 Cassie

Tues. Jan 10 Safwan

Thurs. Jan 12 Robert

Tues. Jan 17 Arsal

Thurs. Jan 19 Mia

Tues. Jan 24 Theron

Thurs. Jan 26 Zachary

Tues. Jan 31 Emma

Thurs. Feb. 2 Lyndsay

Tues. Feb. 7 Avri

Thurs. Feb. 9 Umar

Tues. Feb. 14 Sara

Thurs. Feb. 16 Chavez

Spelling List and Homework

Homework - use all the words in a short story

Grade 2
chip
chop
rich
which
much
such
bunch
lunch
branch
ache
children
stomach
push

Grade 3
jacket
jar
jeans
jelly
jet
job
joke
judge
jump
just
gentle
general
giant
giraffe
gym
jungle
gigantic

Spelling Website

http://www.spellingcity.com/ is a fabulous site for kids to practice and get to know thier spelling words.
Just enter the spelling words in the boxes and chose the various options.  Its easy!
There is an option to subscribe to the 'premium' package but the free package offers plenty of acitivites.

Holiday Concert

As most of you know, the Holiday Concert is upon us.  It is scheduled for December the 15th. 
This year, I gave the class 2 options.  One, we could sing a simple song, or two, we could sing FOUR songs while acting in a play. Of course they had to go and challenge themselves so, I have put my confidence in our precious young ones, and presented them with the opportunity to learn and deliver a Christmas play...in 4 short weeks.  YIKES!

So far, the eagerness and sheer excitement is outstanding. Most students showed interest in the different characters and were given the opportunity to audition for the parts they wanted.  The class proceeded to vote for those they thought would best suit the part and just like that, we have our incredible cast ready to go. Unfortunately there were some absent students and others who didn't get the part they hoped for. There is something for every student to do in the play and without them, it just wont work.  Every role is important and necessary.  Parents, please assist me in reassuring your son or daughter that they are important! 
In preparation for the play, all students are expected to practice their lines and/or actions regularly. 

In addition, the 4 songs we are singing are sung by all which means everyone needs to learn the songs for memory.  If you go to youtube.com, you can type in any of the songs and practice from home.
Our play list includes:  Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Deck the Halls.

Finally, we will be requiring costumes for the play and a pink request sheet came home this week indicating this request.  Thank you to Madison and family who have offered to lend out little heels for the mom in our play.  Any additional items from the list are welcome and very much appreciated.

To all the parents...thank you so much in advance for any assistance you provide to your child during this time. Our play is going to be great! 

Welcome David!

For those who are reading this blog, you are the first to hear about a new addition to our classroom tomorrow.  His name is David and he is from the Philippines!  I will need the help from everyone to make him feel welcome and at ease in his first few days at Clairlea.  Perhaps if you have time, a welcome card or picture can be made for him. :)

Writing Homework

Tonight an explanation of Procedure writing is coming home along with an assignment.  This will be due Monday! Tomorrow, your spelling homework is due and we will also have a test!

Stepping Back in Time...

Our Morning Tour at Pioneer Village