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.