Honoring Famous Americans

This week in class we have been honoring our famous Americans! Two you may have already guessed.... Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. These former presidents were an important part in our country's history. Last week each student researched information about one of our former presidents, wrote a paragraph about them, and illustrated a portrait of them. We are also preparing for a reading performance entitled "By George". Each child's lines in the performance were sent home for extra practice. Reading parts do not have to be memorized... they just need to be able to say their lines fluently and with expression! We will be performing for our book buddies next week!
Other famous Americans we have learned about include Harriet Tubman and members of the underground railroad. We have been talking about the significance of the big dipper and the symbolism of quilts. We have learned how the secrets of the underground railroad helped many slaves escape to their freedom!
Wednesday we will be researching famous African Americans. In groups of two we will research a little about the person's life, what they are known for, and other interesting facts about them. This information will be displayed as a brochure for others to enjoy!
In math we have been working on basic multiplication and division concepts. The vocabulary we use in class is groups of (multiplication) and sharing (division). We use tallies and circles to show how things are shared and grouped.
Next week, your child will not be getting new spelling words due to a short week. Thank you for confirming your conference times so quickly! If for some reason something comes up, please let me know as soon as you can so we can reschedule. Also, if you have specific concerns/strengths to discuss at your child's conference, please return the yellow conference form prior to conferences. I am looking forward to visiting with you next week!
Class needs:
I know it may sound strange... but I am looking for 1 or 2 old computer keyboards you might like to donate to our classroom. One of our working with words practice is to use a keyboard to practice new words. They have loved the paper keyboards... and might enjoy the real thing! Have a great week!

Groundhog Saw His Shadow...

Well... I was going to change my background, and then I heard the weather forecast! I guess we will keep with snow for another week...
This week we have been busy learning lots of new things.
Writing- We will be wrapping up our poetry study next week. Each student is in the process of selecting their favorite poems they have written to edit, revise, and publish.
Math- Our next unit in math will be covering grouping and sharing. (Basic division and multiplication concepts.) In the following week we will also be taking our end of the second trimester assessment. We continue to practice math facts and have began taking weekly timed assessments.
Science- We wrapped up our weather unit this week with a bang. The highlight of the week, by far, was making lightning and thunder! Next week we will be participating in various activities honoring many famous presidents.

Conference confirmation notes went home this week; please let me know as soon as you can if we need to reschedule. I will also be sending home a class list this Friday for Valentines Day! Please feel free to start sending in Valentines for all students beginning Monday. This will allow us to have Valentines distributed into bags before our party on Friday February 12th. Thank you!

Thinking Ahead...
-We will begin to study the continents and maps in March. If you have any artifacts, pictures, or information to share with the class please let me know! (This could be from trips, family heritage,or collected materials.
- Book Fair is next week: February 8-10
- We are looking for any spare stationary (writing materials) to add to our writing center. If you have any fun materials you would like to donate, we would be happy to take them! This could also include extra recipe cards.
- The estimation jar will continue to come home for the next few weeks. Thank you for keeping it full:)

Stay Warm!
Amber Crooker