Room 100 Happenings

Whoosh! I think I just saw the first four months of second grade go by!
Report Cards
I hope you have had time to review your child's report card. Do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions regarding the grades or comments.
Shrek
As you know we are celebrating the reading and writing of fairy tales this week. On Thursday morning we will watch Shrek. In the afternoon we will do some writing about the movie and talking about the characters. We appreciate you supporting this as a fun learning opportunity and we hope you trust us to teach your child how to watch movies as critical thinkers!
Fairy Tales
Most of the students are finishing their fairy tales and the rough drafts are heading home. We will keep the published versions at school a little longer. We want to read them to our Book Buddies but won't have time until after the break. They turned out great! We will have a short celebration of fairy tales on Friday afternoon. Students will be given a fairy tale-themed snack, craft and activity book. It will be relaxed. I do not need volunteers that day, but if you would like to help prepare some of the activities, please let me know.
Homework
There is no reading log or spelling homework this week. I hope this gives you a little extra time to devote to those after school family activities. When we return in January students will participate in a reading incentive program. Details will go home the first week after break. Instead of a regular reading log for 3 weeks, students will have the opportunity to earn a trip to a Six Flags amusement park.
Math
We are starting to work on double digit addition. Students will not immediately learn the traditional algorithm that is most familiar to you. Instead, students will be asked to think about addition in terms of mental math strategies. You will find that you probably add in your head the way they are taught to do it on paper. It will seem unfamiliar at first, but soon you and your child will understand the algorithms and the logic behind them. As you help with homework it is OK to teach your child "the old way" as long as you explain WHY you are doing it, not just how.
Winter Break
If I do not see you before the break, please know that I wish you a restful few weeks. I look forward to seeing all of you next year!