Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Hello everyone, I promised the kids I would publish a video of their reader's theater performance for you  to view at home.  We messed up a few times (including myself) but we all just laughed at ourselves.  Here is scene 1:

 Here is scene 2:

 

Here is scene 3:

Jeremiah

Hello parents,

I was wondering if anyone would like to take care of our class pet, Jeremiah, the tree frog, over the Christmas break.  He has to be fed a live cricket daily or every other day.  His water needs to be changed daily.  That is about all you have to do.  Most of the kids are capable of taking care of him on their own.  A few of the kids already know how to take care of him and do it regularly in class.  If more than one kid has permission, I will draw a name.  Let me know by leaving a comment on this blog or email me at aelliot@holyspirit-indy.org.  I will check in the morning and then decide at the time.

It is the last week of school and we are busy! The Christmas program is this Wednesday and it coming along beautifully.  Reading logs and spelling activities will still be due this Friday.  And there will be daily math homework as usual. 
2nd grade parents- if you have trouble with tonight's homework, here are some clues.

With 2 tiles, you can only make one rectangle (1x2)
With 3 tiles, you can only make one rectangle (1x3)
With 4 tiles, you can make two rectangles (1x4 or 2x2)

and so on...
If you read the directions, it explains that part of it is mandatory and part is extra for those of you who need a challenge.
Hope that helps!
-Mrs. Elliot

Our class donated enough money to buy the "Little Mommy Walks and Giggles Doll" for St Elizabeth's Home.  I was very inspired by their generosity in giving of their own money!  I know the doll will make some deserving child very happy, and we should feel good about that.

Next Week's Spelling Words
2- good, new, write, our, me
3- paper, hard, near, sentence, better
Challenge- Bethlehem, snowflake, ornament, angels, shepherds

Have a great weekend!

Hello parents,

We have been busy rehearsing for this year's Christmas program, as well as winding down our units for the semester in class.

There is math homework tonight.  I would recommend spending about 20 minutes per night on Aleks in addition to other homework.  The great thing about Aleks is that they work at their own individual level and pace.

Thanks, 
Mrs. Elliot

Sorry- the internet was down yesterday afternoon.

There is math homework tonight.  We are in our unit about geometry and measurement, but there will still be some review over addition and subtraction to keep it fresh.

There is an informational sheet being sent home about the Aleks program.  Some of you already know all about it, but if not, it will walk you through it.

We are still collecting money for St. Elizabeth's home through Friday.  I encouraged each child to try to earn about 4 dollars so will have enough for the "Little Mommy Laugh and Giggles Doll". 

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Spelling Words December 6th-10th

2nd- get, through, back, much, go

3rd- soon, story, since, white, ever

Challenge- Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America

Hello parents,

Remember that reading logs and spelling activities are due tomorrow.  There is a spelling test tomorrow.  2nd graders have a Religion test over Ch. 9.  They should have their chapter reviews with them.  There is math homework again tonight.  Also, for Social Studies, I told them to find out who the mayor is.  Anyone who knows tomorrow morning can get a prize :)

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Scholastic Book Orders

Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GQ2BW

Above is the information for scholastic online ordering. Book fair is going on currently as well, so there are plenty of opportunities to get books/games as Christmas gifts.  Remember, we get free books for the classroom every time you order online and bonus points towards books when you order through the catalog.  Also, the school gets points when you buy at the book fair! 


Have orders turned in or placed online by December 10th, so that you can get your books before break!


Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Hello,
I apologize; the internet has been down the last two afternoons.  There are reading logs and spelling activities due this Friday.  We have begun a new unit in math dealing with two and three dimensional shapes, as well as measurement.  There is math homework every night this week except Friday, as usual.

As part of the school wide service project, our class was assigned to buy a "Little mommy walk and giggles doll".  The children are encouraged to contribute money.  It is very important that they earn the money themselves so that they can learn about sacrifice.  They can do chores or give up allowance etc.  Thanks for your help with this!

-Mrs. Elliot

The new spelling words are:
2nd- called, just, where, most, know

3rd- night, picture, being, study, second

challenge- machine, factory, history, future

The test for this unit will not be until Friday, December 3rd. There will be spelling activities for this unit given out next Monday and due Friday the 3rd. The next reading log is also due on Friday the 3rd.

There is math homework tonight, and 3rd graders have a math assessment tomorrow. There really isn't anything to study; it is just what we have been practicing.

If you have not been on Misi to check grades, please do so, and let me know if you have any problems. I can print and send home to anyone who needs it.

There is no math homework tonight. Several students have not been turning in reading logs and spelling activities. Please make sure to help your student remember to bring these items tomorrow.

Yesterday we did a science experiment. Try asking your child why ducks can swim and chickens cannot. Ducks have adaptations that help them swim. We observed two of them. (webbed feet, and a waterproof oil for their feathers).

Here is another math example for you. (subtraction, 3rd grade level)

171 - 83

Keep the first number together, and break the 2nd number apart.

171 - 70 = 101

101 - 10 = 91

91 - 3 = 88

I broke the 83 into 70, 10, and 3. There are other ways to break it up though. 71, 10, and 2 would have worked well for this problem as well.

Number lines are also very useful to find the difference between two numbers.
Let me know if this is helpful!

Social Studies

As part of our new unit on workers and goods in social studies, and part of our mini economy, the kids are all thinking of a business to start in the classroom. This may be a handmade good such as paintings, crafts, baked goods, or a service such as desk cleaning or homework help. They should just be thinking of ideas.

There is also math homework tonight.

Tonight's Homework + exciting news!

We are lucky enough to have had a smartboard installed in our classroom! This will be a huge benefit to us! The ways we can use this technology are limitless!

There is math and spelling homework tonight!

Don't forget reading logs and spelling activities are due this and every Friday!

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Mass this Friday

Our class is preparing the Mass for this Friday. It is not a whole school Mass, just our class, which is kind of nice. Some of the children have readings or are bringing up the gifts. You are more than welcome to join us for Mass this Friday.

Also, there is math homework tonight.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Science experiment today

Today we did an experiment in science. Ask your child to tell you what opposable thumbs are and why they are imortant to people. We found out that some tasks are very difficult without thumbs!

Also, there is math homework tonight.

Thanks!

-Mrs. Elliot

Homework tonight + Science test Thursday

There is math homework tonight. 2nd grade is working on seeing patterns when skip counting. 3rd grade is working on finding the difference between two numbers using 100 as a landmark on the numberline.

This Thursday there will be a test in Science. It will not be too difficult for them. They took home their notes to study. Some things they need to know are:

The four basic needs of every animal- food, water, shelter, oxygen

Animals' mouths determine what type of food it can eat.

The only animals with wings are bats, birds, and insects. Be able to describe what they all have in common (help them fly) and the differences between them, for example what they are made out of (see notes)

Finally, animals adapt to their environment in order to survive.

Next Week's spelling words

2nd- way, find, use, many, water

3rd- need, far, hand, high, year

Challenge- services, producer, consumer, resources

homework tonight

There is only spelling homework tonight. The spelling test is tomorrow, and reading logs and spelling activities are also due. If you don't have a log, a blank piece of paper is fine, however, there is a tray in the classroom that is always stocked with blank reading logs. Remind your child to pick them up anytime!

Thanks!
-Mrs. Elliot

Math examples "starter problems" (3rd grade level)

To solve 136 + 227

1. start with 100 + 200 = 300 (break both numbers by place value)

then:30 + 20 = 50
6 +7 = 13
300 + 50 + 13 = 363

or

2. start with 136 + 200 = 336 (keep the first number together)

then: 336 + 20 = 356
356 + 7 = 363

or

3. start with 136 + 4 = 140

then: 140 + 20 = 160
160 + 200 = 360
360 + 3 = 363

Which one makes the most sense to you? Try to help your child understand them all and then use the one that makes the most sense to him/her. What do you think about these strategies compared to traditional ones? Feel free to leave comments!

Wednesday's Homework

2nd graders have addition and subtraction story problems tonight. They need to read carefully to know which to do. They may draw pictures to represent the problem or use the "breaking numbers apart". For subtraction, it is easier to keep the first number together and break apart the second number.

Example:

35 - 12

35 - 10 = 25

25- 2 = 23

3rd graders are doing more with addition and using a number line strategy. They should use "landmark numbers" such as multiples of 10 or 100 on their number lines.

Math Help

There are addition problems for homework. I wanted to give some examples of the way we have been solving them in class. The emphasis is on place value.

2 Digit Addition

A strategy we use is "breaking the numbers apart"

For example: 12 + 24

Add the tens first 10 + 20 = 30

Then add the ones 2 + 4 = 6

Add both sums together 30 + 6 = 36

3 Digit Addition

You can use the same strategy "breaking numbers apart"

For example: 327 + 112

Add the hundreds first 300 + 100 = 400

Add the tens next 20 + 10 = 30

Add the ones 7 + 2 = 9

Add all three sums together 400 + 30 + 9 = 439

*You can also use pictures to represent these problems

Next week's spelling words

2nd- its, who, now, people, my

3rd- four, head, above, kind, began

Challenge- feathers, environment, adapt, survive

Thursday's Homework + overdue library books + Halloween party

Math homework
2- pg. 1,2
3- pg. 4,5

Spelling skill sheet tonight!

Activities and logs due tomorrow!

The Halloween party will be on the 27th. That is a half day, therefore, the party will be from 10 to 11:45. All primary grades have the same time. Originally, I gave the room moms the wrong time. Sorry!

Overdue Library Books
The Hiding Place
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Mushy Gushy Valentine, Junie B. Jones

If you have any of these titles please return.

Thanks!

Tuesday's Homework

2nd- pg. 6,7
3rd- pg. 47,48

Math homework tonight

2nd- pg. 21

3rd- pg. 54, 57

Field trip reminder

SECOND AND THIRD GRADE FIELD TRIP REMINDER

WHEN: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2010

WHERE: RUTH LILLY HEALTH ED. CENTER

DRESS: UNIFORM (IF YOUR CHILD HAS GYM THEY ARE TO WEAR THEIR GYM UNIFORM OTHERWISE THEY WEAR THEIR REGULAR UNIFORM)

CHILDREN MUST BRING THEIR LUNCH. WE WILL NOT BE BACK IN TIME FOR THEM TO EAT IN THE CAFÉ. MILK WILL BE AVAILABLE.

PLEASE SEND A SNACK FOR YOUR CHILD TO EAT RIGHT BEFORE WE LEAVE AT 9:30. WE WILL NOT BE EATING LUNCH UNTIL 12:00, WHICH IS A LOT LATER THAN THEY ARE USED TO.

Mrs. Elliot
Mrs. Norman
Ms. O’Neal

Next week's spelling words

Thanks to everyone who turned in the field trip permission slip and money on time. I am missing permission slips and/or money from 6 people.

2nd- no, make, than, first, been

3rd- once, animal, life, enough, took

Challenge- oxygen, shelter, classify, mammals, reptiles

Thursday's Homework

There is a spelling skill sheet tonight.

Math homework:
2nd- 33

3rd- 45,46

Wednesday's Homework + field trip

Math homework:
2nd- pg. 28,29

3rd- pg. 42,43

We will be going to the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center on Thursday, October 14. We will leave school at 9:30 and return at noon. Please send a lunch that day because we will be gone for our normal lunchtime. The cost is $8.00 for each student which includes the bus. We will wear our school uniforms. We will not be taking chaperones. Please sign and return your permission slip and money at your earliest convenience. Thank-you.

Monday's Homework

2nd graders: Please remember to bring your purple Reconciliation book to class tomorrow!

Math homework:
2nd- pg. 12,13
3rd- 32,33

Next week's spelling words

2nd- like, him, see, time, could

3rd- feet, land, side, without, boy

Challenge- mountain, plain, forest, river, natural resource

Scholastic Book Orders

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GQ2BW

Dear Parent,

Now it’s easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child—shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.

It’s so simple! Here’s how it works:

* SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, register by clicking click the “Don’t have a user name or password?” link. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.

* SELECT the books you’d like to order—choose from thousands of titles—many more than in our monthly flyers.

* SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child’s books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?


Thank you,
Mrs. Elliot

Thursday's Homework

There is a spelling skill sheet tonight. This skill will be tested tomorrow along with the spelling words. Activities and reading logs are due tomorrow as well.

Thanks!

Scholastic Book Orders

Just a reminder if you are ordering books this month, have your orders in by Thursday. I will be placing the order at that time. And, if you ordered books, they should be in shortly after that. October catalogs will go home Friday.

Thanks!

Wednesday's Homework

Math homework tonight:
2nd- pg. 5,6
3rd- pg. 28,29

Tuesday's Homework

Hello parents,

2nd graders need to complete pg. 31 in their Reconciliation books this week. The books need to be returned by next Tuesday. Several students did not have their books today. In that case, they need to complete pg. 30 and 31.

Math homework:

2nd pg. 3,4
3rd pg. 19,20

All students read "The Wise Old Woman" in library which may count for 20 minutes on their logs.

Cub scout invitation for all 3rd grade boys

Dear Parents,

Your son is invited to come check out the Bear Cub Scout den that will start next Tuesday October 5^th.  This den will be led by two parents  and will include meetings and field trips.  Some of the activities will include playing games, learning about safety, building things, understanding and caring for our environment and much more!

We understand that families are busy and it’s hard to find time for activities in the evening.  In order to help with the time constraints we will meet after school on Tuesdays until 4:30.  The meetings will start with a snack and then we will move to our fun activity.  Students can be picked up at 4:30 or if needed they can go to aftercare.   

If you have any questions regarding the den please contact Stephanie at 352-1318 or cliffordfamily@sbcglobal.net.

We hope to see you on Tuesday.

Monday's Homework

Hello parents,

Math homework:

2- pg. 1-2

3- pg. 17-18

Thursday's Homework

There is a spelling skill sheet tonight.  The spelling test will be tomorrow, so study, study, study!  Don't forget your weekly reading logs and spelling activities.

Wednesday's Homework

Hello parents,
Math Homework:

2nd- pg. 51,53

3rd- pg. 5,6

Everyone did a great job leading the school in Mass today!

Tuesday's Homework

Math homework:

2nd- pg. 60,61

3rd- pg. 3,4

Remember, our class has prepared tomorrow's Mass.

Monday's Homework

Hello parents,

Reading logs and spelling activities were distributed today. 

Math homework:

2nd- 58,59
3rd- 11,15

Progress Reports

Progress reports are ready to be viewed online.  Let me know if you have any troubles; in that case I can send home paper copies.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Our class is planning Mass

Next Wednesday, the 22nd, our class is preparing the Mass.  Every student has a part.

• Isabel is reading the opening 
• Anna, Maggie, and Chris are doing the 1st reading.
• The petitions will be read by Kimmie, Julian, Kristen, Jacob, Eric, and Delaney
• The gifts will be brought up by Sebastian, Luciemily, and Abby.
• Lexi and Eileen will do a closing prayer.
• Cirilo will present the JOY plate to the class preparing the following week's Mass.

The readers have a copy to practice at home.  It would be a great help if you have them read it aloud to you.

There is a spelling skill sheet tonight.  There is no math homework.

Thanks,
Amanda

Wednesday's Homework

Hello parents,

2nd graders will have a Religion test over chapter 2 tomorrow.

Reminder- all 2nd graders making their 1st Reconciliation have the Rite of Enrollment this Sunday.

Math homework:

2nd- pg. 47, 48

3rd- pg. 59 only

FYI all 2nd and 3rd graders will be going on a field trip to the Ruth Lily Center on Thursday October 14th.  More information to follow.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Tuesday's homework

Hello parents,

2nd graders will have a ch. 2 test in Religion on Thursday.  They should study the chapter review.

Math homework:

2nd- pg. 34,35
3rd- pg. 52 only

Thanks,
Amanda

Monday's Homework

Hello parents,

Spelling Words
2nd- out, them, then, she, many
3rd- often, together, asked, house, don't
Challenge (for students who missed 0-2 words on last test)- pistil, stamens, sepals, petals

Remember to study all words missed on previous tests because they are bound to pop up on another test!

3rd graders will have a test in Religion tomorrow.

I passed out the reading logs and spelling activities for this week.  I apologize for not passing out reading logs last Friday; I realize it would be better to get them out on Fridays!

Math homework:
2nd- pg. 43,46
3rd- pg. 48,50

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

-Amanda Elliot

Thursday's homework

Reading logs are due tomorrow.  If you don't have the full 90 minutes because it was a short week, turn it in anyway, and it will be fine this time.

Spelling activities are due tomorrow.  There is a test tomorrow.  There is also a take home task that focuses on the skill which will be tested tomorrow.

Math-
2nd- pg. 33 only
3rd- pg. 46-47

Colts Blue Tomorrow! Bring $1 to participate!

Have a great day!

-Mrs. Elliot

Wednesday's Homework

Hello parents,

There is math homework tonight.

2nd- pg. 31-32
3rd- pg. 40,43

Remember to study your spelling words.  Any words that we have had could be on Friday's test.

Have a great day!

-Mrs. Elliot

Tuesday's Homework + Reading Log + Picture release forms

Hello parents,

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend.  We are starting a reading log this week.  The students need to read a minimum of 90 minutes per week and record it on the log.  They are also required to write a summary of something they read.  These are due every Friday.

There are spelling activities due Friday.

There is math homework due tomorrow.

I am planning on using this blog to post pictures and or videos of the class for you to view.  If you have not signed a release for this, please contact the office.  I will wait to be sure I have the releases before posting any pictures or videos.

Have a super day!

-Mrs. Elliot

Thursday's Homework

Student Planners- All of the students in my room are receiving planners this year.  They are $5.00 each.  Please send in the money at your earliest convenience. 

Math Homework:
2nd- pg. 25-26

3rd- pg. 20,24

Spelling Homework:
Spelling test tomorrow- study your list of words!
Activities are due tomorrow.
The skill sheet that is being sent home tonight is to prepare for the skill on tomorrow's test.  It is due tomorrow.

Tuesday's Homework

Math Homework

2nd- pg. 33-34

3rd- pg. 19-20

Have a great day!

-Mrs. Elliot

Monday's Homework

There are spelling activities that will go home every Monday.  They are not due until Friday.  Last week, we practiced them all together.  You can use the completed one as a reference, and let me know if you still have questions about it.  Also, there should be a half sheet of paper in the take home folder, listing the words your child needs to study this week.  They are not the same for every child because they are based on Friday's test.  The words are fair game to be on any forthcoming spelling test.  5 words are new, and they are:
2nd- which, their, said, if, do
3rd- below, saw, something, thought, both

Math homework:
2nd- 18
3rd- 25

Have a great day!
-Mrs. Elliot

Scholastic Book Orders

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GQ2BW
Dear Parent,

Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child — and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time!

With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card.

Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.

It's so simple! Here's how it works:

• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
• SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not experience for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with every parent online order.

Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started.


Thank you,
Mrs. Elliot

Mini Economy

There are many benefits to using a mini economy in the classroom.  It covers several math and social studies standards, and it is a great incentive for positive behavior and work ethic.  Here is how it will work:

Daily Salary:  2nd graders will earn $1.00 for each day they come to school.  3rd graders will earn $1.50 per day.  Payday will be on Fridays.

Fines:  The students may be fined $0.25 each time they do not follow a procedure.  They will be fined $0.50 for forgetting homework or choosing not to do in class work.  They may be fined $0.25 for forgetting to put their names on a paper.

Bonuses:  If a child receives a Caught Being Christlike Award from any teacher, he or she will receive a bonus of $2.00.  On their birthdays, they receive a bonus of $5.00.  If they apply and are hired for a classroom job, they receive additional salary. 

Class store:  Each Friday, there will be a classroom store including items such as small toys, candy, or passes (no homework, comfy seat, chew gum, show and tell, etc.).  The students may spend their money or save it.

I accept donations from parents for items to use in the store.  You can get cheap toys or party favors from the dollar store that work great! 

Our year is off to a great start, and your children are all a joy to me :)

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

-Mrs. Elliot

tonight's homework

Tonight's Homework
Math-
2nd- pg. 12
3rd- pg. 17-18

Spelling- Both grades have a practice sheet for a skill we have worked on in class.  This skill will be tested tomorrow on the spelling test.  Make sure your have studied your words for tomorrow!

I also sent home job descriptions and applications.  I do not need those tomorrow; next week is fine.  I will have more information about our mini economy on my next post.

Have a great day!

-Mrs. Elliot

Welcome to our class blog!

Hello parents!

I will be using this blog to post homework assignments and any news or information.  I am sure this will be a great way to communicate with you all at home, and I am so excited!  Feel free to leave comments or questions that I can answer on the blog, but remember everyone will be able to see it :)

Tonight's math homework is:
2nd grade- pg. 11
3rd grade- pg. 14

Reminder: PE days are Tuesdays and Fridays.