Computer Time

Today we went to the computer lab and started our XTRAMATH journey.  The children took their online placement tests and should be playing at the right level for them.  Hopefully, you received your instructions on how to set up XTRAMATH at home.  XTRAMATH is a timed math program that progresses in difficulty as children master facts.  After addition, it moves onto subtraction, then multiplication and even division for those who are up for the challenge.  It's important that you sign up correctly because your child can earn certificates and get credit from the reports the program generates for me.  One of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for math is to memorize math facts up to twenty.  This program will certainly help do that. 

Spellingcity is another fun site.  This one is for practicing our spelling words.  Search for POTAMIS in the search teacher window and our lists are there for you to explore.  The links to both spellingcity and xtramath are right on this page under links for easy access.

Reminder: Wednesday is an early release day.  Dismissal is at 12:30.  Thursday is OPEN HOUSE NIGHT from 6-8.  Please make every effort to attend.  I have so much to share. 

Big Week

Well it really isn't a big week but it IS the first full week of school and we are jumping right into it.  Hopefully we all make it through.  Today we started in on some of our reading and workbooks.  I can't remind you enough to READ with your children EVERY NIGHT.  I'm telling you, it will make a WORLD of difference.  We also went to the computer room.  We had a firedrill and worked on cool posters that we will hang out in the hall for all to view on back to school night, which is next Thursday, Sept. 20th from 6-8.  Don't forget to mark your calendars.  Wednesday, we have gym and this Thursday, the Woburn Police Department will be presenting a program on bicycle safety to the first and second graders.  BUSY BUSY BUSY

Here's a little something that made me smile from last week.  The children were asked to write what they were most looking forward to this year.  Some wrote recess, others wrote math (yippee).  There were two that had me giggling.  One student was looking forward to the last day of school (can't blame him) another was looking forward to third grade.  Apparently, that student can't wait to get out.  hee hee

First Day

Phew! We all survived. It was a great day! We played a get to know each other game. We had to ask classmates questions and they put their initials on our sheet if it matched them. Apparently, I was the the only one who wears glasses so I got to fill out that square on everyone's paper.  We played an I Have, Who Has game to see how much we knew about the school.  We then read a book titled First Day Jitters.  Ask your child about the surprise ending. We talked about things that may have made us nervous before school started and even wrote about a few of them.  I told them I was afraid the children would be mean.  We had recess that EVERYONE thought was much shorter than last year (it wasn't).  The students wrote a bit about themselves and what they enjoyed this summer.  We even had a practice fire drill.  Our classroom had to double as the lunch room today because of elections.  It was a fun day. Hopefully everyone is willing to come back tomorrow because we have GYM (always a class favorite) so please wear appropriate shoes.

Help Wanted

Today was the first "official" working day for teachers. I'm exhausted but pretty close to being ready for the children to start on Thursday. I hope they are excited.

I could use a little help. I would appreciate if someone was willing to do some cutting out at home. It's not a lot, I promise. Just some game cards I laminated. I also would love if someone would be willing to tape up some notebook covers, about 6 of them. I know that sounds weird but it's another easy task. Don't need any of it back until Monday. Please shoot me an email if you are interested. On back to school night I'll be doing some more recruiting so get ready.

Getting ready!!

I've been a busy bee. I've spent a few days this week setting up our classroom and preparing for the first 2 days of school. I knew I would be unable to get into school next week so I HAD to do it this week. I still have A LOT to do but I'm feeling on top of things. Here are some pictures of what's been going on.

SHOPPING

DECORATING

SETTING UP

I think i might rearrange the desks into groups of four. What do you think?

***Remember to follow this blog to get up-to-date info about what's happening in your child's class.

Where is summer going?

Starting to panic that summer is slipping away!!  YIKES

Class lists

Class lists are out. Very exciting!