Week Two was Great!

We had a great full week of school! We've been busy establishing routines and getting to know each other. The kids are doing an excellent job. Here are a few things we've been working on and a few things we will be starting next week:

• We started a math mystery where we have to solve math questions to figure out clues to solve a mystery. Next week we will complete 4 more activities, get the 4 final clues and figure out where the missing transponder is. 
• Math - the kids learned some new math games.  
• We got set up on the Chromebooks. The kids accessed our Google Classroom and played a game called Teach Your Monster to Read. They also listened to stories on Bookflix. Next week we will start Typing Club. We will work on building typing skills the first few weeks of grade 2. My goal is to teach them about what home row is and to give them a chance to practice it. 
• We completed our first week of spelling. Next week we will work on our second week. Each week the kids work through activities to practice different spelling patterns. I have the kids divided into 2 levels. 
• We have been building independent reading stamina during Read to Self time. We are up to 9 minutes! This is the time where the kids read silently and I get to read with kids individually. 
• We will start Poetry on Monday. Each Monday morning I give the kids a couple new poems. I send the poetry duotang home. Please ensure the duotangs come back by Thurs or Friday. The kids can practice reading these poems at home. Poetry is a great way to improve expression and fluency. 
• On Monday we will start a mapping unit in Social. Before we begin exploring communities in Canada, we will practice mapping and learn what communities are. 
• We will start literacy centers where the kids will work on reading comprehension with me, word work, listening to reading, writing and independent or buddy reading. 
• On Monday I will send home information about our Home Reading Program. I will also post a Superstar Student schedule on the blog. I'll write more details about this then.

Please ensure that you complete the walking permission form on Powerschool and that your pay for your child's class t-shirt if you haven't already done so. 

That's all for now. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great weekend!