Happy Friday!

FYI...sometimes I start these posts on a day other than Friday...that is why the date does not always coincide with the date of publication...it records the date you begin the post...

So...as luck would have it, I could not escape the stomach bug...there have been about 7 cases (8 including me) over the past week...I got hit with it Wednesday, I was out Thursday, and tried to come back today...the stomach bug part was gone, but around 10am, I realized I should have stayed home...luckily the office was able to find me a sub...and many of you have probably already heard...it was Elaine Janik! For those of you who do not know who she is, she was one of the second grade magnet teachers last year...11 of the kids in our class had her for a teacher! The kids were so cute, they would say, "YAH! Mrs. Janik is coming...oh, sorry you're not feeling well, Mrs. Wills, but YAH, Mrs. Janik is coming!" :-) It was very cute how excited they all were! I hope their afternoon was good...I slept through most of mine!

Our week was full of fun and learning...wait until you hear how much they've accomplished!!

In Math, we are officially leaving division...hip hip hooray! The kids did a neat activity called You Do the Fixin' and I can tell they have a good handle on estimating and dividing..."bye bye, division!" If I sound happy, you're right...I'm ready for GEOMETRY!!

In Science we have been discussing erosion and weathering. They conducted a weathering investigation where they rubbed talc and granite together...a simulation of weathering...a big rock being worn down by forces and turning into smaller rocks. We discussed the physical properties of the "new substance" and made a scientific drawing of the evidence of weathering. Next week we will explore erosion...this will be demonstrated with water and a sand mountain. We will discuss the difference between slow moving water and fast moving water. The kids will also help to simulate wind erosion. Other good news...our worms have arrived...so our composting with decomposers will finally begin!!

In Language Arts we are in the publishing stage of writing our Letters from the White House. The kids used a proofreading checklist to help them edit and revise. They did a very nice job and we went to the computer lab today to begin publishing. You will eventually see the finished product...I promise! We also have been searching for the main idea in our science text books and wrote summary paragraphs this week. The students used color to identify the important parts of their paragraphs before handing them in. I am excited about reading them this weekend. They should be in their take home folders next week. We ALSO began a novel this week. The kids will be reading King of the Wind. We will be exploring story structure and working on comprehension as we read the novel.

An optional science project will be introduced next week. This project will focus on gems and the students will have an opportunity to "show what they know" (or learn) through a summary paragraph, a song, a poem, or by any other suggested means.

As you now know, the kids filled the marble jar this past week. Today we were supposed to celebrate with our Teddy Bear picnic. However...I did not make it until lunchtime...so the kids are to bring their furry friends back to school on Monday...we will picnic then! I am very proud of this group. For the most part, they give me 100% every day...and they deserve a reward!!

EXCITING NEWS...I was informed we have a reader in INDIA!! Welcome, Ashwin's grandfather!! I am very curious how far this blog has spread...anyone else have a relative in another state/country reading our blog? Email me...I think it would be a neat mapping assignment.

Valentine's Day and Silent Auction reminder:
Ms. Kim has sent home paperwork about both the Valentine's Day party and our Silent Auction basket. Please help by emailing her and offering to bring something for our Valentine's Day party and/or by considering making a donation to our silent auction basket. Thank you!

Have a great weekend...stay healthy!!