I have to admit that it's wonderful to have my class back! We spent the week on a myriad of topics.

Reading:  We are working on identifying the author's purpose for writing.  The children know it's as easy as PIE (persuade, inform or entertain).  We are also seeing our independent reading time increase.  Our daily poetry reading has grown by leaps and bounds.  The children are not only identifying examples of author's craft techniques, they are reading with remarkable fluency and expression.

Math:  The class has begun work on subtraction regrouping.  We have a fun way to act this out involving giant's and terrified villagers.  Ask your child about it.  We also completed the measurement test for Miss Knoblock's unit.

Health:  This is an exciting week!  We demonstrated how food gets digested and then into the blood stream. We demonstrated how the heart pumps and why arteries and veins are necessary (fun!).  We looked at the circulatory system and heart models.  Tomorrow, with Dr. Doyle's much needed expertise and assistance, we will dissect real deer hearts so the students can see and touch!  They are really anticipating it.

Writing:  The students are continuing work on "How-tos".  They are beginning to write essays with paragraphs using notes that we have taken together.  This week's essay is "How to be a Good Second Grader".

I did release the book order.  It should arrive within 2 weeks.
We were sad that James Preller had to cancel his visit.  We were very prepared.  We had read 2 of his books together and composed some questions for him.  We are hoping he will reschedule.

Thank you for all you to to continue to help me help your children.  I couldn't do it without you!