Friday 22 December 2017

December 22, 2017

Responses from the North Pole arrived in the mail today!!  Students were overjoyed to read their letters from the Elves of the North Pole.  Santa was a little busy and unable to reply, but lucky some of his elves had a little spare time to write to each student.  

 

We enjoyed sitting around our fancy table and having a family style brunch.  Thank you to the parents who provided this tasty treat!  


In the afternoon, students enjoyed watching a movie on the big screen in the gym with Mrs. Kloschinsky and Mr. Coffin.
 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday!  See you all in 2018.  

Wednesday 20 December 2017

December 20, 2017

Students have completed their special top secret gifts and will be bringing them home today to place under the Christmas tree.  

It was nice to be back to our normal routines today!  

At the end of each social studies unit, students will create a piece of art that represents the landscape of the community we studied, then at the end of the year, they will combine all three projects into one masterpiece.  Today students created a beautiful lighthouse drawing that will represent Meteghan in their 3 Canadian Community art display.  

We had Chromebook access today, where students learned about the Live Mathletics area of the website.  This is a place that they can practice their basic facts by playing against classmates, people in the school, or other students from around the world.  You can also use Mathletics at home!!

Daily 5 is a favourite in 2D.  Students enjoy engaging with literature and making words.  They are looking forward to learning the last two rotations after the Christmas break.  

Tuesday 19 December 2017

December 19, 2017

2D rocked it today!!  The afternoon and evening Christmas Concert performances were outstanding!  Way to go!  Thank you to all of the moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles who came out to watch; the students loved performing for you!



Students completed their top secret gifts and are excited to wrap them tomorrow and bring them home to place under the tree until Christmas morning.  

Monday 18 December 2017

December 18, 2017

This week is going to be a busy one!  Below is a summary of our week:
Monday:
- Grade 3/4 concert 1:10 & 6:30
- Home reading and word sort come home
Tuesday:
- Grade 1/2 concert 1:10 & 6:30 (dress fancy)
Wednesday:
- PreK/Kinder concert 6:30
- Boks registration due
- Top secret Christmas gift coming home - store it under your tree until Christmas morning
Thursday:
- Return Home Reading bags
- Word Sort test
Friday:
- PJ and Stuffie Day
- Class Christmas brunch & activities AM (Snack Students: Nash, Susanna, Lillia, Jay, details in newsletter)
- School wide movie PM

Friday 15 December 2017

December 15, 2017

We had a great time at our NAX Buddies hockey game today.  Thank you again to the NAX program for providing the busing for this excursion.
Students had a great time cheering for their buddies, eating popcorn!  But the best part was the pride we felt when giving our giant donation to the Madden DeLuca Foundation.  Our donation included: 41 sleepers, 11 hats, 16 books, 22 pairs of socks, 3 blankets and 5 pairs of mittens!  WOW!   The joy of giving radiated today. 

Meteghan day took place this afternoon.  Students worked through three activities related to the learning we have been doing about Meteghan.  Students created clay lighthouses, a magnetic fishing game and tried 3 different foods from the east coast.   

Thursday 14 December 2017

December 14, 2015

Today was a concert-a-palooza!

We Elfed-Ourselves in art!  Check out these adorable little elves!!  They will be on display at the concert next week.

We walked through a couple rehearsals of our Christmas Concert.  It's coming along nicely.  Please be sure your child continues to rehearse their concert song at home.

Little Drummer Boy 
Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum

Our new born King to see,
Pa rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum

To lay before the King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum

So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby
Pa rum pum pum pum

I am a poor boy too,
Pa rum pum pum pum

I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum

That's fit to give our King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum

Shall I play for you
Pa rum pum pum
On my drum.

Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum

I played my drum for Him

Pa rum pum pum

Wednesday 13 December 2017

December 13, 2017

We are hard at work completing our Meteghan unit in Social studies.  Today we talked about jobs that the residents of Meteghan may have.

We also reviewed counting by 2, 5 and 10s forward and backwards!

Reminders:
- Comfy couch tickets are on sale!  Purchase yours now for a chance to have the best seat in the house for our concert! 
- Today is the final day to complete the Powerschool permission form for our trip on Friday.
- We are still collecting baby donations for the Madden DeLuca Foundation.

Tuesday 12 December 2017

December 12, 2017

We had an extra tasty day today!  In the morning, the new RBES smoothie cart was in our room.  Students sampled avocado, then created a smoothie with: orange juice, cranberry juice, yogurt, banana, mixed berries, avocado and spinach.  The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive!  We can't wait for our next smoothie cart day!

In the afternoon, we had Tasty Tuesday.  Students created yummy Grinch Santas.  The most fun part was drawing the faces with melted chocolate.  Thank you to Mrs. McNirney for providing the ingredients for today's treat.   

Monday 11 December 2017

December 11, 2017

Our NAX buddies were here today.  They helped the Grade 2 buddies to use Destiny to choose a Christmas book from the library.  Then the buddies worked together to write letters to Santa, we placed the letters in the mail and are hoping that they make it to the North Pole in time to receive a response from Santa!

In Social, students learned the term, natural resource, and discussed natural resources that are found in the community of Metehgan.  Ask your child how many natural resources they can name. 

In Math, we continued our review of skip counting. Students should be able to count to 100 by 1, 2, 5 and 10.  This is a great skill to practice while driving around or during supper!  

Reminder:
- We are still collecting baby sleeper, blanket, sock, toque and book donations for the Madden DeLuca Foundation.
- Field trip permission for the NAX hockey game must be completed in Powerschool by the 13th.
- Payment for the Canadian Cultural Days is available on Powerschool.  


Friday 8 December 2017

December 8, 2017

Congratulations to Hailey, who was the 2D Student of the Week!

I was away at a meeting today.  Unfortunately, there were some technical difficulties with Spelling City and only some students were able to complete their spelling tests.  This week's test has been omitted.

Have a great weekend! 


Tuesday 5 December 2017

December 5, 2017

Today our silly little elf, North was sitting beside the red door that leads to Santa's Workshop. He looks very comfortable on top of the bulletin board ledge.

In Math, we reviewed counting by 10s.  Students should be able to count by 10s starting at any number (i.e.: 10, 20, 30 40 or 36, 46, 56, 55).  Students made groups of 10 with the goal of organizing 100 items.  We played a game where students could not talk, but had to arrange themselves based on the number card they were given.  They worked amazingly well as a team to correctly order their cards.  

We learned about Father Jean-Mandé Sigogne, a famous Nova Scotian. In his 45 years in the Meteghan region, he helped build nine churches, founded schools and secured major land grants for the Acadian people. 

Reminders:
- There are several permission forms on Powerschool to be completed
- Tomorrow is Early Dismissal
- Thursday is the final day for Devon Christmas Elf donations

Monday 4 December 2017

December 4, 2017

Our class elf, North arrived today.  He brought us elf workbooks and an advent calendar.  We can't wait to see all of the adventures he will go on during his month in 2D.  

Students were very excited to launch their third Daily 5 activity today, Word Work.  In our class, there are 7 different Word Work activities that students can choose from.  Over the next two days, we will be working through the 7 activities in order to become familiar with each one.  Word Work is an opportunity for students to review their Word Wall Words (rainbow words) in a fun and interactive way. 

Thursday 30 November 2017

November 30, 2017

I am delighted to be back in class after battling this horrible seasonal illness for the past few days.

When I was away, students created their lobster traps.  They also made clay lobsters.  

In Math, we reviewed the concept of Greater Than, Less Than and Equal to, using playing cards and symbol cards.  This is an activity you could play at home.  Always remember that the alligator eats the larger number.

Tomorrow is a PD day for teachers.  Have a great long weekend.

Tuesday 21 November 2017

November 21,2017

We love Tasty Tuesday!  Today students made O'Canada cookies.  Thank you to Ms. Gould who donated the ingredients for this tasty afternoon activity.  

In Math we solved math mysteries.  Students did a great job of identifying the missing numbers on number-lines.  

Monday 20 November 2017

November 20, 2017

Today was the first day with our NAX Buddies!  18 students from John Maland's female hockey program joined our class today for the first of several special activities we have planned together this year.  
Students began by learning shooting, passing and stick handling skills from their NAX buddies, then the Grade 2s confidently challenged their NAX buddies to a floor hockey game.  After our ice breaker, we came back to class and each buddy group came up with a name, logo and jersey for their duo.  It was a wonderful morning of community building!

We began our second Daily 5 activity, Read to Someone, today.  Students learned how to hunt for a buddy, sit E-E-K-K and use thumbs as bookmarks.  Why do we use the Read to Someone strategy in our classroom?  Daily 5 website says, "Of all the choices children participate in, Read to Someone is often their favorite.  Reading with someone helps readers, especially developing readers, increase areas of comprehension, accuracy, fluency and prosidy.  It also increases reading involvement, attention and collaboration. What's more, children love partner reading and readily participate with books of their choosing." (https://www.thedailycafe.com/daily-5/read-to-someone)

Reminder:
- Paint Day will be held on December 3.  You can reserve your child's spot by registering in Powerschool.  

Friday 10 November 2017

November 10, 2017

Today we participated in the RBES Remembrance Day assembly. 

In Social Studies, we learned a little more about the community of Meteghan.  Students made a list of things they hope to learn or explore while we are visiting Meteghan.  They also completed their passport application.  Looks like we're ready to fly next week!

We great a great story, Even Steven and Odd Todd, today which reinforced the concepts of even and odd numbers.  This is a curricular objective that we cover daily as part of our morning calendar, but one that we focused on intently today.  

Reminder: 
- Tonight is Family Movie Night!
- There is no school on Monday.  


Thursday 9 November 2017

November 9, 2017

In class, we discussed our Remembrance Day assembly tomorrow and created a beautiful Remembrance Day art painting.  We also read a powerful story, called The Highway Of Heroes by Kathy Stinson; we talked about soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.   Tomorrow during our moments of silence, we will think of those who served and returned home to their families and also those who sadly, did not.  Please remind your child to wear their fancy attire tomorrow for the assembly.  If your child is in Scouts, Sparks, Brownies or Cadets, they are invited to wear their uniforms.  

As part of the Postcards for Peace project initiated by Veterans Affairs, we created postcards and wrote letters to Veterans.  I will be mailing these thoughtful wishes to veterans across the province. 

Tuesday 7 November 2017

November 7, 2017

We love Veggie Grazing!  Here is a photo of today's grazers.

Today students chose books for their Daily 5 bags (4 books from their reading level and 1 interest book).  They worked to build Read to Self stamina and I am proud to say they made it to 3 minutes, 56 seconds!

In the afternoon, we talked about communities.  What is a community?  What community do we live in?  What makes communities unique? 

Reminders:
- Tomorrow is Early Dismissal
- Parent Council (7:00) and Fundraising (6:00) meetings tomorrow
- Dress fancy for the Remembrance Day assembly on Friday 
- Card Orders are due on Friday
- Family Movie Night is Friday, tickets are on sale in the school foyer

Monday 6 November 2017

November 6, 2017

Today was our first day of Daily 5.  Students learned about our gathering place, the carpet bell and 3 ways to read a book (read the words, read the pictures, retell the story).  Students successfully completed one minute of Read to Self!  


The Daily 5™ is a framework for structuring literacy time so students develop lifelong habits of reading, writing, and working independently.

How does it work?
Students select from five authentic reading and writing choices, working independently toward personalized goals, while the teacher meets individual needs through whole-group and small-group instruction, as well as one-on-one conferring. These choices include
  • Read to Self,
  • Work on Writing,
  • Read to Someone,
  • Listen to Reading, and
  • Word Work. 
Daily 5 classrooms produce productive, highly engaged students who are developing a true love of literacy. 
The benefits of The Daily 5 for teachers and schools include the following:
  • students develop independence, stamina, and accountability;
  • less time consumed by classroom management leaves more for instruction;
  • the framework adapts flawlessly to district-adopted curriculums and state mandates;
  • improves schoolwide literacy achievement; and
  • behaviors of independence transfer to other content areas.
Quoted from https://www.thedailycafe.com/daily-5

In Library, Mrs. Caudron took students on a tour of the library.  She taught them what types of book are in each section of the library and also how to find call numbers on the spines of the books.


A media release note came home today regarding our NAX buddies from John Maland High School.  Please contact me via email if you have any questions, otherwise, it is appreciated if you can return it tomorrow.  

Friday 3 November 2017

November 3, 2017

Congratulations to Sabastion, who was the 2D Student of the Week!


The Grade 2s looked smashing in their Class Shirts!  They will be wearing them at all assemblies and on all field trips this year, then bringing them home on the last day of school.

Students worked incredibly hard today to complete their reindeer art.  They created these masterpieces on large paper, but they will be shrunk down onto cards for the Christmas Card fundraisers.  I sent home a photo of your child with their art and an order form today.  If you wish to order, please return the blue order form, along with cash or cheque by November 10, 2017.


Thank you to all of the amazing 2D parents, who have been supporting the reading and word programs we are using.  It is wonderful to see everyone's reading logs and rainbow rings filling up quickly.  The hard work you are putting into supporting your children as they build these foundational skills will pay off as they become voracious readers and writers!

A reminder that Family Movie night is on November 10th.  Tickets are on sale now!

Thursday 2 November 2017

November 2, 2017

It is typically challenging to come back after the Halloween PD, but we rocked it today in 2D!  Students wrote amazing stories about their Halloween night:  we used a web to brainstorm topics to include and they wrote an introduction sentence, three detail sentences and then a concluding sentence.  Way to go!  

It was a new month for our morning calendar and students learned how to use their knuckles to determine if a month has 30 or 31 days.  It's a fun trick and I encouraged them to share it with you tonight. 

In the afternoon, students began their art project for the Parent Council Christmas Card fundraiser.  They were focused and hard at work when we had a Hold and Secure and Lock Down drill.  Although these drills can be scary, they all handled themselves with courage.  We will take some time tomorrow to complete the art projects.

Remember that tomorrow is a Word Sort Test and all Home Reading should be returned.



Tuesday 31 October 2017

October 31, 2017

Have a safe and happy Halloween from the RBES staff and 2D Students!!



In the morning, 2D students created stories about a monster, in the afternoon, we read these stories to 1N.  Your child is bringing home his/her story tonight and is excited to read it to you also!

Our afternoon was filled with Halloween themed stations.  Thank you to the parents of: Anna, Wyatt, Wyett and Sashli, who provided the snack for our Halloween afternoon.


Reminder: Tomorrow is a PD day, there is no school.

Friday 27 October 2017

Wednesday 25 October 2017

October 25, 2017

Music with Mrs. Stanski is fun beyond words!  Today students created drawings based on the spooky music they were listening to.  

Students enjoyed visiting Mrs. Caudron at the book fair last Monday.  The book fair is open tonight during Parent Teacher Conferences, be sure to stop in and check out the awesome books on sale!

I look forward to meeting with all 2D families this evening.  See you later tonight.

Tuesday 24 October 2017

October 24, 2017

In science today, we talked about waterproofing and explored which materials would make a good waterproofer and which would not.  Students worked in pairs to "STOP THE LEAK".  After testing all of their containers, we learned that fabric and paper do not make good waterproofers.

In Gym, students worked cooperatively with their peers playing Cross the River.  The game was made more challenging when Mrs. Mullen asked them to go from their riverbank, across the river and then back again!  What amazing teamwork.  

Students completed their first Words Their Way in-class activity.  Every Tuesday, the will be asked to Draw and Label their sort.  I am always amazed by the artistic abilities of the students in our class.  

Monday 23 October 2017

October 23, 2017

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Delbridge to 2D!  We are also sad to bid farewell to Mrs. Ostonal, who is on a leave, and Mrs. Mruk, who has gone back to her Grade 4 placement.  We will miss having you both in our class.

In science, students completed an absorbancy experiment where they learned the terms, absorb and repel.  This liquids unit is full of fun exploration.  I challenge you to find one material in your home that absorbs and another that does not absorb.  You can write the findings in your child's agenda for them to share with the class.

Today was our first day of Words Their Way!  Students practiced cutting the sort (border, strips, rectangles).  Student understanding of the spelling pattern will be evaluated through use in their daily writing and a weekly assessment.  Students are encouraged to work with their sort at home nighty (this should be a short 5 minutes task).  There are complete details on the program on the Words Their Way page of our blog.  This is a great program, have fun with it!!  

Thursday 19 October 2017

October 19, 2017

I am not sure who was more excited today, me or the students!?!??!  We had an awesome time at Fred Penner!  It is unbelievable to think that at 70 years old, he can still bring that much energy and excitement into a room; he is a true Canadian legend.

Today was our first experience with the Chromebooks.  It was a very gentle introduction, but students are excited to practice logging in and also testing out Grade 2 Mathletics next week!  

Reminders: 
- There is no school tomorrow, as it is a PD Day.
- If your child did not return his/her home reading today, please do so on Monday.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

October 18, 2017

It was great to be back today!!  Since I was absent yesterday, we had Tasty Tuesday (Wednesday) today!!  Students enjoyed making Spider Pudding Pie.  Thank you to Mrs. Spurgeon for providing the ingredients for this tasty treat! 


In Science, we talked about drying clothes.  Students brainstormed some great ways we could try, including: placing it in a bag, leave it on the floor or roll it in a towel.  We conducted an experiment and the most effective of these strategies was to place it on a clothesline, followed closely by wrapping it in the towel.  We also talked about ways you could dry your clothes at home: fan, dryer, sunshine, etc.  In summary, 2D students are now capable laundry masters and are excited to come home and help with the drying of clothes! 

Reminder that tomorrow is the school-wide field trip to Fred Penner!  We can't wait to hear him sing our class favourites: The Cat Came Back, Bienvenue and Puff the Magic Dragon!   Please ensure your child's permission for this trip is completed in Powerschool today. 

Friday 13 October 2017

October 13, 2017

Congratulations to Lillia, who was the 2D Student of the Week!

Today we turned a solid into a liquid and then back into a solid!  After tasting this delicious treat, we discovered that our mystery solid/liquid/solid was JELL-O!!  


Have a fabulous weekend.  :-)

Thursday 12 October 2017

October 12, 2017

We have been writing about our zones of regulation in Language Arts. Students have created beautiful guided drawings and corresponding writings to go along with them.  Ask your child about the four Zones of Regulation.  This is a concept that can be used at home also to assist your child with expressing his/her emotions. 

Reminder that tomorrow is assembly in the morning, parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Also, home reading, word rings and red bags are to be returned to school every Friday.

Wednesday 11 October 2017

October 11, 2017

Today we continued using our number-lines to extend number patterns.   Students came to an awesome realization today.  This task was simply skip counting by a pre-determined number!!  It is exciting to watch as students make connections between new and old concepts!

Start your engines!  In science, four liquids took to the race track: corn syrup, dish soap, oil and molasses!  It was a quick finish for the oil, but the molasses and corn syrup really battled for third place.  In the end, many students were surprised by the results! 
1st Place: oil
2nd Place: dish soap
3rd Place: molasses
4th Place: corn syrup

Tuesday 10 October 2017

October 10, 2017

Today students used the number-line to help them solve number patterns.  They first had to identify two numbers on the number line (i.e.: 4, 6), then calculate the number of jumps between the numbers (i.e.: +2).  We would use that rule to solve for subsequent numbers in the pattern (i.e.: 4, 6, 8, 10).

In science we explored four liquids.  Using their senses of smell, touch and sight, students attempted to identify mystery liquids A (vinegar), B (dish soap), C (cooking oil) and D (molasses).  

I had noted on the website and newsletter that Words their Way would begin today.  However, this week and next being short weeks, I have have decided to hold off.  It is important for the structure of the program that we launch it on a full week, so Words their Way will commence on October 23rd.

Friday 6 October 2017

October 6, 2017

Congratulations to Nash, who was the 2D Students of the Week!


Have a fabulous Thanksgiving!  I look forward to hearing all about your exciting long weekend adventures on Monday! 


Thursday 5 October 2017

October 5, 2017

Students had a fabulous time this morning meeting their Grade 2 and Grade 4 buddies.  We are partnered with Mrs. Suter and Mr. Van Huis's classes and we can't wait to spend more time with them!

I was away this afternoon at a district-wide Grade 2 Curriculum Mapping PD session.  It was a fabulous opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the district while strengthening our knowledge of Social Studies curriculum organization and implementation.   

Reminders: 
- Tomorrow is our weekly assembly.
- Return home reading bags containing: books, logs and word rings tomorrow.




Wednesday 4 October 2017

October 4, 2017

Students have been working hard to transfer their knowledge of +/-0 and +/-1 into long-term memory for quick, rote recall.  Working on these strategies at home will help to strengthen your child's rote recall of their basic facts.  Additional information about basic facts can be found on Basic Fact Strategies and Basic Fact Games tabs of our website.  

In Science, students continued their exploration of liquids by using medicine droppers to see how many water drops they could pile on a penny.  Through this experiment, students learned that water has a high surface tension.