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Judy’s Room – November 28, 2011

Our last couple of weeks…

We are energized with so many things going on. Check out the list below.

• Our bird quilt is almost complete thanks to Paula’s hard work. It is stunning. Stay tuned for when you can buy a raffle ticket and be the lucky winner! (Proceeds going to S. Vermont Natural History Museum).
• We have begun practice for our holiday play, “The Quiltmaker’s Gift”. Parts have been chosen and music has been decided. If your child has a speaking part, s/he will be bringing home a script to practice their lines.
• Our bird research project is underway. Ask your child about it!
• Besides our bird quilt raffle ticket sales, we are planning on another fundraiser to help the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. We will be offering a whole-school lunch on December 20th. More information coming soon!
• Did I also mention that reading and math classes are still happening in the midst of all this excitement?
• I’m sure you have already heard about the owl pellet activity – most exciting! We have groups of children seeking out pellets in the woods during recess. Just love it!

Spelling officially begins this week. Your child will be bringing home a new list every week to practice. I have attached a list of games/activities that you can do with your child. Pick the ones that work for you.

A new math packet for olders is going home on Tuesday. Your child has two weeks to complete it!

More questions to ask…

• What is the play about? What are the different parts?
• What was the second quiltmaker story about?
• What strategies are you learning in reading group?
• Tell me about “Just Write” time. What are you doing at that time?
• Who was Mona Lisa? (Check out the photos in the hall!)
• What activities have you done so far for your research?
• What’s the best part of recess? What’s the hardest part?
• What is something new you learned about Madison, our first V.I.P.?
• What did you learn about V.I.P. Phoenix?

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend!

 

Judy’s Room – November 14, 2011

Last week…

Bird research has begun on either bald eagles, owls or geese migration. Ask your child which one they are working on. Students met in small groups and brainstormed on what they already know. We will be gathering information, writing a report and working on a special art activity connected to their bird.

Paula Lavender-Kelly continues to work with students on our quilt project. They have sewn their square with her guidance and this week we will begin to put the whole piece together. It is looking beautiful!

In math, older students are working on doubling math games – 3+3, 4+4, etc. and practicing strategies to learn these facts. Ask them about “Double It”, “Double Arrays” and “The Magic Pot”. Younger math students continue to practice counting up and back from different places on the number line. They have also been making books with peas and carrots – ask them about it!

Reading groups are busy! Older students continue learning spelling routines. Spelling will officially begin the week after Thanksgiving.

 Our last poetry class was on Friday. Students will share one of their poems on Monday, November 21^st at 1:45. You are invited!

 Paula L-K needs more embroidery hoops (6”-8”) for sewing the quilt. If you have one we can borrow, please send it in – Thanks!

 I will be attending a two-day workshop on Six Traits of Writing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Carol Brooke de-Bock will be subbing.

Here are some questions for more news…

• What games are you playing in P.E.?
• What part do you have in the play?
• What words are you adding to your ABC book?
• What songs are you singing in music?
• What did you do in tech with Pam?
• What are you putting in your frame? Who is Mona Lisa?

This is Courtney’s “solo week” in the class. She will be taking the helm as “head teacher”. She is so excited to have this experience with this great class!

Have a great week!

Judy’s Room – November 7, 2011

Last week…

Paula Lavender-Kelly is working hard with students designing and sewing their quilt squares. Last week she worked in small groups guiding the students on the sewing machine. It’s going to be a beautiful quilt! Speaking of quilts, first and second graders will begin work on our holiday play, based on The Quiltmaker’s Gift. Roles will be decided and Charlene will collaborate with Charelene.

Our third poetry class took place on Friday at Ann’s studio. Many thanks to Sandy, Vanessa, Haley and Jenny for helping out! The last poetry class is on Friday. You are invited to a poetry reading on Monday, November 21 at 1:45. Students will choose one poem to share at the reading.

All School Sing was rocking out on Friday with a variety of treats. Camilla, Amalia and Zinabu played the violin beautifully and Phoenix L-K sang an original. Ask about Wes and Calvin’s song. Such talent!

“Just Write” time has begun! Students listed all the ways people write: Poems, lists, songs, stories, science journaling to name a few. They then went off to just write on their own. Ask your child about Rosie’s Walk. Also, what did they write about?

Math Homework for Olders…

A math practice packet is going home today. Please help your child with directions. You can also spend time talking about strategies they use. Due date is Friday, November 22 but you can return it beforehand when finished.

Ask these questions for more information…

• Who is our first V.I.P.?
• What kind of math problems are you solving?
• Tell me about the quilting squares you are working on.
• Did you like sewing using the machine?
• What did you write a poem about?
• What kinds of activities did you do on Halloween?
• Who did you read with in David’s class?
• What did you read in library? What did you do in tech?

Enjoy this beautiful week!

Judy and Courtney

 

Judy’s Room  October 31, 2011

Last week…

Our second round of poetry classes took place this week. Many thanks to Haley, Jenny and Suzanne for helping out! We are still hoping to fill a few more times: November 4 – morning time and November 11 morning and afternoon. Please let me know if you can help.

Paula Lavender-Kelly has become our artist in residence! Judy and Jen’s rooms were a flurry of fabric design activities on Tuesday afternoon: marbleizing, painting, stenciling, and drawing. All of these fabric designs will be used to create a quilt with a bird theme that we hope to raffle off for a good cause. What is that cause? Students listed all the possibilities and, with a lot of discussion, we finally whittled it down. We are happy to help the Hogback Museum in the construction of a new home for injured bald eagles. Many thanks to Paula for her time and all of creative energy she is spending on this project. More news to come as this project gets underway.

Ask these questions for more news…

What did you write a poem about?

• What was your favorite fabric activity?
• Who did you make a card for? What kind of card was it?
• Tell me about the Quiltmaker’s Gift? What other quilt story did we read?
• How do you play “Close to 20”? (olders)
• What are math facts or math combinations? What do you do with the practice cards?
• What are you adding to your ABC book?

WINTER WEATHER!!!

Yikes! Can you believe this weather? Please send your child to school well equipped for cold weather! That means snow pants, mittens, gloves, hat, boots and warm jacket. We do have some extra gloves and mittens but they go quickly. If you have any old winter clothing items to donate, please bring them in and we will add them to the box. Thanks!

V.I.P. Our first V.I.P. will be chosen for next week!

Stay warm!

Judy and Courtney

 

 

Judy’s Room – October 24, 2011

Last week…

It was a pleasure meeting with you on conference day. It’s a valuable time to reflect about how your child is adjusting to school – your insights are most helpful! If you have not signed up yet, please give me a call to find a time that works best for you.

Our biggest highlight of the short week was our visit to the Hogback Museum. Every time I visit there, I’m amazed at the variety of Vermont wildlife that we can see close up. The students were in awe. A scavenger hunt helped them to focus on specific characteristics of birds. We were also able to meet several live raptors living at the center. Many thanks to Mike Clough for hosting our trip.

Poetry classes have begun at Ann’s studio and will continue over the next three Fridays. At the end of the classes you will be invited to a poetry reading. We’ll keep you posted on the date.

Ask your child the following questions for more information…

• What was the highlight of your museum trip?
• What live birds did you meet? Why are they at the museum?
• What kinds of owls were on display?
• What other kinds of wild life did you see?
• Were all of the birds native to Vermont?
• How do birds’ feet help to tell you more about the bird? Beaks?
• What was your poem about?
• Tell me about the Pale Male story.
• What other bird stories did you listen to?
• What are you reading/doing in your reading group?

HALLOWEEN…

The school will be celebrating Halloween on Monday, October 31 at a special All School Sing. You are invited! Students should come to school dressed in costume. When “sing” is over, costumes will come off and our day will hopefully be as usual! We’re hoping to have a little treat at the end of the day. There will be no All School Sing on Friday.

Have a great week!

Judy and Courtney

Judy’s Class – October 17, 2011

Last week…

Two big highlights last week kept everyone’s energy high! Fall Fiesta was fantastic with well-organized games and activities led by the Junior High students. They did a great job. The final whole school “Beanie Baby Rescue” game was a blast, especially when the teachers joined in! Mike Clough, our local bird expert, brought in a variety of feathers, wings and bird feet for observation. Mike talked a lot about a bird’s habitat and adaptations. The highlight, however, were the two live birds – a screech owl and small falcon. Pretty amazing to see up close! On Wednesday afternoon, we will be heading to the Hogback museum for a bird walk and museum scavenger hunt.

Reading groups are going well. Students are learning routines and how to go about their work independently and quietly (ask about Mr. Shhhhircle). On Monday, older students generated a list of words with the short a sound. They then chose six words from the list for spelling activities. Over the next several weeks, students will be introduced to a variety of spelling activities that they will be doing during reading/word work time. The process is slow and deliberate to ensure competence and independence.

We are finishing up math assessments. Students have been introduced to a variety of games, math activities and a math packet for practice. Ask your child about “Collect $ .25”, “Add 1 or 2 Bingo”, “The Number of the Day”, “Enough for the Class?” (olders), and “Make 10”, “Mystery Box”, and “Collect 20” (youngers).

More questions…

• What was your favorite Fall Fiesta game?
• What are some interesting facts that Mike Cough talked about? Why are bird’s feet and beak shapes and sizes important? What did you learn about the live birds?
• What did you observe and draw in your science journal on Friday?
• What did you eat for a treat in Spanish? How do you say apple in Spanish?

I am looking forward to meeting with you on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday for Parent conferences. Please bring your questions!

Reminders…

• No school on Friday, Oct. 21
• Poetry classes begin on Monday. Many thanks to all of the parents who are helping out at the studio.

Have a great week!

Judy and Courtney

 

 

Judy’s Room – October 10, 2011

Last week…

The biggest highlight of the week was certainly apple picking at Green Mountain Orchard. What a trip! Students got to see how apple cider is made, tried out the press, went for a long apple picking walk with stops along the way to pick blueberries and pumpkins. We also met a couple of very cute horses too! Then there was the tractor ride through the orchards and let’s not forget the delicious cider and homemade donuts. It was a perfect fall day. Many thanks to Suzanne R., Gretchen and Leah for joining us.

We have officially begun reading groups. Last week we focused on routines and expectations in the small groups and what to do when working independently. Students have a language planner checklist to help guide them through their work. Over time, students will be focusing on word work and spelling activities during their independent work time. With a little guidance it is clear that this group will become capable and independent workers once they are familiarized with the routines.

Spelling

This week older students will begin spelling routines (no homework yet!). The spelling words are usually from a list generated by the students – often a word pattern or spelling rule. They then choose words from the list that best suits their level. This is done with guidance and teacher approval. They also will choose from a list of most commonly used words. Once these routines are down, students will bring a list home along with games and activities that you can play with your child.

Violin Homework

I have changed the violin homework sheet because violins go home on Friday and are returned on Wednesday. Five or ten minutes a day on the weekend would be great. You might think of picking a specific time of day to routinely practice: while getting ready for dinner, etc. Whatever works for you!

Ask your child these questions for more info…

• What did you do in your bird theme groups?
• What are you adding to your ABC books?
• Who is in your reading group? What did you read? How did it go?
• What was the apple-tasting graph all about?
• What was your favorite apple?
• What did you learn in P.E.? Spanish? Rhythms? Violin?

Events coming up and reminders…

• Tuesday, Oct 11 – Fall Fiesta – Multiage activities starting at 12:30. YOU ARE  WELCOME TO JOIN US!
• POETRY – Oct 17, 28, Nov. 4, 11 – If you would like to help out at Ann’s studio please let us know. We are still looking for helpers some morning and afternoon times.
• We have received a couple of binoculars to use on our Oct. 19^th museum trip (THANKS!). We are still hoping for a few more.
• PARENT CONFERENCES – Oct. 20 – Call Gail to sign up.
• V.I.P. will be starting up soon. A folder will go home with pertinent information when your child is chosen. You will have a week to prepare.

 Enjoy this beautiful weather!   Judy and Courtney

Judy’s Room – October 3, 2011

Last week…

Our week began with a great hike up to the tower on Hogback. Although it was a tough incline for some, everyone made it to the top. Many students chose to climb the tower for a breathtaking view. Some kids chose to stay at the bottom while others made it half way. Many made it to the top for the first time!  Erica and I were talking about the value of planning multi grade trips. By this time of the year, most students have met most students from the other classrooms with buddy reading with David and Matt’s class, trips, field day, and lunch in different classes – all great examples of multiage groupings. This is especially wonderful for new students. There are more trips and activities planned! On Fridays we seem to be getting into the “groove” of scientific observations – feathers and mushrooms so far. The class I took on Thursday afternoon and Friday was all about getting outside – a great inspiration for me. Ask your child the following questions for more information from them.

• What was the problem you solved in math called “Enough for the Class?” (olders)
• How do you play “Make 10”? (olders)
• How do you play the math dot game? (youngers)
• What words and pictures are you adding to your ABC book?
• What was your favorite part of the hike? Who was your buddy?
• What story did Mr. H share with you?
• What are some Spanish words or song you have learned?
• What did Emily read to you on Friday? What was your writing about?
• What games are you playing in P.E.? What are you learning in violin?
• What did Pam read to you in library?
• What is Mr. H lunch?

CHANGE – Our first poetry class will be on Oct. 21^st, not Oct 17^th.

Coming up…

Wed. Oct 5 – Green Mountain Orchard – leave at 8:30, return 11:30

(Dress appropriately for apple picking and hay ride!)

Tues Oct 11 – Field Day (multiage activities in the afternoon)

Wed Oct 12 – Mike Clough bird presentation in Judy’s room in the afternoon

Wed Oct 20 – Hogback museum and bird walk 12:45-2:30 (We’re still looking for binoculars to borrow on that day.)

Thurs. Oct 21 – parent-teacher conferences – There will be a sign up sheet in the office for 30 minute slots.

Homework

A homework sheet is attached for reading and violin. Do what you can (no pressure!) and return the sheet on Friday.

Reminder: Reading means your child reading to you or you reading to your child. Use discretion! If your child is tired you can take turns or read to them. If your child is not reading yet, read to them. If you need books you can use the library or check in with me.

Have a great week!
Judy and Courtney

 

 

Home Reading Log

 

Name__________________________                           Week of _____________

 

Please fill in the form and return on Friday. Enjoy!

Monday   Circle what you did.

 

I read to my child            My child read to me          We didn’t have time!

 

We read ______________________________________________

 

Tuesday   Circle what you did.

 

I read to my child                  My child read to me                  We didn’t have time!

 

We read _______________________________________________

 

Wednesday  Circle what you did.

 

I read to my child                  My child read to me                  We didn’t have time!

 

Thursday   Circle what you did.

 

I read to my child                  My child read to me                  We didn’t have time!

 

COMMENTS: How did it go? What did you notice? Etc.

 

_________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

VIOLIN PRACTICE (5-10 minutes)

How many minutes did you practice? (Leave blank if you didn’t have time.)

Monday _________

 

Tuesday _________

 

Wednesday _________

 

Thursday __________

 

P.S. You can practice on the weekend too!

 

Judy’s Room   September 26, 2011

Last week…

Although we had several kids out last week, it is really beginning to feel like a class buzzing with activity and focus. Math classes have begun and our theme groups are meeting. Reading assessments are just about complete and we hope to start some reading groups next week even though our schedule will be a little crazy: no school on Wednesday (teacher inservice day), Judy and Jen out on Tuesday because of a district meeting, and Judy out on Friday for a professional day. Whew! Courtney will sub on Tuesday and Emily Martyn (Ellen’s daughter) will sub on Friday. We also have some trips coming up that are mentioned below. Ask the following questions for more news…

• What family activity did you do with the class?
• Tell me about your theme groups (beaks, science journal, sorting).
• How do you play the game Collect 20? Dice Tally Roll? (youngers)
• How do you tell time by the hour? Which hand is the hour hand? Minute hand? (olders)
• What do you do in your pattern booklet? How do you play the “monster squeeze”? (olders)
• Who did you make a card for? (Road crew)
• What did you do for “pocket day”?
• Tell me about your feather observation.
• Did you like singing Apple Pickers Reel at all school sing?

 Below is a list of reminders or trips coming up!

Monday, September 26^th–hike up Hogback (Rain date Oct 7) Leave 9:00 Return 12:30

Monday, October 3^rd – picture day

Wednesday morning, October 5^th – Judy/Jen’s class to Scott’s Farm for apple picking

Wednesday, October 12^th – Mike Clough bird presentation in the class

Monday – morning and afternoon, October 17^th – Poetry classes begin (at Ann’s studio)

Wednesday afternoon, October 19^th – Judy/Jen’s class to Hogback Museum for bird activities and bird walk

Thursday, October 20^th – Parent-teacher conferences

Friday, October 21^st – NO SCHOOL

We are looking for…

*    Donations of old sneakers in good shape for kids who don’t have them for PE class

*     Bird nests for observations

*    Binoculars to borrow on October 19^th when we visit Hogback Museum

 Homework in Judy’s room…

I have already received many requests for homework from students! Yes, it will come. This is a heads up about what to expect…

• Students will receive a reading log to take home on Monday. Your child should read to you for about 10 minutes every night. It counts if you read to your child too! The log should be returned on Friday. If you don’t get to read on a particular night just don’t fill it in.
• Math packets will be sent home intermittently with a return date on it. There will be plenty of time to work on it a little bit everyday or on the weekend if you wish. Packets are a review of games/activities we have done in class. A few minutes should be all that it takes. You will not have a packet every week.
• A spelling list will go home weekly once we start. A list of games will be also sent for you to do using the spelling words. You can also do your own thing!
• Violin homework log will be on the back of the reading sheet. Once violins go home, your child should practice 5 – 10 minutes a night. Violins will go home on Fridays. Use your judgment on how much time makes sense for your child. Parents have told us that when it comes home in the form of “homework” students practice more and it’s less of a struggle for you.
• Occasionally, there may be an assignment connected to our theme.

Homework should be completed with no stress! Help out when needed. We are flexible and understand that some weeks your family may be busy and you won’t get to everything. Just let us know in the form of a note. We are hoping that students will enjoy the work and become familiar with the routine of returning it back to school. Every family is different in terms of what works for you and the time you have.  Let us know how it goes once it starts! We will start next week with a reading sheet and violin homework (if your child is taking it home at this time).

Have a great week!

Judy and Courtney

 

Judy’s Room

News and Updates

Important! Parent Night is on Tuesday, September 13^th, 6:00-6:45. The time in Friday notes was incorrect. I am looking forward to seeing you there!

Last week…

Our first week in school went without a hitch! It’s routine, routine, routine. This is an important time to get to know each other. We are happy to welcome our three new students: Phoenix C., Noa and her sister Amalia – wonderful additions to our class! We spent a lot of time playing names games, singing songs, and exploring inside and outside the classroom. Taking a book and putting it away, using a material and returning it before choosing another or cleaning up after snack are small steps to get the class working in a smooth and responsible way. They are doing a great job already! Students seem excited and ready to go. I’ve already gotten a request for homework! (Coming, but not yet!) Ask your child the following questions for more information. This often helps when you ask “What did you do in school?” and the reply is “I don’t know.” Here you go…

• What songs did you sing at All School Sing?
• Who are the new kids in the class? The school?
• What summer picture did you draw for the “class quilt”?
• What do you do at morning meeting? What songs did you sing? What name games did you play?
• What did you do at recess? Who did you play with?
• What did Pam read to you in library?
• Tell me about violin class.
• What did you write about at story time? Was it true or made up?
• How do you help clean up at the end of the day?
• What have you been playing at choice time?
• What things did you graph in math class? (first graders)
• Who did you read with from Matt’s class?
• What’s your favorite part of the class?
• What did you find on the outdoor scavenger hunt?
• Tell me about the book How Rocky Learned to Read.

Over the next several weeks we will continue to focus on our routines and begin to brainstorm ideas for class rules. We will also begin assessing students in both reading and math. This is usually done one on one or in small groups.

At parent night you will meet Courtney Plummer, an Antioch intern, who will be in the class Monday – Thursday. We know her well from being in Ellen’s class last year. More about her later!

I am still without a phone so if you need to contact me please call the school or email.

I am looking forward to a great year with your chilld.   Have a great week! Judy