February 8-11, 2010

Ms. Kirkpatrick’s Newsletter
February 8-11, 2010
Classroom News
We had a fantastic time at the Yankee Doodle Dandies on Thursday. The play was very informative and very relevant for what we have been and will be studying in history. We also celebrated Bailey’s birthday by eating yummy cupcakes his mother made.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. We will have our class party on Thursday, February 11th at 2:15. There will be a note attached that will tell you what to bring for the party. Please provide a Valentine for each student from your child. As a part of the party, each student will pass out Valentines to each of their classmates. The names of all of the students will be attached also.
Don’t forget there will be no school on Monday, February 15th for President’s Day. Open House is Friday, February 19th. Please let me know if you plan to attend.
Our Studies
Last week, we have been studying the patriot Thomas Jefferson. The students are making a poster about all the great things Thomas Jefferson has done for our country. We are continuing to learn the Star Spangled Banner. We almost have the first verse memorized.
We went to the nature study room to see all the new animals. The students got to pet one of the sugar gliders who really liked climbing all over me. Everyone thought it was very funny. They got to hold and pet the new rat named Stuart and Mr. Cookie the guinea pig.
We studied the was/were rule much like we did the is/are rule. The students did really well at listening to a sentence and figuring out if was or were was needed to complete it. We will spend another week on this rule before moving ahead.
In handwriting, we practiced the letter e. We have done dictation this week and last week. During dictation, I say a sentence and each student has to write the sentence or fill in the blank depending on each student’s individual level. It has been challenging for some of the students but will only get easier with practice.
In Bible, we studied the story about King Josiah in 2 Kings 22 and 23. This lesson focused on responsibility. The students copied the scripture I Timothy 6:20.
We made a big clock on the floor and the students took turns moving the huge hands to make different hour and half hour times. The students are also practicing addition flashcards everyday to help them memorize their math facts.