Aaaahhhh... much better

Hello,

I told you that today would be a better day.  Nothing like two birthdays in the classroom to pull you out of the muck.

We met with our second grade book buddies today.  They came in for a twenty minute reading session before we joined them for lunch.  Our kids did a great job reading and listening with their little pals.  I was very pleased.

Our math class is flying through the multiplication.  Rocket Math is all about automaticity.  If you don't immediately know the answers, you won't pass the tests.  So far, so good.  Make sure to get a look at your child's results one night.  They can explain how it works.  If your child's math teacher doesn't do Rocket Math and you are interested in doing it, let me know and I'll show you the program. 

I introduced an addition game to my math class today as well.  Those facts are not to be forgotten.  I can see that many kids know their multiplication better than their addition.  We'll get both down pretty well this year. 

The Lego Club had a second successful meeting.  I'm actually teaching much of our simple machines unit through the Legos.  Your children will definitely have a "LEG" up when we get into that unit later in the year.  I'm planning to use them as experts and I am very excited to see how far they will be able to push themselves.  The club is definitely just an extended school day, only with their teacher a little more relaxed.  It is never too late to join.  (Every Thursdays until 5:00.)

Another thing I want to mention about our homework clubs.  I can see how much some children are struggling with the math homework.  This work should be review and shouldn't take too long.  If your child spends a good twenty minutes on math and has still not finished, you have my permission to write: "Spent 20 minutes on." and then sign your name.  None of us want your child to flounder or worse, do things incorrectly over and over.  I hope that they will come in and articulate where they had trouble, however. 

Reading books need to be finished by next Wed.  Check to see if your child is on pace. 

I'm off to the Bates Bowdoin basketball games.

Have a great night.

Mr. Shea