February is a Very Busy Month

 We quickly discovered that February is a very busy month full of important and fun days. 

We were very excited to research Groundhog's Day. The photo to the left is from Groundhog's Day when we went outside and searched for our shadows.   We are participating with classrooms from Canada and the United States in the Groundhog Project.  We are keeping track of the hi/low temperatures and the type of weather in our hometown for the next six weeks to determine if the Groundhog is a reliable source in weather forecasting.  We turn in a weekly report on-line to monitor data across North America.  We had to name an imaginary groundhog for our classroom.  After much thought and a class vote, our groundhog is named G-Force.  Recording the temperature is an excellent math skill as we decide what group of tens a number is between.  For example if the temperature is 32 degrees, we know that is greater than 30 but less than 40.  We also like working on-line to view the 7 day forecast.  To make a connection with Groundhog Day, we took time to make shadow hand puppets.  The dog and butterfly were class favorites. 

We will be discussing the second sound of Ee this week as in "Ed in the engine".  The word wall words are:  a, too, but, can, like.  

I'm sending home a book order on Monday.  Please send in payment by Friday.  If you choose to order on-line, our class activation code is GL88R.  Book orders are optional.

Thursday is spring picture day.  Uniforms do not need to be worn but clothing must adhere to MPS guidelines.

Other dates to remember:

• Tuesday is library day and a volunteer assisting me with AR.  Be prepared to test.

• Thursday is the deadline for field trip money.

• Friday:  check backpacks for poetry journal

• There will be no school on Monday, February 21 in honor of Presidents' Day.

Please return the Valentine's Day Party response sheet if you can help provide sweet treats for our party next Monday.  Please let me know if you need another class list.  If you exchange Valentines, please make sure there is a Valentine for each child in our class.  Valentines are an excellent way to work on handwriting skills.  Have your child write the classmate's name on the Valentine and who it is from.  You may send completed Valentines to school anytime between now and Feb. 14.  Our party will be on the 14th from 1:30-2:15.  Please join us if your schedule allows.

The writing center is a very busy place. I let the children share their writings during snack time.  The following slideshow is a sample of the stories shared on Thursday.  The topics ranged from hearts, party, Star Wars, a princess, President's Day and more hearts.  It is very exciting to see writers in action.