Happy New Year! It is great to see the children. They all seemed happy to be back to school. I look forward to a great second half of the year. The next couple of months are extra important because we know all of the rules and routines and we are ready to get busy! The fall and winter holidays are behind us. We can work without so many distractions. I love this part of the year.
I have been assessing the children on spelling skills, reading skills, math, etc. Report cards will be handed out during conference week. The children have made a great deal of progress. I am very proud of my class. 
They have really learned a great deal this year and I look forward to working with the children to master those skills necessary for second grade.
You should have received a conference form today. Please fill this out ASAP and return it to school so that I can finalize my schedule. Thanks!
Before the holidays I sent home a sheet about the online CRCT practice tests. I will give you a second copy during your conference.
In April, your child will take the CRCT test for the first time. It is a state test that is given each year in elementary school and also in middle school. Although the CRCT covers the same material that we cover in class, the format is not the same. The questions are worded very differently than the way the material is taught at school. For example, instead of putting a list of words into ABC order, the children must find the word that fits in a blank in ABC order.
The entire test is multiple choice. Your child will feel much more confident and less stressed if he/she completes the practice tests regularly from now until test time. I would suggest a few minutes once per week. The practice is set up just like the real test. It makes test week much easier for all of the children. :)
Valentine's Day will be here before we know it. We do not have big centers on this day. I've found that the children just enjoy being together and opening their cute cards. Please send cards for either all of the class or none at all! We don't want any hurt feelings. I will send home a list.
Your child should decorate a shoebox at home. Please make a large opening on top and keep the lid wrapped separately so that the box can be opened! Thanks. This is due on Wednesday, February 13.
New math timed tests and word problems will come home in the folders tomorrow. I am still missing several Math Blaster folders. Please send these in tomorrow. There is a 0 - 15 test for this nine weeks. Your child will also begin subtraction timed tests this time! If you didn't send back the "Math Blaster" folder please send it on tomorrow.
The children can often practice a great deal of math in a relatively short time by playing simple games, too. They know how to practice with a deck of cards and with two dice. Try old-fashioned flash cards, too. The links on this blog site are helpful, too. Although it is not exciting, pure memorization of math facts will help your child a great deal in the next couple of years.
Six Flags has a great program to encourage children to read. If your child reads for six hours, he or she will be able to earn a ticket to Six Flags. Just keep track on your reading calendar. The children easily complete six hours in the several weeks included in the program. I will use the calendars to keep track of the reading for January and February. I will also keep the December calendar. This started at the end of December. Just write minutes on the calendar for each day and you can add up the minutes at the end of January.
We'll get back to normal with centers next week. We began reading groups today. Mrs. Flood will also be back next week.
I want to thank you once more for the generous gifts in December. I am so blessed to teach at Mt. Bethel. Your support is priceless.
Have a great weekend and a happy and healthy 2008!
13. 
basic math facts. We practice at school. However, we have a great deal of other math to cover. It is impossible for us to spend as much time reviewing the facts as the students need. Please use the web sites on this blog, flash cards, "Math Blaster" games, etc. in order to review the facts with your child on a regular basis. I can't tell you how much this will make math easier for your child in the next couple of years. The children will add several digits in second grade and work on multiplication facts in third grade. This is the year to master those addition and subtraction facts. Please make sure your child completes the timed tests and word problems in the Math Blaster folder. They are due at the end of January. Please do these every few days. Some of the children complete them all in one night! This doesn't work! They should practice on a regular basis. THANKS!
