I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday. The next few weeks will prove to be very busy, so here we go!
A few miscellaneous updates for you...this Thursday is our Library day, so be sure to send those library books back with your child so he or she can check out a new selection.
Also, something out of the ordinary - I sent home a Spelling homework packet on Monday of this week, which is due on Friday. We will also have a Spelling test this Friday. I will send the homework packet home in this week's Friday folder for next week, per the usual routine.
Please let me know if you have any questions via email at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
11/9/12 Update
CTA has started its Food Drive to benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. This week we listened to a representative from the Foodbank who explained how they help our community. Please be as generous as possible with your donations of nonperishable food items. The class that brings the most food in will get a Dress Down Day! The drive continues through November 19.
Parent Teacher Conferences are Wednesday, November 14. Please call the school office to schedule your time. If you cannot find a time that works for you, email me at mlbuster@torahacademy.org and we can work this out, no problem. There is NO SCHOOL on that day for the children.
Shabbot Shalom!
MLB
Parent Teacher Conferences are Wednesday, November 14. Please call the school office to schedule your time. If you cannot find a time that works for you, email me at mlbuster@torahacademy.org and we can work this out, no problem. There is NO SCHOOL on that day for the children.
Shabbot Shalom!
MLB
Friday, November 2, 2012
11/2/12 Update
Things are moving along at quite a good pace here in 2nd grade. We have been very busy learning parts of speech, sentence structure, place value, graphing, government and the solar system...phew!
Next week's Spelling words will increase in number - they are ready. Look for 14 words for most children and a few children will have 16 words to spell. Please remember the goal of weekly Spelling is to have the children learn the words not just for the test, but also for them to include those words in their everyday writing. When they ask you how to spell a word, encourage them to sound it out, remind them if they had it on a previous Spelling test, and hopefully, it will click! The words for the test on November 9 are dish, what, than, chest, such, thin, push, shine, chase, while, catch, sure, which and then.
Report cards should be sent home by the end of next week and parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 15. Please phone the school office to schedule a conference. Note: I try very hard to stay on time for conferences - easier said than done, given the short time we have for each meeting. If you feel the time allotted will not be sufficient, please feel free to email me and we can conference a different time that will allow us to cover all questions and concerns and be rushed. Thank you in advance for your help keeping conference day running smoothly.
Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Next week's Spelling words will increase in number - they are ready. Look for 14 words for most children and a few children will have 16 words to spell. Please remember the goal of weekly Spelling is to have the children learn the words not just for the test, but also for them to include those words in their everyday writing. When they ask you how to spell a word, encourage them to sound it out, remind them if they had it on a previous Spelling test, and hopefully, it will click! The words for the test on November 9 are dish, what, than, chest, such, thin, push, shine, chase, while, catch, sure, which and then.
Report cards should be sent home by the end of next week and parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 15. Please phone the school office to schedule a conference. Note: I try very hard to stay on time for conferences - easier said than done, given the short time we have for each meeting. If you feel the time allotted will not be sufficient, please feel free to email me and we can conference a different time that will allow us to cover all questions and concerns and be rushed. Thank you in advance for your help keeping conference day running smoothly.
Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Spelling Test and the real dress down day!
This Friday is our weekly Spelling test - I hope they are working hard on studying!
Also, this is for real...Friday, October 26 is a Dress Down Day - sparkles, team shirts, jeans, whatever makes them happy to dress down and relax a little! The only catch is it will cost them $.25 each for the privilege. All money raised is used by Student Council. Sorry for any confusion last week.
Questions? Email me at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Also, this is for real...Friday, October 26 is a Dress Down Day - sparkles, team shirts, jeans, whatever makes them happy to dress down and relax a little! The only catch is it will cost them $.25 each for the privilege. All money raised is used by Student Council. Sorry for any confusion last week.
Questions? Email me at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Friday, October 19, 2012
10/19/12 Update
Our first full week in awhile - and we survived! We are finally back in our own classroom again, after a short stint in the Music room while they repaired our furnace. It felt great to be back in our own surroundings and there was a definite collective sigh once we got settled back into Room 7.
In Math, we spent time on fact families and subtraction skills - please be sure to quiz your children on their basic facts up to 18. They should have a quick recall of these basics.
In Science, we spent time learning about the Solar System...a few children were so inspired, they did some of their own research and shared the results with the class. Today and into next week, we will be involved in simulations that will help the children gain an understanding of what it might feel like to walk on the moon, wear a spacesuit and some "fix - it" work on a spaceship; also, we will create a moonscape when we make craters. They are really excited to learn about space.
Next week, we will start learning about citizenship and government, working up toward our mock election. The children will have their own vote in the Presidential election - I wonder if their choice will be the same as the rest of the nation?
That's the update for now, please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org and have a terrific weekend!
In Math, we spent time on fact families and subtraction skills - please be sure to quiz your children on their basic facts up to 18. They should have a quick recall of these basics.
In Science, we spent time learning about the Solar System...a few children were so inspired, they did some of their own research and shared the results with the class. Today and into next week, we will be involved in simulations that will help the children gain an understanding of what it might feel like to walk on the moon, wear a spacesuit and some "fix - it" work on a spaceship; also, we will create a moonscape when we make craters. They are really excited to learn about space.
Next week, we will start learning about citizenship and government, working up toward our mock election. The children will have their own vote in the Presidential election - I wonder if their choice will be the same as the rest of the nation?
That's the update for now, please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org and have a terrific weekend!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Wrong Info - Friday is Spirit Day, not Dress Down!
Sorry for the previous post - it is NOT a dress down day on Friday, 10/19/12. Rather it is a Spirit Day, so the children should wear their CTA polo shirts or some other form of spirit wear to school. The class with the most spirit will win a prize. So sorry for the confusion.
Dress Down and Spelling Test 10/19/12
Friday is a Dress Down Day - for 25 cents, your child can wear sweats, sparkles, jeans, team names, whatever makes them happy! Also, we will be having a Spelling test, after a long break from tests, so please be sure to review the words so they are ready.
Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Spelling test this week!~ 10/19/12
We are back on track for our Spelling routine, which you might have noticed with this week's homework packet. I always have the children write their Spelling words in their planner, just in case they can't find their list or turn in their homework early, but here are the words as well, to cover all bases. By the way, if the children are looking for a challenge word, we are starting our "word of the week." Encourage them to give it a try!
tap, tape, fin, fine, tub, tube, rob, robe, cap, cape, slid, slide; word of the week...another.
Email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
tap, tape, fin, fine, tub, tube, rob, robe, cap, cape, slid, slide; word of the week...another.
Email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Friday, October 12, 2012
Update 10/12/12
I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and is recuperating from all the days off. We are slowing re-entering our routines - they forgot a few things about being second graders, but we are practicing and I know they will figure out procedures, etc. and get back in the swing of things.
You may have heard the children talking about having class in the Music Room - they are working on fixing the heat in our wing. I'm told the parts should all be in by next Tuesday and we should be back in our room later next week. The children have been troopers while we take our show on the road, but I'm anxious to be back in our own classroom as soon as possible.
Getting back into our routines means the return of homework and weekly Spelling tests. Thanks in advance for making sure your child has a good space set aside to complete the homework. Remember, homework packets come home in the Friday folders and should be returned by the following Friday at the latest.
Shabbot shalom and as always, please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
You may have heard the children talking about having class in the Music Room - they are working on fixing the heat in our wing. I'm told the parts should all be in by next Tuesday and we should be back in our room later next week. The children have been troopers while we take our show on the road, but I'm anxious to be back in our own classroom as soon as possible.
Getting back into our routines means the return of homework and weekly Spelling tests. Thanks in advance for making sure your child has a good space set aside to complete the homework. Remember, homework packets come home in the Friday folders and should be returned by the following Friday at the latest.
Shabbot shalom and as always, please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Friday, September 28, 2012
Leaves - a poem by the 2nd Grade
Leaves
by the 2nd Grade
Leaves change color.
When leaves fall off the tree, they die and turn into good soil.
Leaves fall at different times.
Sometimes the leaves are still colors when they fall.
Leaves are different kinds and different shapes.
Leaves change color.
by the 2nd Grade
Leaves change color.
When leaves fall off the tree, they die and turn into good soil.
Leaves fall at different times.
Sometimes the leaves are still colors when they fall.
Leaves are different kinds and different shapes.
Leaves change color.
9/28/12
My apologies for not posting last week - the comings and goings of our schedule has me out of my routine. I hope to post at least once a week, with timely updates or information posts in between, going forward. The children are handling the schedule very well, considering the irregularity of our days in school. Plus, just for fun, we were out of our classroom earlier this week as they worked to fix our furnace. The class rose to the occasion and managed themselves very well as we conducted our lessons in the music room. Thankfully, the issue is resolved and we are back on track.
We are working very hard to understand what makes a complete sentence. Learning about subjects and predicates (the naming parts and the action parts!,) as well as remembering to begin with capitals and end with punctuation are a big focus in second grade. Thank you in advance for reminding them of these things as they work on homework. We are talking about fall and using all of our senses to notice the changes of the season. Reading non-fiction as well as poetry, and also writing our own poetry have been terrific.
We are finishing with our Methods of Science learning - they had a terrific time last week using droppers and water to hypothesize how many drops of water could fit on the top of a penny! Next week we will begin our study of the Earth, the Moon and the Solar System. Can't wait!
A topic that we covered last week and will continue to discuss through the year is respect for each other. We read a book called "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" which talks about how treating each other kindly fills people's buckets, but being unkind or bullying empties people's buckets. They are so insightful during these discussions - now let's put our thoughts into action. I was thrilled the other day when a student came up to me and told me how another child was kind to him and filled his bucket - that filled mine for sure!
With the two days off, there is no homework or Spelling test for next week. Enjoy the long weekend and please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
We are working very hard to understand what makes a complete sentence. Learning about subjects and predicates (the naming parts and the action parts!,) as well as remembering to begin with capitals and end with punctuation are a big focus in second grade. Thank you in advance for reminding them of these things as they work on homework. We are talking about fall and using all of our senses to notice the changes of the season. Reading non-fiction as well as poetry, and also writing our own poetry have been terrific.
We are finishing with our Methods of Science learning - they had a terrific time last week using droppers and water to hypothesize how many drops of water could fit on the top of a penny! Next week we will begin our study of the Earth, the Moon and the Solar System. Can't wait!
A topic that we covered last week and will continue to discuss through the year is respect for each other. We read a book called "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" which talks about how treating each other kindly fills people's buckets, but being unkind or bullying empties people's buckets. They are so insightful during these discussions - now let's put our thoughts into action. I was thrilled the other day when a student came up to me and told me how another child was kind to him and filled his bucket - that filled mine for sure!
With the two days off, there is no homework or Spelling test for next week. Enjoy the long weekend and please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Friday, September 14, 2012
9/14/12 Update
Here's the update for this week...we took our first Math test and they did a terrific job! They came to me very well prepared - I'll be sure to thank Miss Tanenbaum. Keep reviewing those basic facts whenever you get a chance. Most everyone is still in need of some practice identifying coins and telling time.
In Language Arts, we've been working on sequencing, alphabetical order and the required parts of sentences. We are emphasizing capitalization and punctuation, as well as discussing subjects and predicates. We've also written some poetry - such charming writers!
Our schedule is finally settling in after a few tweaks here and there. Please remember the children have Phys. Ed. on Mondays and Tuesdays, so they will need to have appropriate shoes on those days. They also had their first trip to the Library this week. They will have Library visits twice a month...I will try to remind you when it's their turn again, so they can bring their books back and check out new ones.
We've had a flurry of children complete their Star Charts this week - such excitement! They can receive stars when they are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. The privileges they can choose have quite the motivator...sitting in the teacher's chair all day - priceless.
There is no homework next week and no Spelling test. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and look forward to hearing about how everyone has celebrated when we get back next Wednesday. As always, please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
In Language Arts, we've been working on sequencing, alphabetical order and the required parts of sentences. We are emphasizing capitalization and punctuation, as well as discussing subjects and predicates. We've also written some poetry - such charming writers!
Our schedule is finally settling in after a few tweaks here and there. Please remember the children have Phys. Ed. on Mondays and Tuesdays, so they will need to have appropriate shoes on those days. They also had their first trip to the Library this week. They will have Library visits twice a month...I will try to remind you when it's their turn again, so they can bring their books back and check out new ones.
We've had a flurry of children complete their Star Charts this week - such excitement! They can receive stars when they are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. The privileges they can choose have quite the motivator...sitting in the teacher's chair all day - priceless.
There is no homework next week and no Spelling test. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and look forward to hearing about how everyone has celebrated when we get back next Wednesday. As always, please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Sunday, September 9, 2012
9/9/11 Update
I hope everyone has enjoyed the weekend - so glad it cooled off a little! The children continue to do a great job figuring out 2nd grade...not only did we earn an extra recess as a group based on all their good choices, we also had our first student complete a "star chart," which is a record of individual good choices. I'm very proud of them and I'm hoping their efforts continue.
We will finish our review chapter in Math this week and will end with an assessment that shows me what they remember from 1st grade. This information allows me to do a better job of seeing who needs extra practice and who can stretch their learning with some extensions. Be sure to take those little opportunities throughout the day to practice basic facts, addition and subtraction, telling time and using money. Every bit helps!
So far, so good! I'm having a great time with your children - thanks again for sharing them with me. Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
We will finish our review chapter in Math this week and will end with an assessment that shows me what they remember from 1st grade. This information allows me to do a better job of seeing who needs extra practice and who can stretch their learning with some extensions. Be sure to take those little opportunities throughout the day to practice basic facts, addition and subtraction, telling time and using money. Every bit helps!
So far, so good! I'm having a great time with your children - thanks again for sharing them with me. Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Smile! It's Picture Day!
Remember Wednesday, September 5 is Picture Day! Be sure to wash your faces, brush your hair and smile your biggest smiles.
Parents...I'll do my best to be sure our photos are taken before lunch!
Parents...I'll do my best to be sure our photos are taken before lunch!
Friday, August 31, 2012
8/31/12 Update
Two weeks down! The children have been working so hard to figure out our procedures and routines and they are doing a pretty good job. Areas where we still need a lot of work is waiting our turn and listening to directions the first time they are given. You can imagine how challenging it can get when I have to repeat a message over and over! Please help me from your side by practicing with your child how to actively listen and pay attention as soon as a message is given by a teacher...thanks in advance for your support as we partner together this year. Overall, things are off to a great start.
We are working through an overview in Math and reviewing some basic topics. They are ready to move faster though and I'm excited to move forward. We will alternate between Science and Social Studies this year. This week we spent a little time discussing the Scientific Method - the 2nd grade was thrilled to hear they were learning some of the same words the 5th and 6th graders were learning in Science this week! Also, our first Spelling test went very well...thanks for preparing them.
Enjoy the day off on Monday and I'll be glad to see the children bright and early Tuesday morning, ready for another week of 2nd grade. Please be sure to email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
We are working through an overview in Math and reviewing some basic topics. They are ready to move faster though and I'm excited to move forward. We will alternate between Science and Social Studies this year. This week we spent a little time discussing the Scientific Method - the 2nd grade was thrilled to hear they were learning some of the same words the 5th and 6th graders were learning in Science this week! Also, our first Spelling test went very well...thanks for preparing them.
Enjoy the day off on Monday and I'll be glad to see the children bright and early Tuesday morning, ready for another week of 2nd grade. Please be sure to email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org
Thursday, August 30, 2012
First Spelling test - 8/31/12
Our first Spelling test of 2nd grade will be Friday, August 31. The children will need to know how to spell each Spelling word and I will also give them a simple sentence to write. Please be sure to review the words with your child. Remember the goal of our weekly Spelling is to have the children not only spell words correctly on their test, but also use the words correctly in their everyday writing.
Also, please be sure your child is eating a good breakfast - many are telling me they are hungry in the mornings. It doesn't help that we can smell what's cooking in the kitchen, but I thought I would use this opportunity to remind everyone of the most important meal of the day! Also, afternoon snacks are crucial to getting them through their long day, but please be sure it's a healthy snack to boost their energy - we don't want any sugar crashes mid-afternoon! Thanks so much for your help in this area.
Also, please be sure your child is eating a good breakfast - many are telling me they are hungry in the mornings. It doesn't help that we can smell what's cooking in the kitchen, but I thought I would use this opportunity to remind everyone of the most important meal of the day! Also, afternoon snacks are crucial to getting them through their long day, but please be sure it's a healthy snack to boost their energy - we don't want any sugar crashes mid-afternoon! Thanks so much for your help in this area.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Spelling Words, test 8/31/12
Here are this week's Spelling words, just in case. The children also wrote them in their planners for another point of contact.
sad, dig, jam, glad, list, win, flat, if, fix, was, want, been
The list will increase in number and at some point later this year, there will be different lists, but for now, we are starting out with the same words. Our tests will be on Fridays.
sad, dig, jam, glad, list, win, flat, if, fix, was, want, been
The list will increase in number and at some point later this year, there will be different lists, but for now, we are starting out with the same words. Our tests will be on Fridays.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Welcome!
Welcome to Mrs. Buster's 2nd Grade blog. Check here regularly for updates on activities, class assignments, homework, special events, etc. The newsletter will also be posted here. You can always email me at mlbuster@torahacademy.org with any questions.
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