Mrs. Kranzlein's Koalas

Week 3 in Review...and Looking Ahead

Week 3
In week 3, we finished our first round of writing journals and literacy centers, explored math and phonics web sites, and used Google Earth to find Murdock.  In Social Studies, we are learning about where we live including the name of our planet, continent, country, state, county, and city.  The balloon launch was a huge success and a great way to lead into the Labor Day weekend.

Reading Logs and Writing Journals
Your student brought home a writing journal and a reading log on Friday.  Record your daily 10-5 reading on the log and return it at the end of the month for a charm.  Let your child share the writing journal with you by reading the entries.  We were very pleased with their first attempts at writing.  The writing journals need to be returned to school on Tuesday.

ABC Projects
Remember that ABC projects are due on Tuesday.  Many students have already brought them in.  These projects add so much to our classroom.  Thank you!

Looking Ahead
We will finish our unit on where we live and begin our unit on the five senses.  We will continue working on labeling sets and practicing letter sounds.  Thursday morning, I will be attending a training on our phonics program.

Up, Up, and Away

 

Science Lab: Brushing Teeth

We went to the science lab to learn how to brush our teeth.  We brushed "elephant" teeth that were badly stained with soda.  Eww!! Yuck!

Spanish is Fun!!

Mrs. Curry comes to  our class on Monday and Wednesday.

Our Spanish Greeting Song (sung to Are You Sleeping?)
Buenos dias, Buenos dias
Como estas? Como estas?
Muy bien gracias. Muy bien gracias.
Y usted? Y usted?

Book Buddies

We got to meet our Book Buddies in Mrs. Fraley and Mrs. Petka's 2nd grade class.

Balloon Launch Information

On Friday, August 29th, the students will participate in a school-wide balloon launch.  Each balloon has a note asking whoever finds it to write back to the school telling us how far it traveled.  In order to make this work, we will be eating lunch and going to specials earlier in the day. 

Please send a substantial snack for your child on Friday.

Alphabet Wall Project

Please check your child's daily folder for information on our first family project.  If you cannot locate the directions, here are the Alphabet Wall Project details.  We sent a laminated piece of yellow construction paper home to get you started.  The project is due Tuesday, September 2nd, but you may send it in as soon as it is complete.

Week 2 in Review...and Looking Ahead

This post is a little long, but it is full of important information.

Week 2
Week 2 included kicking off Writer's Workshop and literacy centers, using the SmartBoard for Calendar Math, making it through our 2nd fire drill, getting our yearbook pictures made and visiting the computer lab twice.  We also met our Book Buddies (more on that later).

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Behavior
Now that the students know our procedures and rules, we will be raising the bar on behavior.  They have also become more comfortable in our classroom and with each other.  Don't be surprised or alarmed next week when this is reflected in the daily behavior chart.

Room Parents and Class Volunteers
A huge koala thank you goes to Jennifer Beck, Wendi Donehoo and Nicole Williams for agreeing to serve together as our room parents.  You should receive an email shortly notifying you of volunteer opportunities in our class.  We will keep an updated volunteer calendar on our blog.  We look forward to seeing you.

Reflections - WOW!
Our class is filled with talented and bright koalas.  We would love to have them participate in Reflections, a theme-based art contest conducted by the PTA.  This year's theme is "WOW" and can be illustrated through visual arts (drawing, painting, etc.), writing, photography, dance or music.  This could be a great opportunity for them to express their creativity and shine.  For all the details, go to PTA Reflections Contest Information.

Looking Ahead
Next week, we will continue our writing and literacy centers, begin math centers, visit the science lab, and participate in a balloon launch to celebrate Murphy's birthday. 

Phone Calls
During the first two weeks of school, we have gotten to know your child better and completed writing and math assessments.  I will be calling you all over the next week to give you an update and answer any questions you may have. 

Welcome to Mrs. Nolan

There has been a change to the support teacher for our class.  Mrs. Nolan is joining our Koalas in the mornings during our writing and reading instruction.  She is fantastic and we are thrilled to have her. 

Box Tops Program

The Box Tops Program is an easy no-cost way to support Murdock.  Just clip the symbols from items you already buy and send them in with your student.  You can register to receive coupons as well.  For more information about the program, visit boxtops4education.  Publix is promoting box tops through September (see Publix and Box Tops)