Thursday, March 12, 2009

March 12, 2009

Hi, everyone.
Although short, it's been a busy week.
The first graders continued learning "oo" words in spelling, and were very successful. Math was a little bit harder, concentrating on ordering numbers. We played a card game that was fun while working on this concept.
The second graders got back into their regular routine in reading this week, and we continue to work on blends and digraphs. Their writing skills are showing improvement every week. Because the week was shortened, we decided to extend the spelling unit to next week. Math was fun while we finished our unit on Patterns, and some of the students are learning to tell time. Counting by 5s has been really helpful.
It was very nice to meet some of you at conferences this week.
Have a nice weekend.
Mrs. Cuzzone

Friday, March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009

Hi, everyone.
What a week we have had! The second graders have done a Writer's Workshop this week, and we have just finished a great narrative about some of our favorite things. I had a group of second grade writers who worked so hard on this project---I am so proud of them, and I hope you will be, too.
Besides all the writing, the second graders did their usual good job on their spelling words, and finished up a unit on using money. We also have been working on a really fun unit in math 0n patterns, and the boys have been very successful with it!
The first graders had a great week in spelling, with everyone getting all their spelling tests PERFECT!! Math has been getting a bit harder as we work on "less than" and "greater than", but everyone is always willing to work really hard, and we try to have fun with it, too.
March is stretching out in front of us-----I sure hope we have some well-deserved nice days!
Have a great weekend.
Mrs. Cuzzone

Friday, February 27, 2009

February 27, 2009

Hi, everyone. Well, February is coming to an end. I am still hopeful each week that SPRING will appear!

We have had a busy week, back into our regular schedules after testing and special projects. The students have all been hard at work.

The first graders had a challenging week in spelling, with long o words spelled in two ways----oa and ow. They met that challenge and worked hard on their spelling all week. In math, we finished the chapter on place value, and EVERYONE did very well on a test about tens and ones. This was a fun unit, and we were able to do many games and activities to help us learn place value. We worked hard in reading, as always, and this week we tried to have more time to read to me and to each other.

The second graders worked on "oo" words in spelling. Reading continues to be a priority, and the second graders also read to me and to each other a bit more. Second grade math concentrated on money, which is really challenging, and shapes, which the children usually find really enjoyable. Everyone is progressing very well.

The teachers are busy scheduling parent conferences for the second week in March. I will attend as many of those conferences as I can. If you feel the need for a conference with just me, please don't hesitate to call me here at Ide, or e-mail me at gcuzzone@ccsd66.org.

Have a great weekend. Don't forget-----no school on Monday!
Mrs. Cuzzone

Friday, February 20, 2009

February 20. 2009

Hi, there! We are another week closer to the end of February, yet it is supposed to snow again!

We have had a busy week, and everyone has worked very hard. After the Iowa tests last week, we were glad to be back to our regular school work.

The first graders have been so busy in math learning place value, with tens and ones. They have been doing a fantastic job at it. The spelling words this week had us practicing the long a sound, spelled "ay", and I am glad to say that everyone did well on their tests.

The second graders celebrated Black History Month by reading about some famous names and important people involved in Black History. They made Time Lines of their favorite. Watch for these as they come home. The children did a GREAT job on this project. Talk to them about their person----I bet they will be able to tell you about that person's life.

Have a good weekend.
Mrs. Cuzzone

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Friday, February 13, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day

While the children are off at their Valentine's Parties, I will drop you a line to let you know about our week.
TESTING!!! The kids did great. This was a long and tiring week, and your kids all deserve a lot of credit for sticking it out! They all worked hard, and most really tried very hard to do their best. I am very proud of them. If ever they deserved a little fun and relaxation, this weekend is a good time for that! Give them all a good pat on the back for their hard work.

We did not do much else in my classes besides testing. For relaxation after and even between tests, we used computer games, drawing, and talking. Today we did some hands on activities, and I was surprised at how much energy the kids still had. I am sure they will be ready to get back into our good routine next week.

Have a great weekend.
Mrs. Cuzzone

Friday, February 6, 2009

February 2-6

February is finally here, and with it a little bit of warmth. I wonder if it will stay!
We have had a busy week.

The first graders have concentrated on long e words this week. Everyone practiced hard on their spelling words. In math, we have been doing great with "probability" exercises, like "impossible" and "likely". Now we are starting to group our numbers with tens and ones. I try to use lots of hands on activities in first grade math.

The second graders have been practicing with long vowel sounds, especially long a. In math, they have been counting money, and practicing to count by 5s and 10s.
All of the students have improved in their writing skills this week, and we have been concentrating on good sentences, and writing more than one sentence at a time.

I am sure you have been reminded many times, but let me do it again. Next week is for taking the Iowa Tests. Keep in mind that well-rested students usually do better on these tests. A good breakfast, and a good snack to use during a break from testing is a great idea. These days sometimes seem a little long to the children, so a fun activity after school would be a positive idea.

Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Cuzzone, sub for Mrs. Tran