Zen Classroom Moments....

   This week we read "Zen Shorts" by Jon Muth. We enjoyed this book so much. Many of the students were disappointed when I had to return it to the public library on Friday.  This book showed us how to calm down and think about our disagreements with others. Stillwater teaches 3 friends how to stop and think about things by sharing short stories with similar scenarios. We loved this book. I'm going to have to get it for our library. In the meantime, I have found this awesome video that you can watch with your children so they can share the book with you.    http://youtu.be/K3GQ67Kt2Xc
    Hope it works for you.
    This new week will bring more structure and routine for your child. We have introduced jobs in our class and testing routines. We had a very successful spelling test this week and the coming week should be great too. But keep studying those words. You will see our weekly spelling stars on our window. If your child is on the window this means that they have made a fabulous effort and generally have improved or have not missed more than one or two words. If they do not appear, it is time for some help at home.
    FUN FRIDAY- we introduced Fun Friday this week. When students have finished both their reading log and homework, they are allowed to participate in games and activities at the end of the day.  If their work is not completed, including reading log being filled out, they spend time in an alternate 2nd grad room completing their work.  Please make sure you are checking their reading logs nightly. You can read to them or they can read to you. They can even read to a stuffed animal or sibling!
    Friday dress- Remember that Fridays your child may wear jeans and a uniform shirt. The first Friday of each month is dress down day for $1 towards classroom funds.
     We will be going to our library to check out books on Wednesday. Please turn in your childs's library permission slip.  If you can't find it, have your child tell me and I will make some copies.

Our first field trip will be on  October 23rd to the Children's Museum. More info to come. We love volunteers and want you to come. Our bus seating is limited so please be prepared to follow us in your car if necessary. Except permission slips at the beginning of October.
   Have a very "Zen" week!!
         Mrs. Nye