Liebe Eltern 2.9.11
Work is in full swing. It’s not always fun, but sometimes it is. Learning is happening
daily.
Math: We have progressed to two digit addition and the concept of “carrying over” has
been introduced. The single digit addition facts are pretty firm with most students. A
great way to practice are the flash cards at www.coolmath4kids.com Go to teacher, then
lessons then single digit addition.
German: We are working on Mir- statements: Mir geht es gut. und Mir macht…Spass (I
enjoy…).
Science: In preparation for the field trip we work on the soil science kit. We also look
daily at the amount of day light and calculate tomorrow’s amount. Finally, we learn about
mammals.
Geography: Daily we look at the U.S. map and identify states.
Behavior: behavior has steadily improved. While we do not follow the old teacher adage:
“ No smiling before Thanksgiving” , we do endorse classroom rules and consequences
right from the beginning. The sooner students get used to follow teacher directions the
better for them.
Homework: Second graders will not read directions for homework. Although all
homework activities have been done in class before, they still seem to have a hard time. I
will try to simplify on my side, but it would also be helpful if you could check your
student’s homework.
Field trip: Thank you for the overwhelming support for our trip to the Campbell Creek
Science center on 9/20. I will ask your help with transportation one more time to get to
the wastewater treatment plant, but that will be it for this year.
Hour glasses: Many students have brought in interesting devices to measure time. Now
we will advance: please consider buying a watch for your student and then asking him
what time it is frequently.
Playful learning: Anything that we learn can easily be practiced in a playful manner.
Please use time in the car, in the store etc. to play games involving adding numbers or
telling time or telling mammals from non-mammals.
Home page: Some have already found their way to my home page. Go to asdk12.org,
under schools click on charter then to Rilke then to my name. There you will find
downloads of the homework (in case the dog ate it), permission slips, links etc.
E-mail and notes: Thank you for feed back via email and notes. That is highly
appreciated. The more we work together, the more success your child will experience.
Viele Gruesse,
Herr Birmanns