September 3-7

It's been a great week!

We got to learn about one another through working on our biographies.  We also talked about the class expectations, rules and routines for the school year.  Together we also reviewed what we remembered in Math and Reading from the first grade class. 

For next week:

We will start the first unit in Social Studies called,"Governing the People". In Math, we will continue to look at, "Number Concepts Through 50" that will include a number line, estimating, and comparing numbers.  In English we will start Unit 1 called, "The Sentence". 

About the weekly spelling test:

Every Monday I will give 10 spelling words to the students and the following Monday I will test the students on these 10 words given.  These words are either second grade level sight words (words every second grader should easily know) or words that follow a phonic theme.  Everyone is required to take this portion of the test.  There will also be 5 bonus words based on the vocabulary from other subjects which we have studied in class.  The bonus words are optional.  If the student is struggling with the first 10 words I would encourage them not to take the test for these bonus words.  However if the student is finding the first 10 words easy they are encouraged to try the bonus words.

Thank you to those who have been signing the homework books everyday. I encourage you to continue to do so throughout the year. 

I have not yet received all the school suppliespayments (NT$387) ; if you haven't sent the money in to me could you do so soon so I can pass it along to Mrs. Debbie. This is for their file folder with inserts and notebooks which we have bought in bulk so we can sell to students at a lower cost and ensure that they all have the same file folder/notebooks.

Some students do not yet have the required school supplies (red pens, easier, scissors, etc). Could you help your child to ensure they have brought in all necessary supplies to class? 

Happy Birthday to Jessica and Wilbur this past week!

8/31 Homework

Homework: Reading - Journal entry (free writing, try to write at least 2 pages) Topic- What are you most and least excited about in the second grade. Don't forget to fill out the check list.
Math - Workbook 1.1-1.2

 I try my best to assign homework that the students can do by themselves. If the student doesn't understand the homework it's fine and we will talk about it in the class the following day. Please don't worry if your child can't complete the homework, I just want them to try.

8/30 Homework

Happy Birthday Wilbur!

Homework: Reading practice book pages 14, 15, 17, 18; Read for 15 minutes.

Due Friday: Picture of you having fun; "Getting to Know your Child" worksheet.

8/29 Homework

Homework: English - Artsy Adjectives Worksheet; Reading - Read for 15 minutes.

8/28 Homework

Homework: Social Studies - Bring in a 5x7 photo of you having fun. Due by Friday.
Have parents complete "Getting to know your child" worksheet by Friday.

2012-2013 Class Schedule

Introduction Letter

Hsinchu International School

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Second Grade Class for the 2012-2013 school year! 

My name is James Anderson and I will be your child’s homeroom teacher.  This is my third year at Hsinchu International School but I have been teaching elementary children for the past 7 years.  I am from the State of Oregon in the US.  My qualifications include a Bachelor degree from Oregon State University, Master’s Degree in Education from Framingham State College and an Elementary Teaching Certificate from the College of New Jersey.  I have taught in Peru and South Korea before moving to Taiwan four years ago.  

Being respectful, responsible, and cooperative are the three “umbrella” rules that I implement in my classroom.  I also believe in a student-centered approach to teaching that promotes learning by experience.  In the classroom students are encouraged to voice their own opinions, questions, and make connections to their real lives, making lessons meaningful to them.  I think by incorporating schoolyard and local community into classrooms, the gap between the school and real lives of the students can be bridged, adding further value to the classroom learning environment.

For the class, 20-40 minutes of homework will be assigned each day (excluding general reading time of 30 minutes).  These assignments are either drawn from the day’s lessons or designed to improve overall reading comprehension and writing skills.  If your child often finds the homework too hard or too easy, please let me know and I will make adjustments accordingly.  All students will write the day’s homework in a communication book before going home.  I request that you review the communication book each day and sign it before your child comes to school.  The communication book is a good way to communicate but feel free to stop in after class hours or write me an email if you would like to discuss matters further.

I will be updating the class blog regularly to share class information throughout the year.  Things to note on the blog include upcoming chapters of study, test dates, spelling test words, homework, pictures, educational websites, and other class related news.  The web address is http://mranderson2ndgradeclass.blogspot.tw.  Type in your email address in the “Follow by Email” block on the right and you will get timely updates.  I make detailed posts every Friday and homework posts everyday so please check it out.

The class will have one snack time per day and all students are encouraged to bring in a healthy snack.  Please make sure your child is getting enough sleep and arrives at school on time and is ready for class.

Finally, I look forward to meeting your child as well as developing a strong partnership with you over the course of the school year. 

Sincerely,

James Anderson

Student Supply List

1 box of Markers

1 box of Pencil Crayons or Crayons

1 Glue Stick

1 Fat Eraser

1 Ruler

1 Pair of Small Scissors

3-5 Pencils (Sharpened)

2 Red Pens

1 Pencil Case

1 Box of Tissues

1 Water Bottle

2 Folders (as in picture) One for Chinese/ESL and Music. 

                                                                                                                                                                              

A Healthy Snack Each Day

387ntd for class supplies (Portfolio Book, Spelling Notebook, Music Books and Portfolio Binder)

Appropriate clothing for PE class (Tuesday and Friday). Clothing for warmer weather includes shorts, t-shirt, hat and running shoes. For colder weather, exercise pants or loose pants, a loose shirt, running shoes and clothing layers in case the weather changes.

School Bag Size Restrictions (based on student locker