We started a new "read aloud" book this week.  It is called Gooney Bird Greene.  It is about a second grader who likes to be the center of everything.  She is a wonderful storyteller!  She insists that she only tells true stories.  The class has a hard time believing that since she says she arrived in town on a flying carpet from China.  They can't wait to hear about it.  Gooney's story today was about how she got her name.  Ask your child to tell you all about it.  Gooney also reminds her second grade classmates that all great stories have 3 essential things, a beginning, middle, and end.  She also reminds them that it is important to be descriptive and have a cliffhanger.  Hopefully your child can remember some of these key facts.

Send in your box tops!  We have started collecting for a contest that ends in October.  I am really hoping we win!

Snack and Water Bottle Reminder:  Please make sure your child has a healthy, easy to eat snack each day.  Please don't send in anything that requires a fork or spoon.  Also, please send a water bottle with your child daily as this prevents the need to get up and get water during lessons.  Please do not send any drinks other than water.  We are not allowed to have anything else due to spills.

Our first banana split test will be this Friday.  Your child will be adding 0 and 1.  The time limit is five minutes to answer 100 facts.  Please practice addition facts with your child several times a week.  It is important to have all addition and subtraction facts 0-18 memorized.  We need to get past the habit of counting on fingers.  Please let us know if you need any ideas for practicing.