Semester One in the books!

It is hard to believe that the first semester is done and in the books!  We wrapped up the semester in Superhero fashion with our Unit 3 & 6 test.  This was our addition and subtraction unit test as well as a benchmark test covering most missed questions from previous tests.  I was so SUPER proud of how they did!!  I told them that if they score an 85 or higher, they could eat in my classroom.  And let me just tell you, I had a room full of kids!!

We started our next short unit on graphing last week.  Last week, we focused on reading bar graphs and pictographs or "analyzing the data".  They did very well.  This week we will create graphs from survey data.  They will be creating a survey using a website called Kahoot.  After they collect data using their survey, they will create a graph and questions.  This is a short unit so we will take our test next week.  I will be sending home a small amount of homework tomorrow for students to work on reading, analyzing, and creating graphs.  The homework will be due on Monday, February 2nd.

Please don't forget that this Thursday night is Math & Science Night.  The tailgating party (aka dinner) will begin at 5:30.  Then the fun math and science festivities will begin.  We will have math games, hands on science activities with the SMART girls from Davis Intermediate, and science vocabulary tips.  It should be a fun night of learning.  We hope you can join us!!

Also, if you have not sent in your field trip money, it is due by this Friday 1/30.

Have a great rest of the week!!

Week 1/5-9

Welcome back!  The kids came in bouncing full of stories about their holiday break on Monday!  I loved hearing all of them!  In my homeroom, I had them write down their best memories of the break or the presents they couldn't wait to tell about.  Then to add to the suspense I read a few everyday finishing today.  They would sit on the edge of their seats waiting to find out if it was going to be them. :)  

In math, we expanded our knowledge of adding and subtracting to three digits.  Once we got the wrapping paper and bows knocked of those cute little brains, things started to fall into place.  Some of the kiddos are still making silly errors like: forgetting to borrow when the number on the bottom is bigger, forgetting to actually go borrow from the next place value before adding 10, and forgetting to add the one that was regrouped.  If you have a few free moments this weekend, give them a few two and three digit adding and subtracting problems to keep it fresh.  We have our unit test on adding and subtracting next Friday.  It will also cover a few of the errors that our students showed some weaknesses on the first semester tests.  I will be sending home a review sheet next week for homework.  Please have the students work through it independently, then go over it with them.  I know that they are going to do amazing!!

Have a great weekend and stay as warm as you can!

Ugly Sweater

I was telling the kids yesterday about our faculty "Ugly Sweater" competition.  They asked if they could participate.  I said "of course!"  Well Mikey and I ROCKED it!!  Fun times!

Fun times in math!!

I am SOOOOOO proud of these kids this week!  They have ROCKED subtraction with regrouping.  Last week was our learning curve but we are on the straight road to success now.  Our technology workstation this week was the "Show Me" app.  (I totally recommend this for fun at home!)  The students recorded themselves solving a subtraction problem.  The recording shows all of their work they do plus records their voices!  They loved it.  I have included a few links for you to check out and see their greatness!!

Sara R. - http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=6Jm14Bk
Kenzie - http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=Qr9FHW4
Emma - http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=HoJeubw
Pierce - http://www.showme.com/sh/?h=IJZPfFo

I also want to add a few upcoming events/dates:

• Yearbooks are on sale starting this week.  Order forms went home in Thursday folders.  They can also be purchased online using the following link: http://www.ybpay.lifetouch.com . The ID for Cox is 12373015.  The cost of the yearbooks this year are $18.00. You will find the opportunity to personalize the yearbook for your child.  
• Winter party - Our party will be held next Friday 12/19 beginning at 11:45.  Early dismissal will be at 12:30.  We hope all of you can join us for the party.  Students do not need to bring anything for the party. Everything will be provided!
• Math and Science Night-Please mark your calendars for January 29th.  We will be having our Math and Science night from 6-7.  There will be lots of fun to be had.  We will have food, games, and prizes.  Please email me if you are planning to attend.
• Class Pictures - We will be taking our class pictures on January 12th.

Have a great weekend!  I hope to see all of you next Friday!

Welcome back!!

Howdy families!  I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.  I know that I enjoyed it but ate too much!!  I was excited to get back on schedule and hopefully drop a few dessert pounds :)! We have worked really hard this week at our subtraction.  It is a challenging concept that needs LOTS of practice.  Next week, we will continue to work on it.  I do ask that you take a few minutes everyday to work with your child on it.  Just give them two problems that require borrowing.  The more they practice, the more confident they will  feel.  I really appreciate all of your support with your kiddos.

Wylie ISD's core value of the 2nd 9 weeks is Caring and Giving.  Cox Elementary is supporting this character trait with a pajama drive.  We are asking for donations of new pajamas in any size.  They must be manufactured as pajamas.  In honor of our student's willingness to be so caring through this drive, we are having a fun pajama day next Friday Dec. 12th.  Students must still follow all school dress code rules and have on appropriate shoes for PE and recess.  Thank you for your support in this pajama drive.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Happy turkey day!!

We have had a great week this week especially the last two days with our Thanksgiving rotations. The kiddos really loved going to all of the teacher's classrooms and learning something about Thanksgiving.  Especially Pilgrim Ashley!

In math we wrapped up our addition with two-digits.  Upon our return, we will be diving into subtraction.  So let their little brains get lots of rest over the break so they are ready!!  They can also practice their subtraction facts.  This will help tremendously!!

Here are a few websites:
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_IslandChaseSubtraction.html
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_MinusMission.html
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/earlymath/FS_NumberLine_minus.htm


I really hope that everyone enjoys their time with family next week.  Please let me take a minute to express my thankfulness for such a great group of supportive parents!  You guys are amazing!!

Week 11/10

My heart is so full!  The amount of generosity that our students have shown over the past few weeks is amazing!  We have had so many can brought in.  The winner has not been announced as of yet but the citizens of Wylie that are in need of these food items are the definite winners!  Thank you to all of you who made countless trips to the store and/or cleaned out your pantries.

We have still been working hard on our 2-digit addition problems. We have learned several different strategies.

We have broken apart the addends to add the tens and ones.

And we have drawn models to solve.

Next week, we will learn how to add using the 100s chart and an open number line.  We will put it altogether with the regular method on Wednesday.  I will be sending home practice problems next week for homework.  I am okay with students using any method that they feel successful with.  I know that sometimes they come home and say "that is not how Mrs. Halligan showed us."  Tell them I said it is okay as long as they get it right.  We teach several methods because we don't all learn the same.  Plus we want them to know the reason that we regroup and understand the place value behind it.  

Here are a few games online that they can play:

Fruit Splat - http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/fruitshoot/fruitshoot_addition.htm

Soccer Math - http://www.math-play.com/soccer-math-adding-two-digit-whole-numbers/adding-two-digit-numbers.html

After the Thanksgiving break, we will be diving into subtraction!!! Woohoo!  Have a great weekend and stay warm.