Ms. Carol Mangiola's Class
2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade
We are the Bears here at Index Elementary School, but have you ever wondered how schools and students identify themselves in other places? Just think about it at this very moment somewhere on earth, children are waking up and starting their day, learning something new at school, sharing secrets with their friends, and sitting down with their families to enjoy a meal. If you've ever wondered what it's like to grow up in other countries with different cultural traditions, You are in for a treat this year as we "Go Global"!
Ms. Carol’s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade Class
Isn’t it great to be back in School! I am very happy to be starting this exciting New Year! Miss Rachel, Mrs. Hansen and myself chose the theme of this school year to encompass all the exciting events unfolding within the next nine months and beyond.
“Going Global” has many paths: We will continue to follow the Olympics as the Winter Games begin. We will read about the athletes and learn about their cultures and countries they are from. We plan to bring in guest speakers who have traveled to distant places to bring some of their experiences to us!
My Daughter, Gabrielle Mangiola, left for Peru today so she will be one of those speakers. I will send a note home to inform parents when this is happening if you would like to see these presentations.
We will investigate the concept of “going green” and will continue to reuse, recycle, and repurpose throughout our school.
There are so many creative ideas springing out of this new theme I cannot begin to list them all. I hope you will look forward to it as much as I am.
Professional Goals
This year my goals are to teach my students to effectively and responsibly communicate through writing and speaking. This will encompass listening and observing for better understanding, making effective presentations, expressing ideas clearly, and interacting with others while working as members of a team. I also want to teach my students strategies to use to become effective problem solvers, not only in Mathematics, but in all academic areas.
If you have questions or concerns please let me know. As a courtesy, I ask that you call the school in advance so that we might find a time where I can effectively address any questions or concerns in a relaxed and unhurried way.
Ms. Carol Mangiola
2009/2010
Lets Talk about Homework!
Homework has a definite place in the educational process. Homework is designed to aid the student in achieving classroom and school goals, and should not be used to punish a student. By having regularly assigned homework, students will develop the habit of regularly working on homework and returning it on time. This habit will benefit them throughout the rest of their school years.
The home assignments are intended to be completed by your child without much difficulty. Students will be practicing skills covered in class, for the most part. I will also assign a few more involved projects during the year.
Your child will have homework 4 times each week. I will not assign homework on Fridays. Your child should spend about 40 to 50 minutes a day on homework.
Your child will be bringing home a special homework folder every day. Inside the folder will be a “homework” assignment sheet”, and the homework for the day. On Thursday evening when you are going over your child’s work, sign the homework sheet and have your child return it to school in the folder on Friday. This will enable you to be aware of all homework assignments.
Please have your child return his or her homework folder to school EVERY DAY!
I recognize the hectic lifestyles of many families, and will allow homework “Passes” for emergency situations when your child was not able to complete homework.
Units of Study for 2009-2010
Reading:
Houghton Mifflin Reading program, 2,3, 4th
D.E.A.R. Drop Everything And Read!
Language/ Writing: (2nd grade “Explode the Code” workbooks)
Parts of speech / Dictionary skills
Vocabulary building
Six-trait writing: Ideas and Content, Voice, Organization, Writing for a variety of purposes: to inform, to entertain….
Poetry and Spelling
Mathematics:
Addition / Subtraction
Multiplication / Division (emphasis with 3rd and 4th grades)
Time and Money
Place Value
Measurement (standard and metric)
Geometry/Probability
Social Studies:
Cultures around the World
History of the United States
Geography concepts: Map skills, landforms
Science:
Monthly “Discovery Boxes”
Preparation for Science Fair Projects
Art:
Art is of course and exciting topic for me. I will continue to use sketchbooks. Please treat these books like regular text. Do not loan them for other artists to use. They are assignment books for Art Class.
Famous Artists study (September: 20thcentury Artist Robert Rauschenberg)
Basic Drawing
Perspective, Painting
Line, Color, and Design/ Some craftwork will be done as well.
P.E.:
Students will need to wear proper shoes on the days we have PE. We will be working on building coordination and specific sports and game skills. For your child’s safety, and the safety of others, they will need to wear shoes that fit, and will stay on if your child is kicking a ball or running.
Index’s Accelerated Readers
At Index we stress the importance of students reading every day. We use Accelerated Reader, a program that encourages students to select books to read at their individual reading levels. The students will be able to earn points by correctly answering comprehension questions that measure how well they understand the story. One goal of our reading program is to have students read for 30 minutes nightly. Your child may read alone, to someone in the family, or may take turns reading aloud with someone. This reading is a part of our regularly scheduled homework.
Please encourage your child to read every night!
