Welcome to Mrs. Whelan's Class

Week of 4/28-5/2

2008-05-05T07:41:00.002-05:00

This week was an exciting one!

Our reading class is still reading "How to Eat Fried Worms". Each student has a chance to read each day and we have a group discussion about the events that unfold in each chapter. We have also been working on Wilson Phonics as well as reading the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow".

In Language Arts A: We are still in our Adverbs and Adjectives chapter. The students are really doing a great job identifying each in sentences. We will have our chapter test in the coming week.

In Language Arts B: We have been working on writing fantastic compound sentences. The students have also been typing at least twice a week, and are getting so fast!

We missed the Band students and are happy for their return on Monday!

Good week!

April 25th

2008-04-25T16:14:00.003-05:00

This week has been crazy in our room. We have been so busy and working hard. We continued reading "How to Eat Fried Worms" in Reading A/B and learning a lot of new vocabulary!

Language Arts A worked hard on adverbs and had a lot of practice using them in all different sentences .
Language Arts B worked on editing different sentences in many different forms like business letters, e-mails, and advertisements.

I had the pleasure of joining the 7th grade on their field trip to the Career Fair on Wednesday. It was interesting and the students seemed to really enjoy the presentations. Pizza Hut was definitely a highlight for everyone.

Great week and have a wonderful weekend

Whelan News

2008-04-22T14:39:00.002-05:00

As of today Mrs.Whelan will begin her maternity leave. She will be at home preparing for the, hopefully easy and quick, arrival of her baby. I am pleased to have the opportunity to take over her schedule. I have big shoes to fill! I am excited for Mrs. Whelan and even more excited to come back and work with all her wonderful students and the fantastic 7th grade team. I will keep everyone posted as news of Baby Whelan occurs.

WE WILL MISS YOU MRS. WHELAN!

Miss Wood :)

Week of April 14-18, 2008

2008-04-21T07:01:00.002-05:00

Hello Parents!

The students did a great job presenting their research biographies or careers! They really worked hard researching interesting facts and creating posters! All of your children are great speakers and again, did a FANTASTIC JOB!

This week, we continue to read our novel and work on grammar and sentences. As they year is quickly ending, I can see such tremendous growth in all of your children. I am so proud of their accomplishments.

Week of April 7-11, 2008

2008-04-11T15:16:00.002-05:00

Hello Parents!

Happy Friday! Our poetry unit is coming to an end. The students are working on putting their books together and then share with the class. In Lanugage Arts, the students have been busily working on their research of a famous person or career, along with a visual presentation and speech. They truly enjoyed this project and I am excited to hear my experts present their findings. Thank you for all of the help you have provided to your children!

Have a great weekend!

Week of March 31-April 4, 2008

2008-04-06T12:04:00.003-05:00

Hello Parents!

Welcome back from Spring Break!

I hope all of you had a relaxing and enjoyable time off. The students were definitely well rested and ready to continue learning in all of their classes. In reading, we are continuing working on poetry-their creativeness and hard work is definitely paying off. In language arts, we are beginning our research unit, in which some of our students are working on a biography while others are researching their dream career. Their problem solving skills and ability to utilize a variety of resources is improving.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Week of 3/17-3/21, 2008

2008-03-20T13:42:00.002-05:00

Hello All!

SPRING BREAK IS FINALLY HERE! The students are continuing with poetry and doing a great job showing their creativity! We are also working on writing sentences and identifying adverbs.

Upon returning from break, the students will be working on a research topic. They will be given some time in class to do research, form a bibliography, and prepare a speech. I look forward to seeing their growth as learners.

Have a great spring break!

Week of March 10-14, 2008

2008-03-17T08:03:00.002-05:00

Hello Parents!

ISAT week is finally over!

The kids did a great job staying motivated during the 4 day testing week! They worked very hard and kept a positive attitude throughout! The Friday off was definitely well deserved.

This week, my Reading class will continue with their poetry unit and in LA, verbs and "Lakeview" sentences.

Parents, your support in your child's education is key to their success. I would like to again thank you all for your hard work and dedication!

Week of March 3-7, 2008

2008-03-07T07:49:00.003-06:00

Hello All!

In order to prepare the students for ISAT week, we have been working on various ISAT skills in our Reading and Language Arts class. The students have done a great job recalling strategies and using their test taking skills to answer different types of questions. They are also working very hard on the Extended Reading Response questions, which are usually a challenge for our students. I am so proud of their hard work and determination!

Next week is ISAT week. PLEASE remind your children to eat a healthy breakfast every day and to bring # 2 pencils and a calculator. I know the students will work hard and do their best!

Have a relaxing weekend!

Week of February 25-29, 2008

2008-02-29T15:17:00.002-06:00

Hello All!

The students are doing a great job, despite the gloomy and cold weather! We are all definitely looking forward to spring break! They have been working on verbs and writing sentences, along with poetry and decoding skills. Poetry has been great fun for them so far, allowing them to express their creative side.

Next week, we will be preparing for ISAT week, refreshing their various reading comprehension and ERR skills. We will also be working on test taking strategies and time management skills.

Have a great weekend!

Whelan 2/22/2008

2008-02-22T13:43:00.002-06:00

Hello Parents!

IOWA week has finally ended! Our students worked very hard on their IOWA tests. I am very excited to see how much they have learned since last year!

In reading, the we are working on various elements of poetry. The students are really enjoying the ability to be creative with their writing. In Language Arts, the focus is still on verbs and writing "Lakeview" sentences.

Also, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you parents for the hard work you do for your kids! You are truly appreciated!

Have a great weekend!

Week of February 11-15, 2008

2008-02-15T14:30:00.002-06:00

Hello All!

We all had a great week! In Reading, we dove into the wonderful world of poetry. The students did a great job identifying rhyme, lines, stanzas, and form. At the end of the unit, the students will have created a poetry book, showcasing their poetic writings. In Language Arts, the students have finished their chapter on action verbs. The other group is working on elaborating sentences by providing additional information. In all cases, the students continously work hard on their learning.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Week of February 4-8, 2008

2008-02-08T14:53:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

The students are doing a great job in their classes! They have definitely learned the classroom routine and are making the most of their school time! The students are continuing with action verbs and writing complete sentences, along with reading stories from their basal reader and strengthening their decoding skills.

Have a Great WEEKEND!

Week of January 21, 2008

2008-01-25T14:28:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

Our students are doing a great job in their classes! They are working very hard on their decoding and writing skills! I truly enjoy seeing a little bit of growth in them everyday, both academically and socially. Ms. Wood and I have a great time working with them, since each of my students has their own unique sense of humor. We are quickly finishing up our current Wilson lesson and moving forward into the next. Next week, we will be working on ISAT practice and extended responses.

Have a great weekend!

Week of January 14th-18th

2008-01-18T13:10:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!

We are steadily moving through our new unit of verbs and learning how to write fantastic sentences in language arts. In reading we are improving our comprehension skills by reading many interesting stories and continuing our hard work with the Wilson Phonics program.

With the upcoming long weekend we all ended the week in high spirits.

Enjoy the day off!

Week of January 7-11, 2008

2008-01-11T11:57:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

The students are doing a fantastic job starting off the new year! They have been extremely motivated since their return from break and are definitely refreshed! We read a new story in both of my reading classes, learning how to take notes and visualize scenes from their story. In language arts, the students continued their practice on adjectives and writing complete sentences. The students are doing a great job!

Have a Great Weekend!

Week of December 14-21, 2007

2007-12-21T11:21:00.000-06:00

Hello Parents!

We have had a crazy week! The students worked very hard at staying focused while counting down the days until winter break! This week, the students worked on a variety of holiday activities and even heard Spanish Christmas carols from the students taking a Spanish class.

Also, thank you very much for all of the thoughtful gifts! They will definitely be put to good use, especially with a baby Whelan on the way. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

I hope that all of you have a safe, relaxing holiday and a very happy new year!

Week of December 10-14, 2007

2007-12-17T08:50:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

Our students have done a great job this week! Our skill lessons for this week were using and interpreting graphic sources and summarizing. The kids' comprhension skills are growing by the minute! In Language Arts, the students are continuing to increase their knowlege on adjectives and nouns. They are doing a fantastic job!

Winter break is quickly arriving! We all cannot wait to celebrate!

Week of December 3, 2007

2007-12-07T11:50:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

What a beautiful start to the winter season! It is a winter wonderland here at the CCSD66 campus!

Our reading class this week read fantastic an heart-warming stories about individual uniqueness and learned about how authors get their great ideas for books! The students have also been working on their decoding and encoding skills, foraging through our phonics program!

In language arts, the students are working on adjectives and nouns. They are doing a great job using them in sentences! Their writing is looking great!

Have a great weekend!

Whelan/Wood 11/26/07-11/29/2007

2007-12-03T14:51:00.000-06:00

Hello Parents!

The students this week are continuing to work very hard! We are currently working on adjectives and nouns in my Language Arts classes. In reading, we are continuing to read fantastic stories from our curriculum. Also this week, the students went bowling and had a great time!

"Week" of November 19-20, 2007

2007-11-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

Today was a VICTORY for the blue team. We defeated our gold, red, and green opponents with style. Our horses were strong and our riders diligent. It was an underdog victory, since our very own Mrs. Whelan was unable to participate do to risks of injuring her"precious cargo".

Fantastic day and great participation!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and see you Monday!!

Week of November 12-16, 2007

2007-11-19T09:30:00.000-06:00

The students had a great week! In Reading, we read a story about icebergs and the Titanics, along with the Everglades. They did a fantastic job using various comprehension skills to improve their reading. We also continued working on decoding skills using the Wilson program.
In Language Arts, the students worked on writing an extended response to prepare them for the ISAT. They are truly growing as their ideas and participation are improving. Ms. Wood and I are truly proud of their hard work!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

November 5-9th

2007-11-09T14:14:00.000-06:00

It was a good week in our room. We worked hard and had a little fun too. Reading Group A and B worked together this week. We worked on ISAT extended response so that each student will be a little more prepared when testing time comes around. We read both "Cinderella" and "The Three Little Pigs" as practice stories to write about. Each student developed their own ideas and created their own paragraph. Each group also worked on Wilson Phonics. Group A worked on closed syllables and the exceptions to the closed syllable rule in section 2-3. Group B reviewed section 1-3. Please practice saying the sounds and words with your student at home! Language Arts group A reviewed how to write a complete paragraph, including forming a topic sentence and a conclusion. Language Arts group B worked on finishing up our final narrative draft. The students have become so good at forming ideas independently and writing full sentences. The final narrative was their best work yet.

Have a fantastic weekend and make sure to practice your Wilson Words!

Week of Oct. 30-Nov. 2nd

2007-11-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

This was a very hauntingly fun week in our class.
Reading group A read a story about a young girl who started a food drive for the homeless. This group discussed volunteer work and how we can help people in our own community.
Reading group B read a story about tornadoes and how weather effects or communities. This group learned new weather vocabulary. Each group worked on Wilson phonics and did very well. Ask your student to review their new sounds!

Language Arts group A reviewed pronouns amd worked hard learning new material.
Language Arts group B worked on combining information in note form, and transferring it to a paragraph that was written independently. They worked on multiple drafts of two separate paragraphs, one about their favorite sport, and the other about their favorite Halloween costume. They did very well correcting their mistakes and making changes to their sentences.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Week of Oct. 22-26th

2007-10-26T14:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Red Ribbon Week! It was a great week in our class. In Reading group B read a fantasy story about aliens and funny events that occur on a make-believe space ship. Reading group A read an interesting non-fiction story about hurricanes and their effect on different ecosystems. Each group did a great job answering difficult comprehension questions from the story. The class enjoyed great discussions about each of the stories. In our Wilson phonics groups, group B focused on the "b" "sh" "u" "h" "j" "c" "k" "ck" "e" "v" "w" sounds. Reading group A focused on digraphs, blends, and closed syllables. Please feel free to practice these sounds with your student at your leisure. They worked really hard.
In Language Arts group A worked on drafts of their narratives. This group was also able to use the IMC computers during class to type up their final drafts. Each student did an excellent job forming paragraphs and making corrections to their first and second drafts. Language Arts group B started working on supporting details and forming paragraphs this week. The students enjoyed writing paragraphs about their favorite Halloween costume, favorite and least favorite food, and their best sports memory. Each student did very well correcting mistakes and forming great topic sentences.

Overall a great week and have a wonderful weekend!