How far would you go to answer a dare? Under what conditions would you consider eating 15 worms in 15 days? In our literature set, How to Eat Fried Worms, we will read about Billy who is always being challenged to do zany things, the latest of which is to eat 15 worms in 15 days. The prize? $50.00 to buy a used mini bike! Worm by worm by worm, we'll see if he is successful. More importantly, we'll find out if Billy and his friends will remain friends......

Second quarter (first semester) ended on December 16th. Your child's classroom portfolio and grade card will be sent home with them on Friday, January 6th. As always, I will be reviewing their grades with them prior to sending them home. Your children have heard this phrase many times, "I do not give grades, you earn your grades." Therefore, I believe it is important to discuss the grade cards with your children before they come home so that they understand how they earned what is reported. Of course, if you have questions after hearing your child's explanation, please don't hesitate to contact me.

We continue to roll along with our new Saxon math series. The continual review and integration of a variety of math skills in each lesson is proving to be a very successful recipe for most of our students. Please continue to help your child practice the memorization of multiplication facts. There are several sites on our classroom website that will help with this. The flashcards that were sent home in November should be helpful, as well.

In December, we completed a research project about our Missouri regions. Using Microsoft Word and Paint, we created colorful research papers about the landforms, major cities, and natural resources of each Missouri region.

Next we will be learning more about early Missouri including famous explorers, such as Jolliet and Marquette. Lewis and Clark and the important part that they played in the Louisiana Purchase will be our next topic.