Grade Two

Kristi did a post the other day about her daughter's massive school supplies list for grade one. For comparison's sake, I am including Rayden's list for grade two. Note: Kristi had all of her daughter's things already PUT AWAY and LABELED when she wrote, I however haven't even braved the stores yet. So ya...

• 30 sharpened pencils (only Dixon HB)
• 1 pencil sharpener (one that contains the shavings)
• 1 pencil box container
• 4 white erasers (Staedtler Mars) <---I have no idea?
• 4 large glue sticks (UHU)
• 8 duo tang folders with metal attachments (2 red, 2 yellow, 2 green, 2 blue)
• 4 exercise books (1 green, 1 blue, 1 yellow, 1 orange or pink
• 1 pkg of construction paper (please sort the colours) <---ya there's an hour I'll never get back!
• 1 pair of good quality scissors (fiskars)
• 1 set of coloured lead pencils (sharpened) (no markers please)
• 1 large box of Ziploc freezer bags (not with zipper closure)

First of all, do you know how long it takes to sharpen 30 pencils? I do cause I gotta do it every year! Oh and the blisters, what fun! But in all fairness, this list isn't half as bad as his grade one list was. So I feel for ya Kristi, even with that handy system your school has.

Also, because it is so sweet, Im going to add a copy of a letter his grade one teacher sent home. It is really sweet, and this teacher will be missed.

Dear Parents,

First, a big "Bravo!" to your children.
They have worked extremely hard over the last ten months! They have all learned to speak, read and write, in a second language, and when you consider their age, that is truly amazing. I am VERY proud of each and every one of them, as you should be.

Congratulations to all of you as well - you've passed Grade One French Immersion with flying colors!! Here is YOUR Report Card:

• Hard Work (especially the last few weeks when you would rather NOT have had homework!)..........................................................................................................................5+
• Cooperation (even when times were tough!)..................................................................5+
• Patience (with your children AND with Mme!)..............................................................5+
• Communication Skills (always open to suggestions and offering them as well!)........5+
• Social Skills (especially for kindness!)...............................................................................5+

One of the most important factors in a child's education is the Parent-Teacher relationship, so I would like to leave you with a little advice - as a teacher AND as a mother:

• Always remember that we are all on the same team.
• Work closely with your child's teachers over the years.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions - you DO have a right to know!
• And try not to be afraid of the answers - even though they may not always be the ones you want to hear.
• Keep working, even if you have to work less.
• Hang in there - they're only young for a little while!

I know, so sweet! And also so true, even though it is hard to remember sometimes. There is more to the letter but that is the most important part. This letter was written by Rayden's grade one teacher, Mme Bry.