2G Is A Great Place To Be! - Weekly Newsletter 2011

Review of Week of 5/28/12

6/3/2012

Happy June, 2D! We packed so many wonderful things into a short week. I am so proud of 2D for all of their incredible accomplishments they make every day...especially the way they've come together to support our sister school in Haiti! In our "Change for Change" fundraiser, 2D raised over $110.00! The discussions we've had around helping others by providing better learning spaces and opportunities has been truly heartwarming. Please enjoy these additional highlights of our week:
Math: Mathematicians completed our unit on measurement of weight. We used the units, grams, kilograms, ounces, pounds, and tons to compare the weights of different objects.
Writing Workshop: Writers worked with buddies to complete a creative writing story about a day in an earthworm's life. The teamwork in 2D truly knocked my socks off as students used their incredible imaginations and combined their ideas so well. Have you ever heard of "Super Compost", the earthworm super hero? It is coming soon to a theater near you....
Literacy: Students have been working hard on their story strip projects. Each reader chose a just right book at his/her level. As each student reads, he/she writes a small summary of each section of the story. After writing, the reader completes a segment of a story strip (similar to a comic strip) that depicts images from a given section. At the end, students will present their story strip stages to one another. Way to go, 2D!
Social Studies: Our classroom turned into a Kachina factory this week. Students learned about the incredible significance that Kachina spirits have in the Hopi culture. We had the opportunity to choose an image of a Kachina spirit doll that we'd like to create. Students paid close attention to detail in designing their dolls. These will be on display for all to enjoy at our upcoming breakfast share.
Scholastic News: This week, we learned about American landmarks and symbols of freedom in our newspapers. Ask your researcher how the Grand Canyon was formed and/or who gave the U.S. The Statue of Liberty.
* Our Caring For Capin Haiti Walk has been postponed until June 11th due to a soggy weather forecast.*
Enjoy your week!

Review of Week of 5/28/12

6/3/2012

Review of week of 5/7/12

5/13/2012

We had a wonderful week in 2D! Students proved that even though it was a rainy week, it is always sunny in 2D. Enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Literacy: We continued our study of poetry. Students both read and wrote amazing poems with beautiful language. On Wednesday, we had our last publishing session where we edited our poems and fancied them up!
Math: Mathematicians completed their unit on 3-dimensional shapes. Students learned to identify "footprints" that certain shapes could make. This study focused on understanding and identifying faces, edges and vertices of common 3D shapes. Next week, we'll explore measurement of liquids using cups, pints, quarts, and gallons.
Writing Workshop: Writers worked on a Top Secret project that we'll reveal at our breakfast share....
Science: After an exciting visit, we said "good bye" to our resident earthworms as we placed them in their underground homes in our backyard. We learned so much during our earthworm experiments and observations. Ask your scientist about a worm's body parts, how it moves, what it does when it encounters obstacles, and how it helps the soil.
Social Studies: We learned about the significance of corn in the Hopi culture this week. Through a combination of video, read aloud, and non-fiction independent research, students investigated Hopi family life and jobs. It was so interesting to hear about "clans" and what they are named after.
Spanish: Clases! Estudiantes are learning how to say the names of their classes in school. We are talking about our favorites (of course, they all are!).
Have a wonderful week!

Review of week of 4/23/12

4/29/2012

Wow! 2D had an amazing week back from vacation. We started several new units across the curriculum and topped off our week with a trip to The Big Apple Circus! Among the many amazing acts we saw, we were thrilled to see a Capybara make an appearance at the circus. 2D studied this incredible creature earlier in the year. Please enjoy these highlights of our week:
Literacy: Readers have been enjoying beautiful books written by Pat Mora. In this author study, students have not only learned about Pat Mora, but we've learned important lessons about being proud of ourselves from her, as well. Some of our favorite titles are: The Rainbow Tulip and A Birthday Basket for Tia.
Writing Workshop: Students wrote wonderful stories about favorite highlights of their vacations. We are practicing using our spelling dictionaries to edit our writing more independently. In addition, students are reading their stories aloud to a partner to work on our intonation and annunciation.
Math: I am so proud of the amazing mathematicians in 2D. Students completed their multiplication and division unit this week. We explored the relationship between the two operations. In second grade, we focus on the concepts of "adding equal groups" and "breaking apart into equal groups". We will explore 3 dimensional figures in our unit next week!
Science: 2D prepared for the arrival of our new classroom friends next week...earthworms!
Social Studies: We began our exploration of the Hopi Native Americans. Students investigated Hopi symbols and their meanings. Ms. Calabrese introduced us to traditional Hopi pueblos: what they are made of, their structure, purpose, and location on the mesas in Arizona. We are so excited to learn more about their homes and daily life.
Ms. Calabrese: Ms. Calabrese is an incredibly special member of our 2D family. We have been so lucky to have her as a student teacher in our classroom. She has brought so much sunshine to our days! Ms. Calabrese's last day in 2D will be on Friday, May 4th. Students will have a special celebration to honor her achievements. Thank you for everything, Ms. Calabrese!!!
Enjoy your week.

Review of week of 3/26/12

4/1/2012

We had an amazing week in 2D! On Wednesday, we had a wonderful presentation from the Brookline Fire Department about Fire Safety. I am looking forward to meeting with all of you for Spring Conferences. There are so many incredible successes to share! Please enjoy these highlights of our week:
Literacy: We continue to read, My Father's Dragon in our reading groups. Readers are doing a wonderful job determining the meanings of new words within context. We love this adventure story!
Math: Mathematicians explored the relationships between inches, feet, and yards. At the end of the week, we began studying centimeters and using given rulers to find objects that matched specific measurements in our room. We did a great job using measurement tools correctly.
Writing Workshop: Writers created rhyming poetry about spring this week.
Students used beautiful words
Many described glorious birds
2D captured the feelings of spring
And showed us that poetry is a wonderful thing
Social Studies: We learned about the Ashanti people in our Ghana study this week. We heard stories about the symbolism of the Ashanti Golden Stool and it's significance to their culture. In addition, we chose a specific pattern to design for our class Kente cloth.
Science: Scientists explored absorption. Students experimented with different types of soil and water to determine which kind absorbs the most/least and why. I am so impressed by all of the incredible predictions and conclusions 2D scientists are making!
Happy April Fool's Day! Ms. Dungan may have a few tricks up her sleeve.....
Enjoy your week.

Review of week of 3/19/12

3/25/2012

Happy Spring! 2D had an amazing week as we welcomed spring and the incredible, sunny weather. To celebrate the new season, students engaged in a quilling (rolling paper) project to create beautiful, 3 dimensional flowers. Enjoy these highlights of our studies in bloom:

Literacy: Readers began a study of the wonderful adventure book, My Father's Dragon. We have completed chapters 1-4 and we've learned so many new vocabulary words along the way. Before we read each chapter, we preview a list of upcoming words. When we find these words within the text, we discuss what we think they mean in context and ultimately agree upon a definition to record. We can't wait to see what happens next!

Math: Calling all rulers! Mathematicians are exploring measurement. We began our study by using non-standard units to measure objects. Later in the week, we were introduced to using standard units (rulers) to measure with inches. Students are learning to correctly line up rulers with the edge of a given object to ge more precise measurements. Way to go!

Writing Workshop: Poets wrote "Object Poetry" using personification this week. Students worked with a partner to make an everyday classroom object come to life. We are so excited to share these with you.

Science: Scientists investigated particle layering in soil. We now have a greater understanding of soil components and why it is that some particles sink and some float when mixed with water. Next week we'll be exploring the differences and similarities between ground soil and sand.

Social Studies: Students completed their written research about life in Ghana. Specific topics of study included - jobs for men, women, and children, foods, games, and traditions.

Spanish: 2D has been learning how to say the names of animals with Senora Trach. We loved playing "Go Fish" or "Pesca" this week with animal cards!

Enjoy your week.

Review of week of 3/12/12

3/18/2012

We had another incredible week in 2D that included a trip to The Moose Hill Sanctuary. We learned so much about the Maple sugaring process from our nature guides. Ask your child to tell you about how Maple syrup is made. A favorite spot was visiting the, "Evaporation Hut". We were surrounded by the sweet smell of syrup in the air and we got to taste some at the end! Enjoy these additional highlights of our week:
Math: Mathematicians have been working with rectangular arrays. We organized items in rows and columns to help count multiple sets more efficiently. Students are learning how to write multiplication number sentences....we've had so many good "times"! Next week, we'll explore division.
Literacy: Students engaged in a number of different reading centers this week focusing to help build fluency. As we are becoming stronger readers, we're focusing on attending to punctuation. As we build our oral reading skills, we're working on using intonation appropriately. Next week, we'll begin a study of a favorite adventure book: My Father's Dragon.
Writing Workshop: Poetry is blooming in 2D! Writers are both reading and writing many types of poetry. This week, we wrote Acrostic poetry using our own names. We also began writing poems that focus on using our five senses. I am blown away by the beautiful, descriptive language poets are using.
Social Studies: We made our own Adinkra cloths inspired by the gorgeous cloths created in Ghana. Adinkra cloths are traditionally made by stamping symbols in a pattern on white cloth. Each symbol has a very significant meaning. Students chose symbols that they felt represented things about themselves to trace with fabric marker on their cloths. We also watched a movie about a young, Ghanaian girl named, Georgina Williams. This movie took us through her daily life and helped 2D to learn what it might be like to be an 8 year-old in a Ghanaian village.
Science: Does soil contain air? Scientists conducted an experiment to answer this very question. Ask your scientist to tell you the answer and explain why! At the end of the week, students placed jars of different types of soil near our classroom windows. They made predictions about whether or not soil contains water...thinking about what might happen inside the jars over the weekend. We can't wait to find out!
Enjoy the sunshine!

Review of week of 3/5/12

3/11/2012

We had an incredible week in 2D...complete with a cherry on top (ice cream sundaes on Friday, yum!). Thank you to our parent volunteers who helped writers publish their amazing color poems. They are on display on the bulletin board in our hallway. Students create images in our minds as they use beautiful, descriptive language. Enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Literacy: Students are improving their fluency in our guided reading groups. 2 of our literacy centers this week included, "Word ladders" where students change vowels/consonants to build new words and "Poetry Center", where students read given poems and hunted for patterns.
Math: Mathematicians began a new unit on working with equivalent sets and skip counting. This unit is an introduction to.....MULTIPLICATION! Students are so excited to learn more. Our study focuses on the use of rows, columns, and arrays to illustrate multiplication.
Science: Scientists explored the components of soils found around the Lincoln school grounds. They conducted hands-on studies to determine whether certain components are alive, not alive, or both. Next week, 2D will try to answer the questions: "Does soil contain air?" and "Does soil contain water". We love studying soil with Ms. Calabrese!
Social Studies: Students learned about the different types of homes and schools in Ghana. Ms. Dungan shared many Ghanaian artifacts with 2D including:
students' uniforms, Kente cloths, small looms, statues, jewelry, instruments, and fans. Later in the week, we talked about Adinkra cloths and the significance of their ink symbols. We'll be making our own Adinkra cloths soon!
M.I.M.: Every morning, 2D starts our day with "Motion In the Morning". We do a series of exercises that help us open our minds to learning. I've seen 2D gain strength in so many ways and we love incorporating this healthy element to our routine.
Enjoy your week!

Review of week of 2/27

3/4/2012

Welcome Back, 2D! I was so happy to see all of my smiling faces (some missing more teeth!) after February Vacation. We had an incredible week sharing recent adventures and beginning new studies. Enjoy these highlights of our fun-filled days:

Literacy: Readers continue to develop fluency skills in small Guided Reading groups. In addition, we are working on our phonics studies, readers theater, and word building in Literacy Centers. Go, 2D!

Writing Workshop: Poetry! Writers began a poetry study focusing on color. Students wrote beautiful poems about their favorite colors. We are learning to use descriptive language as we create images in readers' minds. This week, we'll focus on Acrostic Poetry using the letters in our names.

Math: Mission - Beat the Calculator. Mathematicians discovered how much more effective it is to solve a problem in our minds rather than with a calculator. Students engaged in a number of activities that required the use of mental math to solve given problems with 2 and 3-digit numbers.

Science: Ms. Calabrese began teaching our Soil unit. Students were introduced to several different types of soil found throughout New England. They will be exploring soil's layers, composition, uses, and characteristics.

Social Studies: We are exploring Ghana! 2D studied the geography and climate of Ghana. Ms. Dungan also shared her Kente cloth with students during our exploration of special fabrics and clothing in the Ghanaian culture.

Happy March!

Enjoy your week.

Review of week of 2/6/12

2/12/2012

Happy 100th Day, Lincoln School! This was an incredible, fun-filled week in 2D. Among all of the wonderful things we're studying, we celebrated the completion of 100 days of learning together! Please enjoy these highlights of our week:

Literacy: 2D had a "publishing" session this week. Students worked on editing their biographies. Readers shared their accordion books with one another and students loved hearing the amazing facts about the influential people we've studied. We continue our Guided Reading groups where we build our fluency skills as well as our ability to use context clues.

Math: Mathematicians started a new unit this week focusing on the number 100. We are practicing our vertical problem solving as we work with double-digit numbers and money.

Social Studies: Students read the Mexican folktale, "Rabbit and Coyote". We searched for different elements of the folktale such as: "True and Not True parts", "Images of Mexico", and "The reason Coyote howls at the moon".

Science: We finished creating and researching our rain forest animals. We are looking forward to a very special presentation from our Rain Forest School Connect representative on Monday. We have so many questions to ask!

Spanish: Los estudiantes are learning about different types of foods that both grow on a farm and come from animals that live on a farm (la granja). Both Señora Trach and I are very impressed at how 2D is putting new terms together into full sentences and questions.

Lincoln Can: 2D helped to make the signs needed to sort collected cans into food types down by the recess doors. Students did an incredible job collecting. Lincoln should be so proud!

Enjoy your week!

<<Previous