Week of May 11th - May 15th
We've had a wonderful week in 2-G full of many celebrations! On Thursday and Friday we enjoyed celebrating Ms. Savage's and Ms. Thorne's graduations. Congratulations to two amazing members of our 2-G family! We are working so hard on many new studies. Please enjoy these highlights of our week:
Literacy: Biographies! Students are engaging in non-fiction research projects about people who've influenced our lives in the past and present. Each 2-Ger got to choose whom he/she would like to learn about. There are many steps in our research process and we can't wait to share the final results with you at our breakfast share. Here is our research process:
1. Read two books about my person
2. Search for important facts about person's life and write them on Post-its
3. Place Post-its in relative sections of our graphic organizers
4. Write my own biography by turning my Post-it notes in to complete sentences
5. Complete a "What If?" page
6. Draw illustrations to match my writing
7. Design a cover
Writing Workshop: Poetry is blooming! Writers began our poetry study with color poems. Each writer created a poem about his/her favorite color. The incredible descriptions knocked my socks off! We are looking forward to writing spring poems next week.
Math: Mathematicians have been exploring money in our new unit. Mathemticians have learned how to identify coins, add different coins together, make change, and use the dollar sign and decimal point appropriately. We had a lot of fun in our math stations with teachers when we imagined we were at a store buying some of our favorite treats!
Social Studies: 2-Gers began our Hopi unit. We learned about where the Hopi lived in the past and currently live today. Ask your student what a "mesa" is! We explored the significance of different symbols to the Hopi culture. Last week, we learned about Hopi villages and homes. The Hopi are a part of the Pueblo people. 2-Gers read about the amazing way pueblos are built. We can't wait to learn more about their family traditions in the upcoming days.
Science: Scientists have been learning about soil. We've conducted experiments about the components of soil. We were shocked to find out that soil contains air AND water! Scientists were also very surprised to see how many different types of soil there are around us. Next week, we'll explore soil layering.
Have a wonderful week!
Literacy: Biographies! Students are engaging in non-fiction research projects about people who've influenced our lives in the past and present. Each 2-Ger got to choose whom he/she would like to learn about. There are many steps in our research process and we can't wait to share the final results with you at our breakfast share. Here is our research process:
1. Read two books about my person
2. Search for important facts about person's life and write them on Post-its
3. Place Post-its in relative sections of our graphic organizers
4. Write my own biography by turning my Post-it notes in to complete sentences
5. Complete a "What If?" page
6. Draw illustrations to match my writing
7. Design a cover
Writing Workshop: Poetry is blooming! Writers began our poetry study with color poems. Each writer created a poem about his/her favorite color. The incredible descriptions knocked my socks off! We are looking forward to writing spring poems next week.
Math: Mathematicians have been exploring money in our new unit. Mathemticians have learned how to identify coins, add different coins together, make change, and use the dollar sign and decimal point appropriately. We had a lot of fun in our math stations with teachers when we imagined we were at a store buying some of our favorite treats!
Social Studies: 2-Gers began our Hopi unit. We learned about where the Hopi lived in the past and currently live today. Ask your student what a "mesa" is! We explored the significance of different symbols to the Hopi culture. Last week, we learned about Hopi villages and homes. The Hopi are a part of the Pueblo people. 2-Gers read about the amazing way pueblos are built. We can't wait to learn more about their family traditions in the upcoming days.
Science: Scientists have been learning about soil. We've conducted experiments about the components of soil. We were shocked to find out that soil contains air AND water! Scientists were also very surprised to see how many different types of soil there are around us. Next week, we'll explore soil layering.
Have a wonderful week!
Week of March 9th - March 13th
The second graders had a blast on our field trip on Tuesday! The Flat Stanley musical was amazing. It was so inspiring to see the actors and actresses from the Boston Children's Theatre in action. We had great discussions afterward comparing the original book and the musical! Please enjoy these additional highlights of our week:
Literacy: We began our listening center this week with the book,
Ms. Nelson has a Field Day. In our guided reading groups we are working hard on developing our fluency and thinking beyond the text. Some questions to help us think beyond the literal content are:
Why do you think the author chose this ending?
Does this remind you of anything? Another book? Personal experience?
What is the lesson we learn from this story?
Writing Workshop: Writers have been doing an incredible job sharing their opinions in our persuasive writing unit. This week we focused on retelling certain parts of a story to support an opinion. For example, if a student thought a book was particularly "funny", he/she would choose the "funny" parts of the text to discuss in his/her letter.
Math: Mathematicians are developing their thinking and problem solving skills in our math stations. This week's stations included:
Close to 20, Biggest and Smallest, What's the Story?, 22 Ku-Du, Bingo +10 or +9, and Meet with the Teacher. Ask your mathematician to explain their favorite station to you! We are also learning how to add two and three-digit numbers vertically with carrying. Go, 2-Gers!
Social Studies: This week we got to explore several artifacts from Ghana. Our Ghana box included: school uniforms, jewelry, cloth, statues, fans, looms, bowls, children's toys, a broom, and student notebooks. It was amazing to see some of the things that are used in Ghana every day. In addition, we learned about the Ghanaian flag and the significance of its colors.
Science: In science we are learning about rotting logs and soil. We will be exploring the many organisms that live in and on a rotting log. As we move into the warmer weather, we'll observe how these small ecosystems work!
Enjoy a wonderful week.
Literacy: We began our listening center this week with the book,
Ms. Nelson has a Field Day. In our guided reading groups we are working hard on developing our fluency and thinking beyond the text. Some questions to help us think beyond the literal content are:
Why do you think the author chose this ending?
Does this remind you of anything? Another book? Personal experience?
What is the lesson we learn from this story?
Writing Workshop: Writers have been doing an incredible job sharing their opinions in our persuasive writing unit. This week we focused on retelling certain parts of a story to support an opinion. For example, if a student thought a book was particularly "funny", he/she would choose the "funny" parts of the text to discuss in his/her letter.
Math: Mathematicians are developing their thinking and problem solving skills in our math stations. This week's stations included:
Close to 20, Biggest and Smallest, What's the Story?, 22 Ku-Du, Bingo +10 or +9, and Meet with the Teacher. Ask your mathematician to explain their favorite station to you! We are also learning how to add two and three-digit numbers vertically with carrying. Go, 2-Gers!
Social Studies: This week we got to explore several artifacts from Ghana. Our Ghana box included: school uniforms, jewelry, cloth, statues, fans, looms, bowls, children's toys, a broom, and student notebooks. It was amazing to see some of the things that are used in Ghana every day. In addition, we learned about the Ghanaian flag and the significance of its colors.
Science: In science we are learning about rotting logs and soil. We will be exploring the many organisms that live in and on a rotting log. As we move into the warmer weather, we'll observe how these small ecosystems work!
Enjoy a wonderful week.
Week of February 23rd - February 27th
We had a wonderful last week of February in 2-G. It was hard to believe that we had 5 days of school in a row! 2-Gers have blown me away with their hard work and focus as we began a number of new studies this week. Please enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Literacy: Readers have been developing reading skills in our guided reading groups during center time. We love our new center, "Reader's Theatre". Students work in partners to read through short plays and answer follow-up questions. In addition, we are learning how important it is to read our guided reading books two times (once in group with teacher scaffolding and once independently ) to help develop fluency.
Writing Workshop: Writers began an exciting new unit of study: opinion writing! 2-Gers began our study by writing letters to readers that describe favorite characters and why we love them. We are learning to elaborate and use lots of new describing words. This week's writing focused on favorite parts of a story. We place our letters inside chosen books for others to enjoy!
Math: Mathematicians have been learning new math stations. Two favorite games we learned this week were "What's the Story?" and "Biggest and Smallest". Students are also working on solving double-digit subtraction problems. We are currently solving problems horizontally where students learn to break up the second number, subtract the tens, then subtract the ones. Ask your mathematician to solve some problems for you!
Social Studies: 2-Gers are having a great time learning about Ghana. This week we learned about Ghana's regions and types of land.
2-Gers already know how to say, "Good morning" in Twi (a language spoken in Ghana). This is a beautiful country to explore and we can't wait to learn more about what children's days are like in Ghana next week.
Science: Scientists began a study of soil and rotting logs! We observed a soil sample (humus) and recorded observations and questions in our science journals. This unit will carry through the end of the year as we'll get to watch the changes in the ecosystem of a rotting log over time. We have a smaller version of a rotting log in our classroom. Next week we'll explore all of the organisms that live inside it.
Have a wonderful week!
Literacy: Readers have been developing reading skills in our guided reading groups during center time. We love our new center, "Reader's Theatre". Students work in partners to read through short plays and answer follow-up questions. In addition, we are learning how important it is to read our guided reading books two times (once in group with teacher scaffolding and once independently ) to help develop fluency.
Writing Workshop: Writers began an exciting new unit of study: opinion writing! 2-Gers began our study by writing letters to readers that describe favorite characters and why we love them. We are learning to elaborate and use lots of new describing words. This week's writing focused on favorite parts of a story. We place our letters inside chosen books for others to enjoy!
Math: Mathematicians have been learning new math stations. Two favorite games we learned this week were "What's the Story?" and "Biggest and Smallest". Students are also working on solving double-digit subtraction problems. We are currently solving problems horizontally where students learn to break up the second number, subtract the tens, then subtract the ones. Ask your mathematician to solve some problems for you!
Social Studies: 2-Gers are having a great time learning about Ghana. This week we learned about Ghana's regions and types of land.
2-Gers already know how to say, "Good morning" in Twi (a language spoken in Ghana). This is a beautiful country to explore and we can't wait to learn more about what children's days are like in Ghana next week.
Science: Scientists began a study of soil and rotting logs! We observed a soil sample (humus) and recorded observations and questions in our science journals. This unit will carry through the end of the year as we'll get to watch the changes in the ecosystem of a rotting log over time. We have a smaller version of a rotting log in our classroom. Next week we'll explore all of the organisms that live inside it.
Have a wonderful week!
Week of January 19th - January 23rd
Congratulations, 2-G Singers! You did an amazing job singing in your Winter Music Concert. Not one, not two, not three, but FOUR wonderful songs with movement! Please enjoy these additional highlights of our spectacular week:
Fundations: This week we concluded our study of "glued sounds" by learning how to use, "onk", and "unk". Ask your 2-Ger to show you how we tap out words containing these sounds.
Literacy: Detectives finished reading their mysteries in guided reading groups. We completed our detective logs and learned how to write a "solution" to a story. In addition, we worked on a special surprise that we will share at our breakfast share on February 6th!
Writing Workshop: Writers have been working on the most incredible mysteries. This is our very first piece of fiction writing and 2-Gers have knocked my socks off with their use of imagination, sentence structure, experimentation with new types of punctuation, vocabulary, and elaboration.
Math: Mathematicians studied doubles and fractions this week. We are learning our doubles through 11, then pushing our thinking by solving doubles + 1 problems. 2-Gers are working hard to build our automaticity with these facts. In our fraction study, we learned how to identify and write fractions when figures are broken up into smaller pieces. We are "halfing" so much fun!
Social Studies: Students have learned so many interesting things in our Japan Unit. This week we worked on finishing our carp fish kites. These are models that represent the beautiful carp kites that are hung up during "Kodomono-hi", Children's Day in Japan. Next week we'll learn how to write our names in Japanese calligraphy!
Fundations: This week we concluded our study of "glued sounds" by learning how to use, "onk", and "unk". Ask your 2-Ger to show you how we tap out words containing these sounds.
Literacy: Detectives finished reading their mysteries in guided reading groups. We completed our detective logs and learned how to write a "solution" to a story. In addition, we worked on a special surprise that we will share at our breakfast share on February 6th!
Writing Workshop: Writers have been working on the most incredible mysteries. This is our very first piece of fiction writing and 2-Gers have knocked my socks off with their use of imagination, sentence structure, experimentation with new types of punctuation, vocabulary, and elaboration.
Math: Mathematicians studied doubles and fractions this week. We are learning our doubles through 11, then pushing our thinking by solving doubles + 1 problems. 2-Gers are working hard to build our automaticity with these facts. In our fraction study, we learned how to identify and write fractions when figures are broken up into smaller pieces. We are "halfing" so much fun!
Social Studies: Students have learned so many interesting things in our Japan Unit. This week we worked on finishing our carp fish kites. These are models that represent the beautiful carp kites that are hung up during "Kodomono-hi", Children's Day in Japan. Next week we'll learn how to write our names in Japanese calligraphy!
Week of January 5th - January 9th
Happy New Year, 2-G! I loved hearing about all of the wonderful activities students did with family and friends over the winter break. It was so nice to see all of my smiling faces Monday morning! We had an incredible first week of 2015. Please enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Fundations: We have been focusing on "glued sounds" over the past few weeks. This week we learned how to use, "ong" and "ung". These sounds are composed of one vowel and two consonants that make a new sounds when stuck or "glued" together.
Literacy: Detectives have been developing their reading skills in our guided reading groups. One of our literacy centers this week was, "Social Studies Center". Students read non-fiction texts about Japan (our current social studies unit). We are beginning to learn how to do research in given texts!
Writing Workshop: Writers have been working on their own mysteries and they are amazing! We are working on using planning pages to structure writing. 2-Gers are so excited to share these with you at our Mystery Breakfast Share.
Math: This week we learned about "Talking Math". As we become amazing problem solvers, we are learning to explain our thinking. Students filled out speech bubbles that highlight language/terms we use when talking about mathematical processes. Being able to talk about problem solving is a very important part of second grade development. Ask your mathematician to "talk math" with you!
Social Studies: Students learned about Haiku, a beautiful form of Japanese poetry. 2-Gers had opportunities to write their own Haikus about elements of nature. Next week we'll be typing our Haikus in the computer lab and we'll post them for everyone to enjoy.
Have a wonderful week!
Fundations: We have been focusing on "glued sounds" over the past few weeks. This week we learned how to use, "ong" and "ung". These sounds are composed of one vowel and two consonants that make a new sounds when stuck or "glued" together.
Literacy: Detectives have been developing their reading skills in our guided reading groups. One of our literacy centers this week was, "Social Studies Center". Students read non-fiction texts about Japan (our current social studies unit). We are beginning to learn how to do research in given texts!
Writing Workshop: Writers have been working on their own mysteries and they are amazing! We are working on using planning pages to structure writing. 2-Gers are so excited to share these with you at our Mystery Breakfast Share.
Math: This week we learned about "Talking Math". As we become amazing problem solvers, we are learning to explain our thinking. Students filled out speech bubbles that highlight language/terms we use when talking about mathematical processes. Being able to talk about problem solving is a very important part of second grade development. Ask your mathematician to "talk math" with you!
Social Studies: Students learned about Haiku, a beautiful form of Japanese poetry. 2-Gers had opportunities to write their own Haikus about elements of nature. Next week we'll be typing our Haikus in the computer lab and we'll post them for everyone to enjoy.
Have a wonderful week!
Week of December 1st - December 5th
Happy December! We had a wonderful week in 2-G. We began a mystery unit and detectives have been busy searching for clues. Enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Literacy: Readers are exploring mystery books. We learned to use dictionaries to look up mystery related vocabulary. Ask your detective to tell you what a "sleuth" and a "gumshoe" are! Some of our favorite mystery characters are: Meg Mackintosh, Cam Jansen, and Nate the Great. We have to read very carefully and record important information in our detective logs as we solve our cases.
Writing Workshop: Writers have been finishing their latest personal narratives...getting ready for publishing next week! 2-Gers have been focusing on using our best handwriting while we add more detail to our stories.
Math: Mathematicians started a study of data, probability and graphing this week. We practiced using the terms, "likely", and "unlikely" with given scenarios. On Thursday we learned to create picture graphs and we even made a huge graph right on our classroom rug! On Friday, we collected data and transferred the information onto a bar graph. We asked each other what our favorite colors are. The "blue" column seemed to be the tallest. Way to go, graphers! What is your favorite color?
Science: Scientist worked on choosing "smart snacks" this week. 2-G nutritionists made excellent selections, carefully thinking about foods that give us energy during the day. We have had so much fun studying about food groups. Ask your scientist to explain each group and how it helps our bodies.
Class Meeting: Every week, 2-Gers will have a class meeting time that focuses on being the best we can be in and out of Lincoln School. Some of our future meetings will include activities that focus on: feeling welcome, inviting new friends to play, facial expressions, conflict resolution, courage, honesty, cooperation, and being proud of ourselves.
Enjoy your week!
Literacy: Readers are exploring mystery books. We learned to use dictionaries to look up mystery related vocabulary. Ask your detective to tell you what a "sleuth" and a "gumshoe" are! Some of our favorite mystery characters are: Meg Mackintosh, Cam Jansen, and Nate the Great. We have to read very carefully and record important information in our detective logs as we solve our cases.
Writing Workshop: Writers have been finishing their latest personal narratives...getting ready for publishing next week! 2-Gers have been focusing on using our best handwriting while we add more detail to our stories.
Math: Mathematicians started a study of data, probability and graphing this week. We practiced using the terms, "likely", and "unlikely" with given scenarios. On Thursday we learned to create picture graphs and we even made a huge graph right on our classroom rug! On Friday, we collected data and transferred the information onto a bar graph. We asked each other what our favorite colors are. The "blue" column seemed to be the tallest. Way to go, graphers! What is your favorite color?
Science: Scientist worked on choosing "smart snacks" this week. 2-G nutritionists made excellent selections, carefully thinking about foods that give us energy during the day. We have had so much fun studying about food groups. Ask your scientist to explain each group and how it helps our bodies.
Class Meeting: Every week, 2-Gers will have a class meeting time that focuses on being the best we can be in and out of Lincoln School. Some of our future meetings will include activities that focus on: feeling welcome, inviting new friends to play, facial expressions, conflict resolution, courage, honesty, cooperation, and being proud of ourselves.
Enjoy your week!
Week of November 3rd - November 7th
Way to go, Publishers! On Wednesday, 2-G writers published their very first stories. Everyone was so excited to edit their writing and fancy up their stories with plastic covers. Mr. Bott and Mr. Denitzio joined us in celebrating the incredible efforts that went into crewing each book. There will be many more to come! Please enjoy these additional highlights of our studies:
Fundations: Students studied the "ou" vowel team this week. We learned how tricky this vowel team can be with it's different sounds/uses: "ou" as in "soup", "ou" as in "out", and "ou" in trick words such as, "could".
Computers: In computer lab, 2-Gers explored, "Storyline Online". This is such a wonderful site that allows students to listen to picture books read by well-known authors, illustrators, actors, actresses, and singer/songwriters.
Literacy: Readers have been doing a fantastic job in their guided reading groups and centers. This week we learned a new center called, "Poetry Center". After reading a poem with the whole class, students write and draw about what they pictured in their minds when listening to/reading the poem. Our first poem was, "Autumn Wind". Asking students to talk about what they picture in their minds is a skill we'll be working on throughout our curriculum.
Math: Mathematicians worked on subtraction. We began our study by focusing on the fact that we take numbers apart when we subtract. 2-Gers have been using base ten blocks to help solve problems. Next week we'll be starting a study of number decomposition.
Science: Calling all food groups! Scientists began their study of nutrition this week. In our unit, an unhealthy dragon named, "Little D" receives guidance from a member of the Royal Food Family. Each member is in charge of a specific food group. This week we met, "Sir Milkford the Scholar" who taught us about the dairy group. We look forward to learning about new food groups and more healthy choices!
Enjoy your week.
Fundations: Students studied the "ou" vowel team this week. We learned how tricky this vowel team can be with it's different sounds/uses: "ou" as in "soup", "ou" as in "out", and "ou" in trick words such as, "could".
Computers: In computer lab, 2-Gers explored, "Storyline Online". This is such a wonderful site that allows students to listen to picture books read by well-known authors, illustrators, actors, actresses, and singer/songwriters.
Literacy: Readers have been doing a fantastic job in their guided reading groups and centers. This week we learned a new center called, "Poetry Center". After reading a poem with the whole class, students write and draw about what they pictured in their minds when listening to/reading the poem. Our first poem was, "Autumn Wind". Asking students to talk about what they picture in their minds is a skill we'll be working on throughout our curriculum.
Math: Mathematicians worked on subtraction. We began our study by focusing on the fact that we take numbers apart when we subtract. 2-Gers have been using base ten blocks to help solve problems. Next week we'll be starting a study of number decomposition.
Science: Calling all food groups! Scientists began their study of nutrition this week. In our unit, an unhealthy dragon named, "Little D" receives guidance from a member of the Royal Food Family. Each member is in charge of a specific food group. This week we met, "Sir Milkford the Scholar" who taught us about the dairy group. We look forward to learning about new food groups and more healthy choices!
Enjoy your week.
Week of October 27th - October 31st
Happy November! We had an amazing week in 2-G that ended in our special Character Dress Up Day. 2-Gers knocked my socks off with their costumes! We had so much fun celebrating our favorite books and characters. Students are excited to read many of the new books they heard about during our celebration. I had a ball dressing up as Flat Stanley. Ms. Savage dressed up as Olivia, and Ms. Thorne was Strega Nona! Please enjoy these additional highlights of our week:
Literacy: Our readers are doing a wonderful job in their literacy centers. In our guided reading groups we continue to work on building fluency while reading carefully. We are all focusing on thinking about "what makes sense" when sounding out a new word. Readers are learning to use picture cues and read around the new word to determine what it is and its meaning. We also learned a new center entitled, "Phone Center". We have plastic "phones" that allow students to hear their own voices as they are reading. This is a great tool for beginning the self-editing process.
Math: Mathematicians worked on addition this week using place value. We have been focusing on counting ones, tens, and hundreds using correlating blocks to help problem solve. In addition, we've been playing skill building games that require students to regroup and combine numbers. Next week we'll begin subtraction!
Fundations: Fundations friends learned how to use the "ee", "ea", and "ey" vowel teams this week. I am so proud of the 2-Gers for studying their new words every week. We are working on applying the phonics rules we learn to words in our texts.
Social Studies: Geographers created maps of the continents and oceans to share with you. We'll be mailing our Flat Stanley letters this week and we can't wait to receive postcards from friends around the world to help us learn about new places.
Writing Workshop: Our phenomenal writers worked on dedication pages this week. We are getting ready for our first publishing session on the 5th! Students put a lot of thought into whom they wanted to dedicate their stories to. We have been putting a great deal of effort into forming letters correctly and elaborating on our ideas. Way to go, writers!
Have a wonderful week.
Literacy: Our readers are doing a wonderful job in their literacy centers. In our guided reading groups we continue to work on building fluency while reading carefully. We are all focusing on thinking about "what makes sense" when sounding out a new word. Readers are learning to use picture cues and read around the new word to determine what it is and its meaning. We also learned a new center entitled, "Phone Center". We have plastic "phones" that allow students to hear their own voices as they are reading. This is a great tool for beginning the self-editing process.
Math: Mathematicians worked on addition this week using place value. We have been focusing on counting ones, tens, and hundreds using correlating blocks to help problem solve. In addition, we've been playing skill building games that require students to regroup and combine numbers. Next week we'll begin subtraction!
Fundations: Fundations friends learned how to use the "ee", "ea", and "ey" vowel teams this week. I am so proud of the 2-Gers for studying their new words every week. We are working on applying the phonics rules we learn to words in our texts.
Social Studies: Geographers created maps of the continents and oceans to share with you. We'll be mailing our Flat Stanley letters this week and we can't wait to receive postcards from friends around the world to help us learn about new places.
Writing Workshop: Our phenomenal writers worked on dedication pages this week. We are getting ready for our first publishing session on the 5th! Students put a lot of thought into whom they wanted to dedicate their stories to. We have been putting a great deal of effort into forming letters correctly and elaborating on our ideas. Way to go, writers!
Have a wonderful week.
Week of October 20th - October 24th
What a wonderful week! I am so proud of all of our 2-Gers for coming up with such creative ideas for decorating their pumpkins. We'll be delivering these special creations next week and they are sure to bring smiles to many faces. Please enjoy these additional highlights of our week:
Compliments: This was our first official week of writing compliments for each other. Students will bring home a compliment from a peer every day. They are so excited to read something nice that a friend has noticed about themselves. This activity helps build new relationships in the classroom while it highlights positive student behavior. Students also build confidence in their abilities with reinforcement from their classmates!
Math: Mathematicians have been working on using base ten blocks (ones, tens, and hundreds) to add. We practiced regrouping as we are learning that we can't have more than 9 ones in the ones place, no more than 9 tens in the tens place, etc. We will be using our base ten blocks for the next several weeks. Looking ahead into the year, we'll be focusing on lining up numbers vertically to learn the traditional algorithm of adding using place value. Good practice: Ask your mathematician to tell you how many tens and ones are in given numbers!
Literacy: Our Literacy centers are in full swing! In our guided reading groups students are focusing on building reading strategies such as; pausing at punctuation, reading carefully (not omitting/inputting small words that do not belong), changing our voices with different types of punctuation, tracking, making predictions, and determining the meaning of new words in context. On Friday we learned a new center called, "Making Words". Ask your reader how this center works!
Social Studies: I'm sure you all have seen the "Global Addresses" that geographers brought home this week. Students created this visual representation of "Where We Live in the World". The largest cone represents the Earth, the next cone that is a bit smaller is our continent, the next is our country, and so on. 2-Gers did a wonderful job with this project and they were very proud to share their global addresses with you.
Writing Workshop: Wow! I am so proud of our writers. Students have been working on stories that describe something they did recently over the weekend, or after school. We are learning to add more detail to stories. In our classroom we use the saying, "When you think you're done, you've just begun!" Students learn that whey they feel they are finished they can: 1. Add details to the picture 2. Add details to the words, and 3. Start a new piece. This week, writers will choose a favorite story to publish during our first publishing session on November 5th.
Have a wonderful week.
Compliments: This was our first official week of writing compliments for each other. Students will bring home a compliment from a peer every day. They are so excited to read something nice that a friend has noticed about themselves. This activity helps build new relationships in the classroom while it highlights positive student behavior. Students also build confidence in their abilities with reinforcement from their classmates!
Math: Mathematicians have been working on using base ten blocks (ones, tens, and hundreds) to add. We practiced regrouping as we are learning that we can't have more than 9 ones in the ones place, no more than 9 tens in the tens place, etc. We will be using our base ten blocks for the next several weeks. Looking ahead into the year, we'll be focusing on lining up numbers vertically to learn the traditional algorithm of adding using place value. Good practice: Ask your mathematician to tell you how many tens and ones are in given numbers!
Literacy: Our Literacy centers are in full swing! In our guided reading groups students are focusing on building reading strategies such as; pausing at punctuation, reading carefully (not omitting/inputting small words that do not belong), changing our voices with different types of punctuation, tracking, making predictions, and determining the meaning of new words in context. On Friday we learned a new center called, "Making Words". Ask your reader how this center works!
Social Studies: I'm sure you all have seen the "Global Addresses" that geographers brought home this week. Students created this visual representation of "Where We Live in the World". The largest cone represents the Earth, the next cone that is a bit smaller is our continent, the next is our country, and so on. 2-Gers did a wonderful job with this project and they were very proud to share their global addresses with you.
Writing Workshop: Wow! I am so proud of our writers. Students have been working on stories that describe something they did recently over the weekend, or after school. We are learning to add more detail to stories. In our classroom we use the saying, "When you think you're done, you've just begun!" Students learn that whey they feel they are finished they can: 1. Add details to the picture 2. Add details to the words, and 3. Start a new piece. This week, writers will choose a favorite story to publish during our first publishing session on November 5th.
Have a wonderful week.
Week of September 6th - September 10th
We had an amazing week in 2-G that included our Nature Walk on Thursday. Our scientists made connections with peers from other second grade classes while they observed and collected specific elements of nature. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had a blast! Please enjoy these additional highlights of our studies:
Literacy: We started our centers! Readers rotated through a number of different literacy based activities including, Guided Reading group. In our Guided Reading groups, students are focusing on careful reading and using context/pictures to help with new vocabulary. 2-Gers did an amazing job. One of the new centers we learned this week is called, "Word Work Center". This activity requires students to focus on putting word parts together to create new words. We can't wait for centers this week!
Writing Workshop: We started writing our first stories. Writers learned the steps of our writing process:
* Create a picture in your mind
* Sketch that picture on the top of your paper and label it
* Write your story (we make sure to answer the 5 "w" questions)
* Go back and add details/color to the picture
Students did a great job of putting their ideas on paper. The beginning sketches really help us to create a plan for our writing. We can't wait to share our stories with you!
Math: Mathematicians started our 3rd unit of study on estimation and place value. We are learning to be more efficient problem solvers. Students learned to use what we already know to help make good estimations. We focused on thinking about groups of 10. Mathematicians are also working on being organized counters, creating groups as we count larger numbers. Next week we'll be working with base 10 blocks to explore place value!
Have a wonderful week.
Literacy: We started our centers! Readers rotated through a number of different literacy based activities including, Guided Reading group. In our Guided Reading groups, students are focusing on careful reading and using context/pictures to help with new vocabulary. 2-Gers did an amazing job. One of the new centers we learned this week is called, "Word Work Center". This activity requires students to focus on putting word parts together to create new words. We can't wait for centers this week!
Writing Workshop: We started writing our first stories. Writers learned the steps of our writing process:
* Create a picture in your mind
* Sketch that picture on the top of your paper and label it
* Write your story (we make sure to answer the 5 "w" questions)
* Go back and add details/color to the picture
Students did a great job of putting their ideas on paper. The beginning sketches really help us to create a plan for our writing. We can't wait to share our stories with you!
Math: Mathematicians started our 3rd unit of study on estimation and place value. We are learning to be more efficient problem solvers. Students learned to use what we already know to help make good estimations. We focused on thinking about groups of 10. Mathematicians are also working on being organized counters, creating groups as we count larger numbers. Next week we'll be working with base 10 blocks to explore place value!
Have a wonderful week.
Week of September 29th - October 3rd
It was so wonderful to see everyone at Open House on Thursday! We have had a great time learning together this week. Enjoy these highlights of our studies:
M.I.M. - Every day we end our Morning Meeting with M.I.M. (Motion In the Morning). Students have been engaging in a number of different exercises. Moving our bodies in the morning helps us wake up our minds and get ready for the day! Ask your 2-Ger to show you some of our favorites.
Literacy: This week we completed our study of, The Big Balloon Race. This text was a great tool to help teach us about quotation marks and compound words. We learned that quotation marks hug the talking words. In addition, we began learning about our Literacy Centers. Readers practiced our "Buddy Reading" center and our "Write the Room" center. Students did an amazing job and we are looking forward to starting our centers next week.
Math: Mathematicians focused on the concepts of greater than and less than. We introduced these terms/symbols by referring to a "greedy duck" whose beak likes to face the larger amount and gobble it up. I was so proud of all of our mathematicians for solving several given problems that involved multiple steps. Here is an example:
5+6 ____ 2+10.
Writing Workshop: Writers practiced writing complete sentences this week. We learned that every sentence needs to start with an uppercase letter and end with punctuation. Another goal is to practice starting sentences differently. "I like...." is a common sentence starter and we brainstormed alternate beginnings. Go, writers!
Science: During our nest studies, we got to see some live videos of birds weaving nests! One video of a robin creating its nest showed us how the center of their nests becomes perfectly round. A video of a weaver bird showed us how incredible their skills are in starting each nest with a single knot tied with their beaks. We can't wait to go on our nature walk this week. Hopefully we'll see some amazing homes in the treetops!
Enjoy your week.
M.I.M. - Every day we end our Morning Meeting with M.I.M. (Motion In the Morning). Students have been engaging in a number of different exercises. Moving our bodies in the morning helps us wake up our minds and get ready for the day! Ask your 2-Ger to show you some of our favorites.
Literacy: This week we completed our study of, The Big Balloon Race. This text was a great tool to help teach us about quotation marks and compound words. We learned that quotation marks hug the talking words. In addition, we began learning about our Literacy Centers. Readers practiced our "Buddy Reading" center and our "Write the Room" center. Students did an amazing job and we are looking forward to starting our centers next week.
Math: Mathematicians focused on the concepts of greater than and less than. We introduced these terms/symbols by referring to a "greedy duck" whose beak likes to face the larger amount and gobble it up. I was so proud of all of our mathematicians for solving several given problems that involved multiple steps. Here is an example:
5+6 ____ 2+10.
Writing Workshop: Writers practiced writing complete sentences this week. We learned that every sentence needs to start with an uppercase letter and end with punctuation. Another goal is to practice starting sentences differently. "I like...." is a common sentence starter and we brainstormed alternate beginnings. Go, writers!
Science: During our nest studies, we got to see some live videos of birds weaving nests! One video of a robin creating its nest showed us how the center of their nests becomes perfectly round. A video of a weaver bird showed us how incredible their skills are in starting each nest with a single knot tied with their beaks. We can't wait to go on our nature walk this week. Hopefully we'll see some amazing homes in the treetops!
Enjoy your week.
Week of September 22nd - September 26th
Up, up, and away! 2-G had another fantastic week. Please enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Literacy: We continued our reading of The Big Balloon Race.
2-Gers have been learning wonderful vocabulary words from the text. Ask your reader to tell you about an "aeronaut" and a "landmark". Another focus of our reading was learning to change our voices when we see an exclamation point.
Math: Mathematicians began our second unit of study focusing on 10. We have been playing several favorite games such as, "Turn Over 10" and "Tens Go Fish" with a partner to practice our facts. This unit incorporates the use of manipulatives and visualization to help students solidify their knowledge of combinations to 10. A helpful tool is for mathematicians to create a story in their minds about a given problem. For example: " I found 6 leaves on the way to school. A friend gave me 4 more leaves. Now I have 10 leaves all together. "
Science: Scientists took a close look at our nest collection this week. Students were amazed to see some of the materials that birds used to create their different types of nests. We used our loupes to observe the amazing weaving. 2-G can't wait to go on our nature walk soon. Hopefully we'll see some nests along the way!
Spanish: In Spanish, students are reviewing the days of the week and the weather. In addition, we are learning how to describe feelings in Spanish. Señora Trach always has fun games to help us practice our new vocabulary!
Computers: We had our first computer session this week. Students created "Word Clouds". These are word collages that depict words about ourselves. We had a blast with Ms. Mazzochi, our new computer teacher. We are looking forward to sharing them with you at Open House.
Fundations: Our patterns this week were, "c", "k", and "ck". Students learned helpful rules to guide us in choosing with letter(s) to use since they all make the same sound! We learned that: 1. "c" is usually in the beginning of the word when it makes the hard "c" sound. 2. "k" is used when it comes before "e, i, or y". and 3. "ck" is usually at the end of a word.
Have a great start to your week! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday for Open House.
Literacy: We continued our reading of The Big Balloon Race.
2-Gers have been learning wonderful vocabulary words from the text. Ask your reader to tell you about an "aeronaut" and a "landmark". Another focus of our reading was learning to change our voices when we see an exclamation point.
Math: Mathematicians began our second unit of study focusing on 10. We have been playing several favorite games such as, "Turn Over 10" and "Tens Go Fish" with a partner to practice our facts. This unit incorporates the use of manipulatives and visualization to help students solidify their knowledge of combinations to 10. A helpful tool is for mathematicians to create a story in their minds about a given problem. For example: " I found 6 leaves on the way to school. A friend gave me 4 more leaves. Now I have 10 leaves all together. "
Science: Scientists took a close look at our nest collection this week. Students were amazed to see some of the materials that birds used to create their different types of nests. We used our loupes to observe the amazing weaving. 2-G can't wait to go on our nature walk soon. Hopefully we'll see some nests along the way!
Spanish: In Spanish, students are reviewing the days of the week and the weather. In addition, we are learning how to describe feelings in Spanish. Señora Trach always has fun games to help us practice our new vocabulary!
Computers: We had our first computer session this week. Students created "Word Clouds". These are word collages that depict words about ourselves. We had a blast with Ms. Mazzochi, our new computer teacher. We are looking forward to sharing them with you at Open House.
Fundations: Our patterns this week were, "c", "k", and "ck". Students learned helpful rules to guide us in choosing with letter(s) to use since they all make the same sound! We learned that: 1. "c" is usually in the beginning of the word when it makes the hard "c" sound. 2. "k" is used when it comes before "e, i, or y". and 3. "ck" is usually at the end of a word.
Have a great start to your week! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday for Open House.
Week of September 15th - September 19th
We had a wonderful week in 2-G! We are beginning to fill our Community Cube Jar with cubes. When our jar is filled, we get to vote on a party to celebrate all of the students' efforts to work together and to be respectful. Please enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Collage Share: This was such a special share time in 2-G. I am so proud of our students for putting so much thought into their collages and for presenting them so well in front of the class! It is so powerful to learn about everyone in new ways. The collages are now hanging on our classroom wall where they will stay for the year. You'll get a chance to see them at our upcoming Open House!
Literacy: We concluded our reading/response study of Patricia Polacco. Students loved hearing her books full of rich language. To respond, we asked students to make connections, talk about how the stories made them feel, look at vocabulary, and create a picture summary. Later in the week we started our study of The Big Balloon Race. This is a great adventure story that provides opportunities for students to: make predictions, talk about the setting, problems, and characters, learn about compound words, and practice using different types of punctuation.
Math: Mathematicians focused on number sentences this week. We worked on matching pictures/stories to addition and subtraction problems. Ask your mathematician to create some for you! Next week we'll be building our skip counting skills using number lines. We'll also be strengthening our knowledge of combinations of 10.
Library: We had our first library time this week! In second grade, students are allowed to choose 2 books to take home. We ask that for right now, students choose one "just right" book that they can read independently and one book they'd like to read with an adult at home.
Social Studies: Geographers learned about a bird's eye view. We are beginning our study of maps/places in the world by looking at maps of our own classroom. In addition, we introduced the Cardinal directions. Ask your geographer to tell you a fun way to remember, North, East, South, and West!
Have a great weekend.
Collage Share: This was such a special share time in 2-G. I am so proud of our students for putting so much thought into their collages and for presenting them so well in front of the class! It is so powerful to learn about everyone in new ways. The collages are now hanging on our classroom wall where they will stay for the year. You'll get a chance to see them at our upcoming Open House!
Literacy: We concluded our reading/response study of Patricia Polacco. Students loved hearing her books full of rich language. To respond, we asked students to make connections, talk about how the stories made them feel, look at vocabulary, and create a picture summary. Later in the week we started our study of The Big Balloon Race. This is a great adventure story that provides opportunities for students to: make predictions, talk about the setting, problems, and characters, learn about compound words, and practice using different types of punctuation.
Math: Mathematicians focused on number sentences this week. We worked on matching pictures/stories to addition and subtraction problems. Ask your mathematician to create some for you! Next week we'll be building our skip counting skills using number lines. We'll also be strengthening our knowledge of combinations of 10.
Library: We had our first library time this week! In second grade, students are allowed to choose 2 books to take home. We ask that for right now, students choose one "just right" book that they can read independently and one book they'd like to read with an adult at home.
Social Studies: Geographers learned about a bird's eye view. We are beginning our study of maps/places in the world by looking at maps of our own classroom. In addition, we introduced the Cardinal directions. Ask your geographer to tell you a fun way to remember, North, East, South, and West!
Have a great weekend.
Week of September 8th - September 12th
What an amazing first full week of school! We have had so much fun learning together in 2-G. Please enjoy these highlights of our studies:
Morning Meeting: Every day, we have a wonderful morning meeting. At the end of our meetings, we wake up our bodies/minds with energizers called, "M.I.M." This stands for "Motion in the Morning". We alternate between chants and songs that have correlating movements and exercises such as jumping jacks, lunges, etc. Today we all did the plank!
Writing Workshop: Our 2-G writers have been learning about what it looks like to be "ready to write". We have practiced our uppercase letters. Students are reminded to start writing letters from the top down. Way to go!
Fundations: After reviewing our letter sounds, 2-G studied digraphs. Our first homework packet (on Monday) will contain new spelling words with digraphs for us to study. Everyone is up for the challenge!
Math: Mathematicians learned about two types of patterns in the beginning of the week: growing and repeating. Ask your mathematician to tell you about them! We also began exploring number lines. 2-Gers are learning to use a number line to help solve given addition and subtraction problems.
Literacy: We began the year with an author study of Patrica Polacco books. Readers have loved learning about her family adventures through her stories. We enjoyed hearing: Firetalking, The Keeping Quilt, Thank you, Mr. Falker, and Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair.
Science: Scientists were introduced to one of our observation tools: loupes! We used loupes to look closely at leaves. Students sketched their observations in their Observation Journals. These journals will be used throughout the year as we explore the world around us.
* We are looking forward to sharing our collages next week *
Have a wonderful weekend.
Morning Meeting: Every day, we have a wonderful morning meeting. At the end of our meetings, we wake up our bodies/minds with energizers called, "M.I.M." This stands for "Motion in the Morning". We alternate between chants and songs that have correlating movements and exercises such as jumping jacks, lunges, etc. Today we all did the plank!
Writing Workshop: Our 2-G writers have been learning about what it looks like to be "ready to write". We have practiced our uppercase letters. Students are reminded to start writing letters from the top down. Way to go!
Fundations: After reviewing our letter sounds, 2-G studied digraphs. Our first homework packet (on Monday) will contain new spelling words with digraphs for us to study. Everyone is up for the challenge!
Math: Mathematicians learned about two types of patterns in the beginning of the week: growing and repeating. Ask your mathematician to tell you about them! We also began exploring number lines. 2-Gers are learning to use a number line to help solve given addition and subtraction problems.
Literacy: We began the year with an author study of Patrica Polacco books. Readers have loved learning about her family adventures through her stories. We enjoyed hearing: Firetalking, The Keeping Quilt, Thank you, Mr. Falker, and Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair.
Science: Scientists were introduced to one of our observation tools: loupes! We used loupes to look closely at leaves. Students sketched their observations in their Observation Journals. These journals will be used throughout the year as we explore the world around us.
* We are looking forward to sharing our collages next week *
Have a wonderful weekend.
September 4th, 2014
What an amazing first day of school! We had a ball meeting all of our incredible 2-Gers. We started our day with Morning Meeting, where we had a chance to greet one another and learn about our routines. I was so proud of everyone for being such great buddies during our Scavenger hunt. Students were matched with a friend to hunt for things in our classroom to get to know our environment. After snack and a read aloud of the book, First Day Jitters, we had a great time designing special bookmarks that will be used throughout the year. In the afternoon, our 2-G scientists engaged in an activity called, "Penny Science". They were asked to do an experiment to answer the question, "How many drops of water can fit on a penny?". We had many surprised faces when the results were so high! Ask your scientist to tell you all about it. We also did a read and respond with The Magic Hat, by Mem Fox. After hearing the story, students designed their own magic hats and chose what special things they could do. Oh, the adventures we would have if they were real! Toward the close of the day, we attended an all school assembly where we got to hear from Principal Bott. This was a fantastic start to the year and I can't wait to see all of my smiles again tomorrow!
