Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wrapping up October
I can hardly believe October is coming to a close! As usual, we had a lot going on this week in second grade.
In Science, we finished our unit on matter. This week we talked about the third type of matter, gas. We learned that like liquids, gases take the shape of it's container. Gas does not have a shape and we usually don't see it. We did a little experiment with straws and zip lock bags to help us better understand the concepts. Students used the straw to blow into the zip lock bag and saw how their air (which is a gas) took the shape of the zip lock bag. We also learned that all types of matter are made up of smaller units called, "molecules." In solids, molecules are tightly packed together and do not move. In liquids, there aren't as many molecules and they move around slowly. In gas, there are the fewest molecules and they move around quickly. We did two activities to help us understand molecules. First, I said a type of matter and they had to pretend to be the molecules in that type of matter. They either clumped close together and stood still (if I said a solid), stayed close together and moved around slowly (if I said a liquid), or moved around quickly in the room (if I said a gas). Regardless, gas was by far the favorite! I wonder why... :o) We also did a neat art activity with cheerios. Be sure to ask your child about it! Below are pictures of the students pretending to be molecules...
In Math, we took our Unit 2 math test. The students did really well! Please sign and return your child's test at your earliest convenience. We will be starting Unit 3 this upcoming week.
In Reading, we focused on the theme of coming to America. The main selection we read this week was, My Name is Yoon. It was about a girl who came to America from Korea, and had trouble adjusting at first. Eventually, once she became settled she loved her new life. While reading the main selection, as well as in our small reading groups, we focused on the skill of making predictions. We know that when you make predictions, you make guesses about what you think is going to happen. We also know it is okay if our prediction is not correct.
In Grammar, we looked at sentences that had different subjects but similar predicates. We practiced combining sentences to make one sentence. For example: Ms. Winters loves teaching. Mrs. Callahan loves teaching. We would notice both predicates say "loves teaching" so we would combine the sentences to say, "Ms. Winters and Mrs. Callahan love teaching."
In Writing, we talked about organization in our stories. Stories need to be in sequencial order so that they make sense. We began to touch on how stories need to have "bold beginnings." A "bold beginning" hooks the reader and makes them want to keep reading. We will be working more on bold beginnings next week!
Last but not least, we had a GREAT time at our Fall Harvest. A big thank you to Mrs. Weatherhead, Mrs. Krattenmaker, Mrs. Sward, Mrs. Joy, Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs. Davies for coming in and helping us. Thank you to Mrs. Weatherhead for the delicious treats!
In Science, we finished our unit on matter. This week we talked about the third type of matter, gas. We learned that like liquids, gases take the shape of it's container. Gas does not have a shape and we usually don't see it. We did a little experiment with straws and zip lock bags to help us better understand the concepts. Students used the straw to blow into the zip lock bag and saw how their air (which is a gas) took the shape of the zip lock bag. We also learned that all types of matter are made up of smaller units called, "molecules." In solids, molecules are tightly packed together and do not move. In liquids, there aren't as many molecules and they move around slowly. In gas, there are the fewest molecules and they move around quickly. We did two activities to help us understand molecules. First, I said a type of matter and they had to pretend to be the molecules in that type of matter. They either clumped close together and stood still (if I said a solid), stayed close together and moved around slowly (if I said a liquid), or moved around quickly in the room (if I said a gas). Regardless, gas was by far the favorite! I wonder why... :o) We also did a neat art activity with cheerios. Be sure to ask your child about it! Below are pictures of the students pretending to be molecules...
In Math, we took our Unit 2 math test. The students did really well! Please sign and return your child's test at your earliest convenience. We will be starting Unit 3 this upcoming week.
In Reading, we focused on the theme of coming to America. The main selection we read this week was, My Name is Yoon. It was about a girl who came to America from Korea, and had trouble adjusting at first. Eventually, once she became settled she loved her new life. While reading the main selection, as well as in our small reading groups, we focused on the skill of making predictions. We know that when you make predictions, you make guesses about what you think is going to happen. We also know it is okay if our prediction is not correct.
In Grammar, we looked at sentences that had different subjects but similar predicates. We practiced combining sentences to make one sentence. For example: Ms. Winters loves teaching. Mrs. Callahan loves teaching. We would notice both predicates say "loves teaching" so we would combine the sentences to say, "Ms. Winters and Mrs. Callahan love teaching."
In Writing, we talked about organization in our stories. Stories need to be in sequencial order so that they make sense. We began to touch on how stories need to have "bold beginnings." A "bold beginning" hooks the reader and makes them want to keep reading. We will be working more on bold beginnings next week!
Last but not least, we had a GREAT time at our Fall Harvest. A big thank you to Mrs. Weatherhead, Mrs. Krattenmaker, Mrs. Sward, Mrs. Joy, Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs. Davies for coming in and helping us. Thank you to Mrs. Weatherhead for the delicious treats!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
A Fun Week
We have had a great week thus far in Room 16! Here is what we've been up to...
Science:We have learned that matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. The three types of matter are: solids, liquids, and gases. This week we explored various solids, both soft and hard, and determined that solids keep their own shape and their own size. Unlike solids, liquids form to the shape of their container. Solids can be thin like milk, or thick like honey. Today we did an experiment where we poured water into various vases. We observed how the water took the shape of the vase it was poured in. To prove a point, I even poured water out of the vase on to our tiled floor to show how when water is not in a container, it takes no shape. The students loved it!
Writing:
In writing we have been working on personal narratives. In order to organize their writing, I taught students the strategy of brainstorming about their story using time line. As an example, I told them about when I was dunked at the Sharon Timlin Road Race. I thought out loud as I created a time line with the details that occurred in order during that event. By creating a time line prior to writing a story, students are able to better organize their thoughts and add more descriptive details.
Reading:
In reading our main selection was called, "Meet Rosina." It was about a deaf girl, so we had many discussions about disabilities, and I was very impressed with the students prior knowledge. Many of them were able to make great connections to "Meet Rosina," as well as the story they read in their small reading group. Tomorrow they will be learning how to sign their name using sign language- be sure to ask your child to show you when they get home from school tomorrow! We also continued to work on being able to identify the main idea of the story, as well as the supporting details. This continues to be a developing skill for children; while reading at home with your child try to discuss the main idea of the story you're reading together. Working on skills at home as well as in school makes a big difference!
We also learned about TTQA this week. TTQA stands for "turn the question around." We practice this skill throughout second grade when we respond questions about stories we read. The reason I emphasize TTQA so much is because it makes for stronger answers. An example of turning the question around would be: "What's your favorite color?" "My favorite color is red."
Phonics:
Our phonics rule this week was "long/short i." So far, we've read stories and poems about long/short i and even wrote poetry ourselves! Additionally we've done word sorts and fun, interactive games on the Smartboard.
Grammar:
In grammar this week, we learned about predicates. Students now know that in order to be a complete sentence, a sentence must have a subject and predicate, or in second grade terms, a "who" and a "do." Today we did a fun activity where students either received a card with a subject on it or a card with a predicate on it. They then matched up with a classmate who had an opposite card and together created a sentence. Some of the sentences were really silly, but the point I was trying to make was that even if a sentence is totally silly, if it has a subject and a predicate, it is a complete sentence.
Math:
We are wrapping up Unit 2 in math. This week we practiced frames and arrows, name collection boxes, and function machines. They practiced many of these skills by working collaboratively with their tables and then presenting to the class. They did a great job! We will be tested on these skills Wednesday of next week.
Other Business...
Please be sure to send back your conference reminder form, as well as the Unit 1 Math Test. Thank you!
Science:We have learned that matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. The three types of matter are: solids, liquids, and gases. This week we explored various solids, both soft and hard, and determined that solids keep their own shape and their own size. Unlike solids, liquids form to the shape of their container. Solids can be thin like milk, or thick like honey. Today we did an experiment where we poured water into various vases. We observed how the water took the shape of the vase it was poured in. To prove a point, I even poured water out of the vase on to our tiled floor to show how when water is not in a container, it takes no shape. The students loved it!
Writing:
In writing we have been working on personal narratives. In order to organize their writing, I taught students the strategy of brainstorming about their story using time line. As an example, I told them about when I was dunked at the Sharon Timlin Road Race. I thought out loud as I created a time line with the details that occurred in order during that event. By creating a time line prior to writing a story, students are able to better organize their thoughts and add more descriptive details.
Reading:
In reading our main selection was called, "Meet Rosina." It was about a deaf girl, so we had many discussions about disabilities, and I was very impressed with the students prior knowledge. Many of them were able to make great connections to "Meet Rosina," as well as the story they read in their small reading group. Tomorrow they will be learning how to sign their name using sign language- be sure to ask your child to show you when they get home from school tomorrow! We also continued to work on being able to identify the main idea of the story, as well as the supporting details. This continues to be a developing skill for children; while reading at home with your child try to discuss the main idea of the story you're reading together. Working on skills at home as well as in school makes a big difference!
We also learned about TTQA this week. TTQA stands for "turn the question around." We practice this skill throughout second grade when we respond questions about stories we read. The reason I emphasize TTQA so much is because it makes for stronger answers. An example of turning the question around would be: "What's your favorite color?" "My favorite color is red."
Phonics:
Our phonics rule this week was "long/short i." So far, we've read stories and poems about long/short i and even wrote poetry ourselves! Additionally we've done word sorts and fun, interactive games on the Smartboard.
Grammar:
In grammar this week, we learned about predicates. Students now know that in order to be a complete sentence, a sentence must have a subject and predicate, or in second grade terms, a "who" and a "do." Today we did a fun activity where students either received a card with a subject on it or a card with a predicate on it. They then matched up with a classmate who had an opposite card and together created a sentence. Some of the sentences were really silly, but the point I was trying to make was that even if a sentence is totally silly, if it has a subject and a predicate, it is a complete sentence.
Math:
We are wrapping up Unit 2 in math. This week we practiced frames and arrows, name collection boxes, and function machines. They practiced many of these skills by working collaboratively with their tables and then presenting to the class. They did a great job! We will be tested on these skills Wednesday of next week.
Other Business...
Please be sure to send back your conference reminder form, as well as the Unit 1 Math Test. Thank you!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Last Week's News
Wow- the weekend definitely flew by! I hope you all got a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather we had on Saturday. Before we begin another great week, let me tell you about last week.
Math...
In math, we continued to work on Unit 2 skills. First, we reviewed the term "turn-around" facts. An example of a "turn-around" fact would be, 8 + 9 = 17 and 9 + 8 = 17. Regardless of the order, the numbers equal the same sum. We also learned about fact families. There are three numbers in a fact family, and from those three numbers, you can make 4 equations; 2 addition and 2 subtraction. For example, 6, 3, and 9 are a fact family. 6 +3 = 9, 3 + 6 = 9, 9 - 6 = 3, and 9 - 3 = 6. On Friday, we built fact family houses; they came out great!
Science...
In science, we learned that matter has three states; solids, liquids, and gasses. We did fun activities on the Smartboard to practice categorizing the three states of matter.
Reading...
This week we read a news article called, "Fighting the Fire." The students learned all about wildfires while simultaneously learning about various elements of non-fiction texts, and focusing on main idea. From our reading about fires in small groups and whole class instruction, we also generated fire safety tips and printed them into little "match books." They are hanging in our hallway and they look great! In read, we focused on the short a and long a sounds. When "magic e" is added to the end of a short a word, it makes the a say it's name. For example, "can" ---> "cane."
Grammar...
In grammar this week we learned there are two parts of a sentence. The first part that we learned about is the subject of a sentence. The subject tells who or what the sentence is about. We did a fun activity of cutting out a picture from a magazine, writing a sentence about the picture, and circling the subject to help us practice this skill.
I often refer to the subject of the sentence as "the who." To make it simpler for students to understand the concept of a sentence having a subject and predicate, I tell them that sentences have two parts: the who and the do. The who tells who or what the sentence is about, and the do tells us what the who is doing. It seems to be working so far! :o)
Writing...
In writing, we finally began truly writing in our Writer's Notebooks! We have been working on personal narratives; telling the audience stories that have happened to us. My goal is to narrow down your child's story from a large topic (i.e., family trip to Cape Cod) to a smaller topic (i.e., finding a beautiful shell on the beach one day in the Cape). This is not an easy skill for children, as they want to tell you all about their trip rather than focus in on a small moment, but with practice I'm hoping they will be specific, detailed writers in no time!
Lastly, thank you again to all of you who have sent in Box Tops. It truly does make a difference at Elmwood and the money we raise helps go towards items to benefit our teaching and your child's learning. Also, if you have been responding to your child's weekend Reflection Journal, thank you!! The children come in Monday morning so excited to read what you wrote!
Below are some pictures of students playing, "Beat the Calculator." As I've said before, this is a great game to play at home and reinforces math facts.
Below is a picture of the students playing, "North Wind Blows." It is a game we play during Morning Meeting.
Math...
In math, we continued to work on Unit 2 skills. First, we reviewed the term "turn-around" facts. An example of a "turn-around" fact would be, 8 + 9 = 17 and 9 + 8 = 17. Regardless of the order, the numbers equal the same sum. We also learned about fact families. There are three numbers in a fact family, and from those three numbers, you can make 4 equations; 2 addition and 2 subtraction. For example, 6, 3, and 9 are a fact family. 6 +3 = 9, 3 + 6 = 9, 9 - 6 = 3, and 9 - 3 = 6. On Friday, we built fact family houses; they came out great!
Science...
In science, we learned that matter has three states; solids, liquids, and gasses. We did fun activities on the Smartboard to practice categorizing the three states of matter.
Reading...
This week we read a news article called, "Fighting the Fire." The students learned all about wildfires while simultaneously learning about various elements of non-fiction texts, and focusing on main idea. From our reading about fires in small groups and whole class instruction, we also generated fire safety tips and printed them into little "match books." They are hanging in our hallway and they look great! In read, we focused on the short a and long a sounds. When "magic e" is added to the end of a short a word, it makes the a say it's name. For example, "can" ---> "cane."
Grammar...
In grammar this week we learned there are two parts of a sentence. The first part that we learned about is the subject of a sentence. The subject tells who or what the sentence is about. We did a fun activity of cutting out a picture from a magazine, writing a sentence about the picture, and circling the subject to help us practice this skill.
I often refer to the subject of the sentence as "the who." To make it simpler for students to understand the concept of a sentence having a subject and predicate, I tell them that sentences have two parts: the who and the do. The who tells who or what the sentence is about, and the do tells us what the who is doing. It seems to be working so far! :o)
Writing...
In writing, we finally began truly writing in our Writer's Notebooks! We have been working on personal narratives; telling the audience stories that have happened to us. My goal is to narrow down your child's story from a large topic (i.e., family trip to Cape Cod) to a smaller topic (i.e., finding a beautiful shell on the beach one day in the Cape). This is not an easy skill for children, as they want to tell you all about their trip rather than focus in on a small moment, but with practice I'm hoping they will be specific, detailed writers in no time!
Lastly, thank you again to all of you who have sent in Box Tops. It truly does make a difference at Elmwood and the money we raise helps go towards items to benefit our teaching and your child's learning. Also, if you have been responding to your child's weekend Reflection Journal, thank you!! The children come in Monday morning so excited to read what you wrote!
Below are some pictures of students playing, "Beat the Calculator." As I've said before, this is a great game to play at home and reinforces math facts.
Below is a picture of the students playing, "North Wind Blows." It is a game we play during Morning Meeting.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Just a Few Things
GRADE
Some children began the GRADE with Mrs. Callahan today, and all other students will begin the GRADE tomorrow. We will take half of the test on Wednesday and the other half Thursday. Please reassure your child that all we ask is that they do the best they can; I don't want anyone worrying tonight! :o)
Math Unit 1 Tests
I received some tests back today. Please know the Individual Profile of Progress sheet and the Open Response Rubric (stapled together) are yours to keep. I need the actual test signed and returned.
We went over the test, as well as the the open response question yesterday. I showed your child what a "4" answer looks like. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Other News...
In math today we played a great game called, "Beat the Calculator!" It is great for practicing math facts and the neat part is.. you can play at home! Please ask your child about this fun game.
Lastly.. tomorrow is an early release!! School will end at 12:15.
Some children began the GRADE with Mrs. Callahan today, and all other students will begin the GRADE tomorrow. We will take half of the test on Wednesday and the other half Thursday. Please reassure your child that all we ask is that they do the best they can; I don't want anyone worrying tonight! :o)
Math Unit 1 Tests
I received some tests back today. Please know the Individual Profile of Progress sheet and the Open Response Rubric (stapled together) are yours to keep. I need the actual test signed and returned.
We went over the test, as well as the the open response question yesterday. I showed your child what a "4" answer looks like. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Other News...
In math today we played a great game called, "Beat the Calculator!" It is great for practicing math facts and the neat part is.. you can play at home! Please ask your child about this fun game.
Lastly.. tomorrow is an early release!! School will end at 12:15.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Our Week in Review
I hope everyone had a great weekend! Here's the news from Room 16...
Math
This week, we wrapped up Unit 1 in math. There were two parts to the test- the general test and an open response question. I will be reviewing the tests with the students tomorrow, then sending them home for you to review. Please sign and return your child's test once you have reviewed it with them. We also began Unit 2 on Friday. We worked on solving addition number stories. The students even wrote an addition number story of their own!
Reading
We began our Treasures reading program this week. This week, our main reading selection was called, David's New Friends. While reading, we were focusing on the comprehension skill of character and setting. Students should know that characters are the people or animals in a story and setting is the time and place. While reading at home with your child, ask them about the main characters and the setting of the story. It is great to reinforce these comprehension skills at home. In grammar, we discussed two types of sentences: statements and questions. The students did a great job distinguishing the difference! Next week we will learn about commands and exclamations.
Science
In science, we learned that matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. We focused mainly on the concept that matter is anything that takes up space. The students traced various items in the classroom and determind what object took up the most space, and what object took up the least space. There are some pictures of students doing this activity below!
Word Work
This week was the first week where I marked a word wrong if your child capitalized it on their Friday test. I do this so that students become more aware that they should not capitalize common nouns. Our spelling rule this week was short a and short i. To reinforce this skill, the students did picture sorts (as a class and independently) and read a passage and highlighted any words that had short a or short i (see pictures below!).
Reflection Journals
Your child should have taken home a Reflection Journal on Friday. I sent home a flyer explaining the journal, but please be sure that your child's journal makes it back to school. Thanks!
Math
This week, we wrapped up Unit 1 in math. There were two parts to the test- the general test and an open response question. I will be reviewing the tests with the students tomorrow, then sending them home for you to review. Please sign and return your child's test once you have reviewed it with them. We also began Unit 2 on Friday. We worked on solving addition number stories. The students even wrote an addition number story of their own!
Reading
We began our Treasures reading program this week. This week, our main reading selection was called, David's New Friends. While reading, we were focusing on the comprehension skill of character and setting. Students should know that characters are the people or animals in a story and setting is the time and place. While reading at home with your child, ask them about the main characters and the setting of the story. It is great to reinforce these comprehension skills at home. In grammar, we discussed two types of sentences: statements and questions. The students did a great job distinguishing the difference! Next week we will learn about commands and exclamations.
Science
In science, we learned that matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. We focused mainly on the concept that matter is anything that takes up space. The students traced various items in the classroom and determind what object took up the most space, and what object took up the least space. There are some pictures of students doing this activity below!
Word Work
This week was the first week where I marked a word wrong if your child capitalized it on their Friday test. I do this so that students become more aware that they should not capitalize common nouns. Our spelling rule this week was short a and short i. To reinforce this skill, the students did picture sorts (as a class and independently) and read a passage and highlighted any words that had short a or short i (see pictures below!).
Reflection Journals
Your child should have taken home a Reflection Journal on Friday. I sent home a flyer explaining the journal, but please be sure that your child's journal makes it back to school. Thanks!
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