Math news!

In math, our focus has been on understanding the value of numbers, or place value.  Children have been using base ten blocks to build and write numbers in the hundreds and/or thousands, depending on the challenge they need.  We have also learned about writing numbers in number words and expanded form.  For example, 126 is written as 100+20+6 and one-hundred twenty-six.  As you may have heard, many states across the country have adopted the "Common Core Standards" for literacy and math.  The emphasis for second graders in math is on addition/subtraction and building a strong sense of numbers through 1000.  To meet these new, rigorous standards your child will be working in depth with numbers this year, at an individualized level.  To differentiate for various student needs, I meet with math groups of about 4 children each day.   Yesterday we began talking about comparing two numbers and the vocabulary "greater than" and "less than.," and "equals."  We'll continue this work today and next week.  

Base 10 Blocks

We have also been  using cuisenaire rods to explore numbers and master addition facts.  Cuisenaire rods provide a visual and tactile approach to developing number sense and are a favorite math tool in our classroom.

Cuisenaire Rods

We look forward to having families in at Open House to see our math work and these hands-on math tools!  See you Wednesday October 2nd at 6:30!

Monday's News

Our day today included library, exploring Word Work materials during literacy workshop, and a school assembly with our Artist in Residence!  We are settled into our daily schedule and it's exciting to observe children's engagement and independence!

This week students will work with Mr. King, our Artist in Residence.  He is working with Simonds students to design models of natural playscapes.  Be sure to ask your second grader about it!  You can check out pictures of some natural playscapes that Mr. King has helped design.  The goal is for our students to each create a model of an amphitheater with Mr. King for display at Open House on October 2nd!  Our class works on our models Tuesday afternoon!

This afternoon we used the Scholastic News children's magazine to talk about citizenship and community.  Click on this link for the digital copy and to watch the video that accompanied this week's magazine.

In other news, our class has completed our unit on immigration.  As a culminating activity, each child created a paper quilt piece to show what they learned about immigration.  Look for our class immigration quilt at Open House!  Our next unit is science- sun, moon, and stars!

Find out what your child does during Literacy Workshop!

Reminder: Tomorrow Sept. 19th is Picture Day!  

Literacy Workshop:

Daily literacy instruction is an integral piece of second grade!  To foster skills in reading comprehension, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and writing we have a daily literacy workshop in our classroom.  Within this block, children are engaged in small group work, independent work, 1-on-1 instruction with a teacher, and in whole class discussions.  Children will receive small group or 1-on-1 instruction with me each day in the area of literacy.  Some children receive enrichment or reading intervention from reading teachers during our literacy block as well.  While a child is not working with a teacher s/he may be engaged in the following activities during Literacy Workshop:

Read to Yourself: The best way to become a better reader is to practice each day, with books you choose, at a just-right level!

Read to Someone: Reading to someone allows for more time to practice strategies, helping with fluency and expression, checking for understanding, hearing your own voice, and sharing in a learning community.

Work on Writing:  Just like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to practice writing everyday!

Listen to Reading:  Children listen to reading from CD’s and online storybooks.  This allows children to hear examples of good literature and fluent reading.   It also expands readers’ vocabularies.

Word Work: Spelling strategies allow for more fluent writing, thus speeding up the ability to write and get your thinking down on paper.  Working with words benefits readers, as well as writers, as they explore how words are built and taken apart.

Ask your child what they enjoy most in literacy workshop!

The end of a busy week!

Our first five-day week in second grade has been busy, productive, and fun!  We learned a lot about immigration and students used the laptop computers to go on a virtual tour of Ellis Island!  You might want to check out the site with your child at home!

Virtual Tour of Ellis Island

We have a Writing Workshop each day where students learn about choosing a story topic from their life to draw and write about.  During this time, I conference with individual children to reinforce strengths in their writing and to help them move forward with a needed skill.  Our class has been very enthusiastic to share their stories and I've enjoyed getting to know children more through their writing!

Reminder: Picture Day is this Thursday September 19th!

FYI: A new homework packet went home today including reading and math homework, as well as an optional social studies activity.  We had a great return rate today!  Thanks for your help at home with this!

Wednesday's News

It was a hot, summer-like day in second grade today!  This week second grade students continue their immigration unit, including learning about the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and what immigrants might have experienced coming to America.  Click on the link for a virtual tour of Ellis Island created by Scholastic!

In math, our focus is on understanding place value (groups of hundreds, tens, and ones) and addition/subtraction facts up to 20.  Students are working at an individualized level on these skills and concepts, working in small groups with the teacher and completing independent practice.  Check out these online math fact games for extra practice:

Penguin Party

Break Apart

Sum Sense

Kakooma

Stay Cool!