Classroom News: September 22-26

This week in math, we learned a new strategy. It is called the Doubles Strategy. We spent time working on building our fluency with our doubles facts too. We listened to the song “It’s Doubles Baby” and played several math games to build our fluency with doubles facts. Your child should know their doubles facts to 20. Here is a picture of the strategy and the doubles facts your child should work on memorizing.

We finished learning about the 5 regions in Georgia. Students really enjoyed learning about each  region. We took our post assessment today and the students did great! We focused on each regions location as well as the type of land, weather, and activities that take place there. Students created a Regions flipbook to show their knowledge on each region.  Ask your child to share which region we live in!

This week we talked about leadership and being part of the Student Leadership Team for our school. If students were interested in being the representative for our class they were asked to write a speech that explained why they thought they would be a good representative/leader. Students shared their speeches with the class and then we voted (secret ballot) for our choice.  I was so proud of the 4 students who chose to participate. They did an awesome job reading their speeches in front of the class. Each student would make a great leader for our class. After counting the votes, our SLT leader this year is Emmy and our alternate is Brady! Congratulations to all 4 students for showing their leadership qualities and for wanting to represent our class this year. I have attached each child's speech below. Please take a minute to watch them.

                                                                                                                                                      

Important Dates and Reminders:

1.    Please make sure you are sending a snack daily.

2.    Be on the lookout for your scheduled conference time next Thursday.

3.    Munch and Mingle 8:30am and 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 30th with Mrs. Hallmark and Mr. Cohen 

Fall Break Reading Challenge

During the break, students have been challenged to take some time and read. Fliers were sent home on Thursday explaining all of the details. If your child reads for at least 20 minutes 6 out of the 9 days that we are on break, they will win a reading award. Have them color a gator for each day they read. Then you will sign the bottom of the form and return it by Wednesday, September 24th. I can’t wait to see who takes on the Reading Challenge!

When we return from the break I will be sending home a conference request sheet. Please list the best days and times that would work for you. I will try my best to accommodate your schedule. I will be available to meet before school at 6:45 am if needed.  

This week we went to the Science Lab. Students made Goop and Silly Puddy. The students were able to explore and understand what happens when you mix different solids and liquids. Here a few pictures from our day.

      I hope everyone has a wonderful Fall Break! See you in a week!

Classroom News: September 2-5

As promised, here are some pictures of our Class Mission Statement! Students worked hard to make sure our mission statement represented our class well. Student's also created their own personal mission statement. I was so impressed with their second grade goals.

In math, we completed our unit on Place Value and took our post-test. Students did a great job on the test and overall mastered the concepts that were taught. We began our unit on addition and subtraction strategies and took a pre-test to see what previous strategies students were taught. Our focus will be on the Making Tens, Doubles/Near Doubles, and Decomposing Numbers. Below you will find some pictures of the students practicing ways to make 10. We used cookies to help us understand this concept. I have also attached a picture of the first strategy I will introduce, Making Tens. Please practice this strategy with your child at home.

We FINALLY finished our matter unit. The students focused on the changes in matter this week. We used Hershey Kisses to help us understand this concept. Students learned that when heat is applied matter can change from a solid to a liquid. They really enjoyed this activity and especially being able to eat their Hershey Kisses!

Daily 5 is in full swing! Students began rotating through all 5 centers this week. I hope your enjoy the pictures!

Work on Writing

 Read to Someone

 Listen to Reading with a Tape or CD

 Listen to Reading on the Computer

 Read to Self 

Read to Self 

Hopefully your child can tell you about Proper Nouns. We began learning about the importance of capitalizing these nouns. Students watched a Brain Pop Jr. clip on nouns and then worked in groups to come up with “specific” names of products. Students named types of cereals, sodas, candy, and crackers. Next week, we will focus on holidays and geographical locations.

 This Week’s Reminders:

Monday, September 8th: Library Books due

Tuesday, September 9th: Picture Day
Friday, September 12th: Spirit Wear and Tacky Sock Day 

 September 15-19: Fall Break