Grade 2 Week of 11/28/16
Dear Families,
It was great to meet with you all during Parent Teacher Conferences.
In Reader’s Workshop, we are beginning our journey back in time through “The Magic Tunnel”. We have begun to talk about note taking and why it is important and how it can help us as readers. As readers we are learning to listen and pick out the most important pieces of information that will help us understand the story. We have started our Magic Tunnel ride through the subways of Manhattan and have landed in 1664 in a place called New Amsterdam. Our students are thinking about the emotions and feelings that the characters are exhibiting. Be sure to ask your student how they would feel if they suddenly landed back in time.
In Writer’s Workshop, we have began to sift through our research and are finding answers to our questions. Students are finding that the research they have brought in is not answering all of their questions. If possible, please work with your student at home so that they can bring in more resources that will help them answer their questions. We will be looking at different kinds of Nonfiction books and will begin to notice what features we see. This will aid in the creation of the kids’ own books. Be sure to ask your child what facts that they have learned so far through their research!
This week in math, we started a new unit on measurement! The unit begins with an exploration of measurement using nonstandard units (a pencil, popsicle sticks, a hand or finger…), which quickly leads children to develop the big idea of a need for universally agreed-upon units of measure. Throughout the unit, our mathematicians will use US Standard units (inches, feet) and Metric units (centimeters, meters) to measure length. Later, we will use our measurements to compare data. Throughout the unit, we will continue to work in small groups on addition and subtraction strategies and other key concepts.
In Social Studies, students are hard at work on their Lenape research projects. The children are working with a partner to create a poster about a chosen topic related to Lenape life. In addition to the challenge of researching and presenting pertinent information, the children are navigating the social/emotional challenges of working with a partner. Our class discussions are focused on how to ensure that the ideas of both partners are represented on one poster, and how to take care of a partner’s feelings. On another note, I have heard from many students that they have started their timelines! Please remember that the timelines are due on December 12. If you have any questions about the project, please reach out.
Just a few reminders, there are half days tomorrow (11/30) and Friday (12/2). If your child is late to school, they must be taken to the main office and obtain a late pass. The late pass must be stamped, dated and have their name on it before they go to class. They will not be allowed into class without it. Be on the lookout for an upcoming permission slip to the Old Stone House. As the days get colder kids are coming in with scarfs and gloves, so please label your child’s clothing.
Have a great week!
Ms. Mathis and Ms. Anne