Grade 2 Week of 12/5/16
Dear Families,
Here’s a sneak peek at the week ahead….
In Writer’s Workshop, we have begun to draft our ‘All About Books’. We have sifted through many nonfiction books and are now able to point out specific features that we learned, such as real photographs, title page, dedication page, table of contents, glossary, index and much more. Be sure to speak with your children about these features and how they are going to use them in their writing. Also, spelling list #4 will be sent home today. Please review it with your child.
In Reader’s Workshop, we are moving back in time into New Amsterdam through the ‘Magic Tunnel”. We have learned all about a new ‘genre’ of writing called historical fiction. The students are going to begin to imagine what it was like to live in 1664 in New Amsterdam. Through the characters’ actions and emotions we are able to see how it was in the past from their perspective. We are also continuing to take notes while listening to the read aloud. This is helping us learn how to pick the important information from our readings.
Also, here are the links to two websites that can help you practice reading and grammar with your kids at home. Please note a subscription is required for one.
In Math, we are continuing our investigation of measurement. This week the students began measuring with a single inch piece, and quickly discovered the need for a full 12 inch ruler. They created their own rulers, and compared them with a standard wooden ruler. Our second graders are paying attention to where the numbers are placed on the ruler, how to measure items longer than the measuring tool, and strategies to be accurate and efficient when measuring. We will spend time this week comparing different units of measure, including inches, feet, yards, centimeters, and meters.
We know that many of you are looking for ways to engage mathematically with your children at home. Below is a resource you can use to guide your work:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mDCgEccmJx2_CWazyEiXEhquC4quzM6qr6MfkdfYVhQ/edit?usp=sharing
In Social Studies, we have completed and shared our posters about Lenape life. As is typical when doing research, we gained a lot of new knowledge, and have lots of new questions as well! We will continue learning about the Lenape in various ways throughout the year. Now we are moving on to the age of exploration as we learn about Henry Hudson and what he was trying to find when he landed on the shores of New York.
Just a few notes, we will be sending home trip slips for a trip to the ‘Old Stone House’ this week. The trip is December 13 (202) and December 14 (201). Please send the permission slip in as soon as possible. We apologize for such short notice. Please have a conversation with your child about the Bottle Flipping trend. It is a very big distraction throughout the day. The children are aware of the logical consequences if they are caught flipping the bottles.
Have a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
Ms. Anne and Ms. Mathis