Gr2 Blog 12/5/17- Just Say ‘HI”
Hello Families,
Welcome to December! As the end of the year approaches, we are busy investigating, inquiring, and learning. Here is a quick look into our week ahead. Please take note of the important dates below.
In Writer’s Workshop, our students are busy researching. They are learning how to take the information they are finding in their books and put it in their own words. The kids are really excited about creating their very own nonfiction books. As the week continues we will be taking a look at the features we notice in nonfiction books. Some examples include table of contents, ‘real’ images, bold words, diagrams, etc. Please make sure that your child has a printed picture of their subject. They are adding these images to their books.
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.
In Science, we are starting a new unit called Balance and Motion. We are investigating what balance is and why and how we use it. Today we cut out a paper crayfish. Once we cut it out our students were challenged to balance it on the tip of their finger. Some kids found this to be almost impossible, while others found that if they placed their finger in just the right place, they could balance their crayfish! Our next step will be searching for a way to balance the crayfish in a way that will work more consistently. Keep your eye out for the results.
This year, our school will be participating in the “Just Say Hi!” campaign to increase engagement with people with disabilities. To show our support, our entire campus will wear blue this Thursday, 12/7. We will begin addressing some of the questions students have about disabilities in class. Please help your second grader remember to wear blue on Thursday!
Finally, if you’re still looking for holiday gifts, we will submit an extra Scholastic order on Monday, December 11th. Books are guaranteed to arrive before the break!
Important Dates:
- December 13, 2017: November/ December Birthday Celebration 1:45-2:15pm. Parents of the Birthday students are welcome to join us.
- December 15, 2017: TImeline Projects Due. Please be mindful of having your student hand it in on time. We are trying to foster independence and responsibility for their school work.
- December 19, 2017: Seaport Museum Trip. Permission slips went home today.
- December 22, 2017: Holiday Celebration. Class parents will be sending out a document. If you are able to send a snack in for the class, we greatly appreciate it! Please be mindful of any allergies of the students.
Have a great week!
Ms. mathis and Ms. Anne