Gr2 Week of 10/7/19

Hello Families,

Here is a look of what is going on in second grade:

In Math Workshop, we have begun our story problems unit, in which we will focus on how to interpret the action of the problems and how to communicate our thinking clearly both in writing and orally. We started by reading 12 different problems and sorting them into groups according to the action. We ultimately found that we had two types of problems: combining problems and removal problems. Here’s an example of a combining problem: There were 40 students in the gym. One class of 23 students joined them. How many students are in the gym now? And here is a removal problem: There were 47 students in the gym.  One class of 23 students went back to their classroom.  How many students are in the gym now? Even though both problems are about classes in the gym, they have a different action. Identifying the type of problem can help kids know how to get started with solving. We will spend time this week and next solving the problems and sharing strategies.

Attached is a list of math games that you can play with your child at home to support their learning in school. While we play some of these games in school, many will be new to your children. Have fun! 

During Writer’s Workshop, we are exploring our ‘Special Moments’. Students have chosen a special moment in their life and are expanding it into a story. We are learning that writing a story is similar to a plant growing. We begin with a seed, which is our ‘idea’, then we have to water and grow the story a little by making a ‘plan’. Once our plan is in place we can begin nurturing our ideas by adding to them. We have learned that we can stretch the story by adding details to it. Some of the details we have noticed in our mentor texts are sensory- what the characters see, hear, smell, feel… We are also adding dialogue and details about big feelings. Our next steps will be to learn how to edit, revise and publish. Be on the lookout for some amazing stories! 

In Reader’s workshop, we have been thinking about all of the jobs that the reader does while they read. We have discovered that readers stop, think and retell. Readers also jot notes as they read to keep track of the story. Students are beginning to bring home books from our class library. Please make sure that your child brings their books back to school each day. 

Class Reminders:

• Dismissal is at 2:45 in the school. If your child is picked up by an afterschool program please make sure that they are aware of the dismissal time.  
• If you have a dismissal change, please make sure to notify the office early in the day.
• Salt Marsh Nature Center Trip: October 21st. Dress accordingly 
• Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BCM) will begin on October 11th. 
• Birthday Celebration: October 24th (Thursday) at 10:05-10:55. **Please note the change in date. 

Have a great week,

Ms. Mathis and Ms. Mila