Classroom Happenings

ELA: Students have been reading fiction and nonfiction. They are working on reading smoothly. So when they need to slow down to figure a word or words out, they need to remember to go back and reread. Students practice retelling stories to their ELA partners. They use transition words like first, then and next to retell important events in order. Transition words are also used in writing small moments, or personal narratives. Students will be assessed on this type of writing this week. Then we will move on to pattern books. I will read literature with a pattern and students will write write their own stories with a similar pattern. And patterns are always a part of our word work. Students learn new words and what they mean. The hope is that as the children learn new vocabulary they will begin using it in their writing.

Math: We have completed our first unit. As we move into our next unit on place value, students will maintain problem solving skills during bell time, homework and math time. Students will count by 10s and 100s, starting at any number. Given a number, like 781, students will tell the value of each digit. Given several numbers like 312, 321, 132, and 123, students will circle the numbers with a 2 in the tens place. These are samples of the expectations for the children as they learn about place value.

Science: Overall, the class was very successful on the balance quiz. The children also enjoyed working in teams making and balancing mobiles. They have made and observed spinners in action. We will continue activitities with different type of spinning tops.

Social Studies: While we will typically focus on science or social studies, we are doing both due to our upcoming national election. We held a mock election where students nominated a class mascot. Reasons were given on why the nominated mascots would be good choices. Then we had primaries to narrow the field. Our final election was between a dog and kitten, with the dog coming out on top.  Just like an actual election, there was happiness and disappointment.

Week Starting October 17

After updating my blog last weekend, some things were accomplished while others were put on hold due to my illness. Thank you and your children for the well wishes, cards and hugs. My bronchitis diagnosis still has me slightly under the weather, but I am doing much better than last week. I hope you and yours remain healthy.

ELA: Please expect words and information about Words Their Way this Monday. Our 4th grade buddies helped with revising and editing our small moments last week. Some even started typing. While we will continue this process, we will also start a descriptive writing activity this week. In reading, we will work to solidify some skills introduced over the last few weeks. These include using many word solving strategies, reading like a storyteller, retelling and responding to an author's craft.

Math: Our problem solving this week revolves around excluding unneeded information, adding additional necessary information and knowing what operations to use to solve many different word problems. Students will bring home additional math cards for practice. One side shows the basic fact. The other side provides a useful strategy and the answer. So, students can practice with these on their own.

Science: Did your child tell you what s/he learned about perennials? Were you asked what kinds you have in your yard? Please have this conversation if it has not yet taken place. Thanks. Balance and Motion is still our theme. Students will practice balancing objects with and without counterweights. 

Thanks for checking our classroom news. Have a pleasant week.

News For the Week of October 10-14

Here's what's up this week.

First, a gentle reminder that things that are sent home for homework are due back the next day unless specified otherwise in the directions. This includes written work and books sent home to be read. Several times already, items have not been returned and we used them the next day. Thanks. Also, student of the week posters are due on Monday. I hope your child had fun being creative with this activity.

ELA: Words Their Way starts Monday. Expect a list of words and parent information to come home in your child's home folder. I continue to work with small groups and individuals to grow their reading skills. They have daily independent reading time to practice new skills, too. Revising and editing continue during writing.

Math: Students have been solving math stories by drawing pictures, making math mountains and writing equations. They use math talk to explain their processes.We will work to be precise in our processes, answers and the way numbers are written. There are several math tools in class to help students be successful.

Science: Our first kit this year is Balance and Motion. Students will be presented with a question. Afterward, through exploration and trials, students will attempt to answer the question. They will consult with each other. I will be the guide on the side. I'm looking forward to seeing their problem solving ideas.

Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful week.

First School Week of October

Parent volunteers will be starting this month. Thanks to those of you who have time in your schedule to help.  

ELA: Words Their Way will be delayed a week. For reading, students will continue retelling stories. They will use the story plot to help them with this. So, they will identify main characters, setting, problem and solution. We will spend time reviewing strategies to identify tricky words. Also with this goal, children will look at vowel teams, like -ai, -ea, -oi, etc...To help 2nd graders revise writing, I will provide them with a checklist. We will also discuss how to provide closure to our stories.

Math: Students will take a quiz on the concepts thus far practiced. That will be followed by word problems. The children will practice showing their work with drawings (like sticks and circles), equations and/or math mountains. Different strategies are more successful for different learners. Each student needs to determine what works best for him/her.

Social  Studies: Before getting into science, we are going to examine different types of communities. Differentiation between urban, rural and suburban communities will be studied.