Week of September 15-19

There was a lot going on this week in Room 102! First, thank you to those who came to Open House on Tuesday night. The students were excited to show you around the room and it was nice speaking to each of you. To those of you who weren't able to attend, feel free to call or email me at any time with any questions or concerns. Here is our bulletin board in the hallway displaying who they are as second graders. They even decorated their own "selfie"....so cute! :)

During Math, we usually work with partners or groups after a whole group lesson. This is a picture of them working together to decide what is greater than or less than, and then reading it the correct way. We are 2nd graders, so we don't talk about "alligator mouths" any more!!

Mrs. Skinner came and read the book Stuck to us. It is about perseverance and not giving up. This is a skill we could all use a reminder of at times! They really enjoyed the story and I bet they'd love to tell you about it. Thank you Mrs. Skinner!

We are preparing to start our Animal Unit. Before we begin, I wanted to see what they already know, so they wrote in their Science journal what they already know about animals. Wow! They know a lot! I was so impressed with all of their background knowledge: types of animals, habitats, hibernation, camouflage, and more! After we shared, I had them write a wonder on their sticky note to put on our wonder board about what they would like to learn or know about animals. This will be such a fun unit!

Now for some reminders and other information:
In Reading, we will begin to discuss text features. I had the students change the newsletter today, because it says we will have a Reading test Friday. We are NOT. In fact, we haven't even started with it quite yet. I will be giving them notes to put in their Reading section tomorrow that you can be looking over. You can call a few of these out to your child each night, ask them about their importance, or even pull out a magazine or other nonfiction piece of writing and have them locate some of the text features.
In Math, we have added a Classwork side to the back of the Homework sheet. This will show you a little insight into what we discussed in class that day so you will hopefully understand more of what they are doing for homework. As long as they are focused and paying attention, they will know what to do as well. Also, be practicing their addition facts with them each night. This includes the facts that include 0, 1, 2, doubles, and near doubles. You could make 2 stacks rubber banded together: 1 of those they seem to have mastered and 1 of those they need to continue to practice.
We will be starting our Animal Unit soon. This includes discussing the classes of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, etc), their life cycles, and their habitats. They will have notes in their Science section, so again please look over these a little each night. Break it up into sections, because that is a LOT to study if you try to get it all in in one night!
Remember, second grade is different from first. As are all of the other grades past second. With each new year, more study skills and time is involved. Begin good study skills early. Call out the information in the car, make flash cards, or whatever works best for your child. Do not try to study every bit of information in one night. Break it up and make it more manageable so they are not doing homework for 2 hours. Also, if any homework requires reading (a reading story, a passage, etc) log it as part of their 100BC! That way, they are not doing extra work! I hope this helps!
Finally, even though I was sick this weekend, my baby girl turned 4 so it was a special weekend! I can't believe it! I know you all understand when I say, TIME, SLOW DOWN! She brings so much joy to our lives, as I know your child does for you. I take care of your child like they are my own in the approx. 6 1/2 hours I have them each day. They'll be in high school in the blink of an eye!

Have a fabulous week!