Week in Review

This past week we were very focused.  We engaged in many different lessons to help us learn all about metacognition, which is thinking about our thinking.  We made a "Real Reading Salad" to illustrate that when we read, we not only read the text, but also have lots of thinking going on.  In addition, we created a Venn Diagram, used a thinking bubble, and did some partner reading with picture books.  All of these activities helped the students deepen their understanding of "real reading" and metacognition.  This coming week, our focus will be on schema.

Our class is off to a wonderful start in writing this year!  Students were very excited to receive little notebooks to use as their "Idea Files" and jot down ideas for future writing topics.  Our big focus right now is learning how to pick a small moment to write about and then stretch it out into a story.

In math last week and coming up this week we are focusing on story problems.  We have been learning about Add To and Take From types of problems.  These story problems are difficult for students to realize what the question is asking and how to go about solving it.  Talking through the problem and retelling the problem in their own words seems to help those who are having difficulty.  Students have been doing a wonderful job explaining their thinking through math talk and by showing their thinking with equations and drawings.  

Here are some pictures of our learning this week!

This is the "Real Reading Salad" we created as we read a book together and shared our thinking.  As you can see, there is a lot more "thinking" in our salad than "text."

This diagram shows what "Real Reading" is all about.

We got a chance to "see" students thinking as they tried on the thinking bubble and shared their thoughts.

Students enjoyed reading wordless picture books and sharing their ideas. 

Week in Review

Last week we accomplished much new learning.  Our focus in literacy was Checking for Understanding when partner reading.  This took us several days of practice, but I am confident that students now know how to ask and answer questions to ensure reading comprehension.  In writing, students completed writing samples for three different types of writing:  Narrative, Informational, and Opinion/Argument.  We also read a book titled "What Are You So Grumpy About?"  Students then wrote their own "grumpy" books.  We will be sharing these with each other next week.

In math, students learned about equations, equation chains, and writing equations horizontally and vertically.  Students enjoyed learning a new game called "Puddle Jump" on the Smartboard.  Students should practice the "Make-a-Ten" strategy and math facts at home.  Thank you for making sure that your child has completed his/her homework.  So far, every student has returned all of their homework.  Keep up the great work!

 Students use this organizer with question stems to help them Check for Understanding when they are reading with a partner.

Students learning how to play Puddle Jump on the Smartboard.

Week 2

We had another busy, great week!  We reviewed how to "Read to Someone," learned 5 new spelling words and had our first test, practiced the "Make-a-Ten" strategy in math, and wrote narrative and informational writing pieces.  Everyone really worked hard!

I also want to thank you for keeping up with signing the student planners, filling out the reading log, and for making sure your child returned their math homework.  I got every paper back!  It was also wonderful to see so many families at the PTO Picnic.  I really appreciate your support and so does your child!

Reminders for next week:

Tuesday - PTO Meeting @ 3:15
                Skate Night @ 5:30

Wednesday - Picture Day
                     11:30 Dismissal

Friday - Book Orders Due

Below are a few pictures from the week.  One is a class created chart with our classroom expectations. In the others, students are engaged in Read to Someone.  As you can see, students did a wonderful job of sitting EEKK, sharing the book, and reading in quiet voices.

1st Week of 2nd Grade

We had a very successful first week of school!  Everyone was very excited to see one another again (which might be why they were a little talkative!) and make friends with new classmates.  This past week, we spent time going over school and classroom expectations, learning routines, and getting to know each other.

From our new student planners, you can see that we have also been doing quite a bit of assessing.  These assessments are providing valuable information about your child and will be used to in helping me plan instruction to meet their needs.

I appreciate your willingness to sign the planners each day and your communication via notes and comments in the planners.  In addition, thank you for filling out the parent survey.  I enjoyed reading your responses and goals for your child.

I do have a few pictures from the 1st week to share with you.  In addition to a class picture, you will students focussed on building their reading stamina.