We have been studying the water cycle. Here is a link to the youtube video/song that we have watched several times. I am sure your child will be able to sing along with it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3QwLYfgwP0
One more reminder, Wednesday, May 21 is an 11:30 dismissal.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Week of May 19-23
Even though we only have a few weeks left, we are still busy learning! Here is what we are up to this week:
Math: Students will continue practicing using different multiplication strategies through games. We will also be studying fractions.
Literacy: We are deep into our author study of Nancy Carlson. Students have been pulling out the "strong feeling" from each story. We will continue that this week, along with focusing on one aspect of her writing craft.
Science: Students are beginning to learn about the water cycle. We will be watching a video, listening to a song, creating a diagram, and doing an experiment to further our knowledge of the water cycle.
Writing: Students have been working hard on their informational books and should finish them this week.
Reminders:
Fun Run on Friday!
Math: Students will continue practicing using different multiplication strategies through games. We will also be studying fractions.
Literacy: We are deep into our author study of Nancy Carlson. Students have been pulling out the "strong feeling" from each story. We will continue that this week, along with focusing on one aspect of her writing craft.
Science: Students are beginning to learn about the water cycle. We will be watching a video, listening to a song, creating a diagram, and doing an experiment to further our knowledge of the water cycle.
Writing: Students have been working hard on their informational books and should finish them this week.
Reminders:
Fun Run on Friday!
Pictures From Last Week
Here are a few pictures from last week. Enjoy!
Students made a multiplication flipbook of different strategies to help them solve problems.
Having fun on our field trip to the Apple Valley YMCA.
After reading Nancy Carlson's How to Lose All Your Friends, students wrote about the "key" to being a good friend.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Week of May 5 - 9
I hope everyone enjoyed the nice weekend! This week we have lots of new learning planned.
Math - We are learning different multiplication strategies. Students made a foldable including the strategies we learned and an example problem. We will continue to use these strategies to help our multiplication skills. Please continue to work on addition/subtraction facts at home as these are extremely useful in what we are learning.
Literacy - This week we will be kicking off an author study. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on books written by the wonderful author Nancy Carlson. We will be engaged in many different learning activities as we dive into her books.
Writing/Science/Social Studies - Students have finished researching their topics for their informational books. We are now starting to turn our research notes into a book. This process will take quite a bit of time. It is wonderful to see how excited students have been about learning more about their topics.
Math - We are learning different multiplication strategies. Students made a foldable including the strategies we learned and an example problem. We will continue to use these strategies to help our multiplication skills. Please continue to work on addition/subtraction facts at home as these are extremely useful in what we are learning.
Literacy - This week we will be kicking off an author study. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on books written by the wonderful author Nancy Carlson. We will be engaged in many different learning activities as we dive into her books.
Writing/Science/Social Studies - Students have finished researching their topics for their informational books. We are now starting to turn our research notes into a book. This process will take quite a bit of time. It is wonderful to see how excited students have been about learning more about their topics.
Congratulations to Connor for getting 100% green dots on YPP!
Way to go!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Week of April 21 - 25
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter. I sure heard quite a few stories this morning! Here is what we are learning this week:
Math: Students are taking the Chapter 7 Pre-Test. They will then start learning about arrays and partitioning rectangles into rows and columns. We will also start discussing equal shares (fractions).
Literacy: Students will be checking out books on their chosen topic. They will then begin researching to gather enough information to write an informational book. This is a process and will take quite a bit of time.
Science/Writing: Students will be finishing their group book on the animal groups. They are working together very well! When students finish, we will have a publishing party and share our books.
Here are some pictures from last week:
Math: Students are taking the Chapter 7 Pre-Test. They will then start learning about arrays and partitioning rectangles into rows and columns. We will also start discussing equal shares (fractions).
Literacy: Students will be checking out books on their chosen topic. They will then begin researching to gather enough information to write an informational book. This is a process and will take quite a bit of time.
Science/Writing: Students will be finishing their group book on the animal groups. They are working together very well! When students finish, we will have a publishing party and share our books.
Here are some pictures from last week:
Students are working on their glossary page for their animal groups books.
This group is playing a subtraction game.
Congratulations to Kaitlin and Shaurya for getting 100% Green Dots on YPP!
We just missed watching the pupa change into a beetle!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Week of April 14 - 17
Literacy - Students are working on a group all-about book. They are writing their final draft, which will have three paragraphs. Students will then be adding pictures, diagrams, captions, headings and other non-fiction text features to the book. We hope to be finished by Thursday. They are working really hard and can't wait to show you the finished product! Students are progressing well with their individual word lists.
Math - This week we are reviewing for the Chapter 6 Test, which we will take at the end of this week. I feel that everyone will be well prepared. The skills that will be tested are: expanded form, greater than and less than, skip counting by 1's, 10's, and 100's, 3-digit addition and subtraction with regrouping, and story problems using 3-digit addition and subtraction. Any help you can provide at home is appreciated!
Science - Students will be choosing their own topic for an all-about book. We will brainstorm ideas as a class and students can choose any topic they want to write about. Later this week we will begin to find books to help us with our research.
Reminders:
Friday: No School
Math - This week we are reviewing for the Chapter 6 Test, which we will take at the end of this week. I feel that everyone will be well prepared. The skills that will be tested are: expanded form, greater than and less than, skip counting by 1's, 10's, and 100's, 3-digit addition and subtraction with regrouping, and story problems using 3-digit addition and subtraction. Any help you can provide at home is appreciated!
Science - Students will be choosing their own topic for an all-about book. We will brainstorm ideas as a class and students can choose any topic they want to write about. Later this week we will begin to find books to help us with our research.
Reminders:
Friday: No School
Sunday, April 6, 2014
April 7 - 11
I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the lovely weather yesterday! This week is a very busy week for us. Here is what we will be doing:
Math: We are continuing to work on 3-digit addition in story problems. We will also start 3-digit subtraction this week. Be on the lookout for a letter coming home explaining how your child is being taught, so that way you can help them if they need help. Please remember to keep practicing addition and subtraction facts at home. Almost all students need to work on speed and accuracy, especially with subtraction facts. Thank you for all of your help at home!
Literacy and Science: This week our main focus will be on writing an "All About" book about the animal groups we have been studying. Students will be put into groups of six, and each student will be responsible for writing all about one of the animal groups. Students will be also be expected to include non-fiction text features on their pages such as headings, diagrams, captions, etc. This will be a challenging, but fun, project.
Word Work: Students are still practicing their own individual words and being tested on them periodically. This week students will also have their Wordly Wise Unit Test.
Reminders:
Wednesday: Report Cards sent home & Spring Pictures
Math: We are continuing to work on 3-digit addition in story problems. We will also start 3-digit subtraction this week. Be on the lookout for a letter coming home explaining how your child is being taught, so that way you can help them if they need help. Please remember to keep practicing addition and subtraction facts at home. Almost all students need to work on speed and accuracy, especially with subtraction facts. Thank you for all of your help at home!
Literacy and Science: This week our main focus will be on writing an "All About" book about the animal groups we have been studying. Students will be put into groups of six, and each student will be responsible for writing all about one of the animal groups. Students will be also be expected to include non-fiction text features on their pages such as headings, diagrams, captions, etc. This will be a challenging, but fun, project.
Word Work: Students are still practicing their own individual words and being tested on them periodically. This week students will also have their Wordly Wise Unit Test.
Reminders:
Wednesday: Report Cards sent home & Spring Pictures
Sunday, March 30, 2014
March 31 - April 4
I hope that everyone enjoyed their Spring Break! I am looking forward to seeing the students again and hearing what they were up to. Here is what we will be learning this week:
Math - We will be adding by 1's, 10's, and 100's. Then students will be starting 3-digit addition. There will be a quiz this week so I can gauge how students are doing.
Literacy/Word Work - A big focus this week will be on how to use a dictionary. Students will then be given the opportunity to use these skills. We will be starting a new Wordly Wise unit. Students will also be working on their own individual spelling words, so we will not be having any more weekly tests.
Science/Writing - We will continue our research on animal groups. This week we will finish reptiles and hopefully get a good start on amphibians. Everyone is doing a great job using non-fiction text features to help them find the information they are looking for.
Here are a few pictures from before Spring Break.
Math - We will be adding by 1's, 10's, and 100's. Then students will be starting 3-digit addition. There will be a quiz this week so I can gauge how students are doing.
Literacy/Word Work - A big focus this week will be on how to use a dictionary. Students will then be given the opportunity to use these skills. We will be starting a new Wordly Wise unit. Students will also be working on their own individual spelling words, so we will not be having any more weekly tests.
Science/Writing - We will continue our research on animal groups. This week we will finish reptiles and hopefully get a good start on amphibians. Everyone is doing a great job using non-fiction text features to help them find the information they are looking for.
Here are a few pictures from before Spring Break.
Using the iPad to create a book about insects.
Pottery - one of the Career and Hobby Day sessions.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
March 17 - 21
This week is the last week of 3rd Quarter, so this Friday will be an 11:30 dismissal. Friday is also Career & Hobby Day at Spring Road. Students will visit three different career or hobby presentations. It is always a fun day!
Math- Last week we were able to take the Chapter 5 Test on graphing and telling time. This week we will be pre-testing for Chapter 6. This chapter will focus on 3 digit addition and subtraction.
Literacy and Science- We will be continuing our study of the different animal groups. The focus this week will be birds. We will be reading books, watching videos, and exploring websites to learn about birds.
Reminder: Spring Break will be the week of March 24 - 28. School resumes on March 31st.
Math- Last week we were able to take the Chapter 5 Test on graphing and telling time. This week we will be pre-testing for Chapter 6. This chapter will focus on 3 digit addition and subtraction.
Literacy and Science- We will be continuing our study of the different animal groups. The focus this week will be birds. We will be reading books, watching videos, and exploring websites to learn about birds.
Reminder: Spring Break will be the week of March 24 - 28. School resumes on March 31st.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
March 10 - 14
This week will be busy with the spring concert, a field trip, an early dismissal day, and the CoGAT test. Here is a look at what we will be doing in class this week.
Math- Students have been learning about and making picture graphs and bar graphs. They have also been using the graphs to solve story problem. This week they will take it a step further. Students will be creating their own survey question and collecting data from another classroom. They will then use this data to create graphs and write their own questions about the graphs.
Literacy/Science- This week students will be able to explore a plethora of mammal books. In addition, they will be recording their schema, wonderings (questions), and new learning about insects. We will be reading some books and watching some videos to learn about insects. Students will also continue making observations of the mealworm lifecycle.
Writing- Students will be sharing their final opinion piece and writing some narratives.
Reminders:
Tuesday: Spring Concert - 6:30 at Pickard Auditorium
Wednesday: PAC Field Trip and 11:30 Dismissal
Thursday: CoGAT Test
Here are some pictures from last week.
Math- Students have been learning about and making picture graphs and bar graphs. They have also been using the graphs to solve story problem. This week they will take it a step further. Students will be creating their own survey question and collecting data from another classroom. They will then use this data to create graphs and write their own questions about the graphs.
Literacy/Science- This week students will be able to explore a plethora of mammal books. In addition, they will be recording their schema, wonderings (questions), and new learning about insects. We will be reading some books and watching some videos to learn about insects. Students will also continue making observations of the mealworm lifecycle.
Writing- Students will be sharing their final opinion piece and writing some narratives.
Reminders:
Tuesday: Spring Concert - 6:30 at Pickard Auditorium
Wednesday: PAC Field Trip and 11:30 Dismissal
Thursday: CoGAT Test
Here are some pictures from last week.
Volunteers from Kimberly Clark provided a lot of interesting
science experiments for the 2nd graders to participate in.
Everyone had a blast!
In honor of Read Across America Week, we had some
mystery readers come and read to our class. The mystery
readers were 6th graders from Horace Mann.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Week of March 3-7
Welcome to Read Across America Week! I have listed the dress up days in a different post - check it out!
Math: This week we are continuing to review concepts of time. In addition, students will be collecting data in order to make their own picture and bar graphs. Students will also be expected to interpret these graphs.
Literacy: Students will be reviewing non-fiction text features to prepare for an animal classification unit. There will not be a spelling test this week.
Writing: Students will be editing their opinion pieces, which were shared at conferences.
Science: As you may have heard, we have started a new unit on animal groups. We will be discussing each of the six animal groups and recording our schema, wonderings, and new learning for each group. Students have also adopted mealworms. They will be recording their observations of the life cycle of a mealworm.
Here are a few picture highlights from the week. Enjoy!
Math: This week we are continuing to review concepts of time. In addition, students will be collecting data in order to make their own picture and bar graphs. Students will also be expected to interpret these graphs.
Literacy: Students will be reviewing non-fiction text features to prepare for an animal classification unit. There will not be a spelling test this week.
Writing: Students will be editing their opinion pieces, which were shared at conferences.
Science: As you may have heard, we have started a new unit on animal groups. We will be discussing each of the six animal groups and recording our schema, wonderings, and new learning for each group. Students have also adopted mealworms. They will be recording their observations of the life cycle of a mealworm.
Here are a few picture highlights from the week. Enjoy!
Thank you to everyone who was able to come to our Reader's Theater.
The class did a wonderful job!
Students are excited to observe the life cycle of mealworms!
Congratulations to Calissa and Jackson for being a Green Dot Hotshot and getting 100% green dots on the YPP test.
Read Across America Week ~ March 3 - 7
Dress Up Days
Monday, March 3rd ~ Spring Road Hat Day
"Grab your Hat and read with the Cat"
Buddy Reading school wide event 2:00-2:30
Tuesday, March 4th ~ Spring Road Twin Day
Thing 1 & Thing 2 say, “Reading is our Thing!”
Wednesday, March 5th ~ Spring Road Wacky Dress Day
Wacky Wednesday is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss stories!
Thursday, March 6th ~ Foxiest Sock Day
Read Fox on Socks and Rock your Socks!
Friday, March 7th ~ Strut Stripes with Seuss
Read The Cat in the Hat Comes Back!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Week of February 24 - 28
Even though it is a short week due to Parent/Teacher Conferences, we still have a lot of learning planned. Here is what we are up to this week.
Math - Time is a main focus this week. Students will be learning the difference between AM and PM and should be able to give examples of activities they might be doing at certain times. Students will also be telling time to hour, half hour, and minute increments. Near the end of the week we will be talking about picture graphs.
Literacy - We have finished our Folktale unit and are moving into a nonfiction focus. This week we will be reviewing nonfiction text features such as the glossary, index, captions, diagrams, etc. We will be using these features to help us when we start learning about different animal classifications.
Writing - Students should be finishing the letter/opinion pieces they are writing about a favorite book. Students have been working hard on adding evidence to their writing and editing.
Word Work - Students will be starting a new Wordly Wise Unit, and due to the short week, there will not be spelling words this week.
Science - Students will be starting a unit on animal classification. Students will be introduced to their new classroom "pets." These "pets" will be with us for the whole unit so we can observe them. Please ask your child what this "pet" is.
Reminders:
Thursday - 11:30 Dismissal & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday - No School & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Math - Time is a main focus this week. Students will be learning the difference between AM and PM and should be able to give examples of activities they might be doing at certain times. Students will also be telling time to hour, half hour, and minute increments. Near the end of the week we will be talking about picture graphs.
Literacy - We have finished our Folktale unit and are moving into a nonfiction focus. This week we will be reviewing nonfiction text features such as the glossary, index, captions, diagrams, etc. We will be using these features to help us when we start learning about different animal classifications.
Writing - Students should be finishing the letter/opinion pieces they are writing about a favorite book. Students have been working hard on adding evidence to their writing and editing.
Word Work - Students will be starting a new Wordly Wise Unit, and due to the short week, there will not be spelling words this week.
Science - Students will be starting a unit on animal classification. Students will be introduced to their new classroom "pets." These "pets" will be with us for the whole unit so we can observe them. Please ask your child what this "pet" is.
Reminders:
Thursday - 11:30 Dismissal & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday - No School & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Green Dot Hotshots!
I am proud that our class is now a Green Dot Hotshot Class! This means that, as a class, we achieved 50% of the total amount of "green dots" on the YPP test. A green dot means that a student is proficient in a particular skill. Because we achieved this goal, students received a Green Dot Hotshot bracelet and our class picture was put on the YPP Wall. Great job, everyone!
In more YPP news, we had one student earn all the green dots possible. Congratulations, Nate! Nate received a Green Dot t-shirt for this accomplishment. Way to go!
In more YPP news, we had one student earn all the green dots possible. Congratulations, Nate! Nate received a Green Dot t-shirt for this accomplishment. Way to go!
Week of February 17 - 21
Here is what is happening this week:
Literacy: Students are working hard on their Reader's Theater scripts. Students are in one of five groups and have enjoyed working on practicing their lines with fluency, expression, and meaning. We will be practicing this week with a performance on Friday. I will be sending home a note on Monday inviting you to be the audience for our performance. I hope to see you there!
Math: This week students will be diving into Unit 5. This unit focuses on telling time and graphing. We will be engaging in several activities to gain a better grasp of these concepts.
Word Work & Writing: In writing we are continuing to write opinion pieces. We are writing letters about books and explaining why others should read them. A big component to these letters is students providing evidence to help back up their opinions. The spelling words for this week include: they're, wrong, pretty, won't, and afraid. Please help your child practice these words at home.
Special Events:
Tuesday: Jump Rope 4 Heart
Wednesday: 11:30 Dismissal (PLD) & Spirit Day - Dress in ONE COLOR from HEAD to TOE
Friday: Reader's Theater Performance
Literacy: Students are working hard on their Reader's Theater scripts. Students are in one of five groups and have enjoyed working on practicing their lines with fluency, expression, and meaning. We will be practicing this week with a performance on Friday. I will be sending home a note on Monday inviting you to be the audience for our performance. I hope to see you there!
Math: This week students will be diving into Unit 5. This unit focuses on telling time and graphing. We will be engaging in several activities to gain a better grasp of these concepts.
Word Work & Writing: In writing we are continuing to write opinion pieces. We are writing letters about books and explaining why others should read them. A big component to these letters is students providing evidence to help back up their opinions. The spelling words for this week include: they're, wrong, pretty, won't, and afraid. Please help your child practice these words at home.
Special Events:
Tuesday: Jump Rope 4 Heart
Wednesday: 11:30 Dismissal (PLD) & Spirit Day - Dress in ONE COLOR from HEAD to TOE
Friday: Reader's Theater Performance
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Week of February 10 - 14
I am very excited to be back in the classroom after my maternity leave. I enjoyed my time at home with my two sons, but I am happy to be back. It's amazing how much the students have grown since I have been gone! Here is what is happening in our classroom this week.
Math - We are reviewing for our Chapter 4 Test, which we will take on Thursday. This chapter focusses on addition and subtraction of larger numbers. We learned several methods to solve these problems including adding up and regrouping. Problem solving using larger numbers is also a big focus, with comparison problems and 2-step problems being the most challenging for students. Any help you can provide at home is encouraged.
Literacy - We have been revisiting Folktales for the last few weeks. We compared two different versions of Little Red Riding Hood and students even wrote Little Red Riding Hood a letter explaining the lesson they hope she learned. This week we will be doing Reader's Theater with several different folktales. In writing we are working on opinion pieces. Students have been busy writing letters to other student to convince them to read a certain book. Students are starting to use evidence to support their opinions.
Word Work - We have been continuing to do word sorts and Wordly Wise to enrich vocabulary. Spelling words for this week include: enough, together, second, favorite, and through. Please make sure to study these words at home.
Valentine's Day - We will be having our Valentine's Day party on Friday afternoon. Please remember to have your child bring their valentines to school on Friday.
Math - We are reviewing for our Chapter 4 Test, which we will take on Thursday. This chapter focusses on addition and subtraction of larger numbers. We learned several methods to solve these problems including adding up and regrouping. Problem solving using larger numbers is also a big focus, with comparison problems and 2-step problems being the most challenging for students. Any help you can provide at home is encouraged.
Literacy - We have been revisiting Folktales for the last few weeks. We compared two different versions of Little Red Riding Hood and students even wrote Little Red Riding Hood a letter explaining the lesson they hope she learned. This week we will be doing Reader's Theater with several different folktales. In writing we are working on opinion pieces. Students have been busy writing letters to other student to convince them to read a certain book. Students are starting to use evidence to support their opinions.
Word Work - We have been continuing to do word sorts and Wordly Wise to enrich vocabulary. Spelling words for this week include: enough, together, second, favorite, and through. Please make sure to study these words at home.
Valentine's Day - We will be having our Valentine's Day party on Friday afternoon. Please remember to have your child bring their valentines to school on Friday.
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