We had another week packed with learning. Just one of the many accomplishments that happened over this past week, was that we received yet another compliment during Library time. Mrs. Polito commented on how quiet we entered the library; this compliment puts us at 5 feet in our 'Steps Towards Good Behavior' reward system. Great work second graders, keep it up!
As a class we also came up with one goal that we would like to work on for the coming week. We decided that our goal should be to transition between lessons more quickly and to keep ourselves quieter while moving from one topic to the next. I have already seen improvements so I know we can accomplish this goal.
What we worked on last week:
Reading: We began the week with lessons on visualizing and creating mental images as we read. The students have done a fantastic job with this strategy. We discussed that creating pictures in our minds while we read, helps us become better readers. Emilia had a wonderful comment about how visualizing what is happening in a story makes the story more her own. I read the poem 'Ducks on a Winter Night' and the students were asked to draw what they heard. We quickly realized that not everyone's picture was the same. The words were the same, but what everyone saw in their minds was unique.
We also added our third Daily 5 activity this week, Read to Someone. The students really did a wonderful job reading to one another in EEKK! position, using soft voices and checking for their understanding at the end of each page. Next week we will integrate Reading to Someone in with our other two Daily 5 choice, Read to Yourself and Work on Writing.
Math: We finished our first unit in math, reviewed and took our first test. The test covered counting coins, tally marks, renaming numbers, telling time, number grid patterns, different ways to make a given amount of change and simple addition problems using dominos. Be sure to visit Everyday Math Online for continued practice with math facts and more. If you have questions about how to login please do not hesitate to email me.
Writing: We began our School Moments Autobiographies. The students had to think all the way back to kindergarten for one exciting, or interesting memory. They then drew only the most important pieces of that memory and labeled their illustration. The students repeated these steps for two first grade memories and one second grade memory. We have now moved on to the writing piece of these autobiographies. We discussed what makes good writing and we decided that using 'spicy' words helps the reader stay focused and adds more enjoyment to the piece. We also worked on creating a 'feeling' sentence for each moment. Why was this moment important? How did you feel at that particular time?
Spelling: Everyone was very excited to be able to go into the computer lab and explore Spelling City for the first time. We went through how to login, where the students will find their assignments each week and where there are other games for extra practice( the favorite was definitely Hang Mouse). Normally assignments will be available starting Monday but next week, the new assignments will be posted on Tuesday to be completed by Friday so the students are prepared for the spelling test that morning.
Coming Attractions:
- I have the unique and wonderful opportunity to assist in designing a unit based on 21st century learning skills. For this reason I will be at district training Tuesday and Wednesday. I will be checking in with our substitute Mrs. Mosca, who will be wonderful with the kids, as well as checking my email periodically throughout the day.
I look forward to another exciting week in room 152!
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