Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Reviewing the Past Week
Happy Mother's Day! I hope you enjoyed the beautiful butterflies the class made. We did a brief study of Eric Carle and how he illustrated his books by painting tissue paper and collaging it together to create wonderful illustrations for his creative stories. The class painted their own paper on Monday and traced both of their hands to document their second grade growth. On Friday we constructed our butterflies making them into a great magnet for the refrigerator.
Math: The class has been working hard on defining area and perimeter. With practice, the kids are able to find the perimeter and the area of different figures.
Area: we define as the surface inside a figure. We find area by counting the square units inside the shape.
Perimeter: we define as the distance around a shape (the shape doesn't have to be a rectangle). We find perimeter by counting the line segments all the way around the shape.
We ended our math week with learning a new problem solving strategy. We completed an example problem in class showing how to best draw a diagram to help solve a math problem.
Reading: Last week and this week we are looking at Cinderella stories from around the world. We began the week by reading The Egyptian Cinderella and the more traditional United States version. With each story students are practicing summarizing and identifying key themes as well as comparing and contrasting the different versions.
Social Studies: It was a very big week for us. We finally were able to paint our continent maps. The class also got a special guest- My Dad was able to come visit and help paint Thursday afternoon. He was very impressed with everyone and had a wonderful time. We will finish painting our landforms this coming Monday.
Science: Another exciting week observing our butterflies. As I left on Friday afternoon we had one butterfly emerge. I wonder how many butterflies we will have by Monday? Watching this metamorphosis happen has been very exciting and very interesting.
*** Don't forget there is still time to donate to the JDRL walk-a-thon.*** We will be walking Friday the 17th of May.
Math: The class has been working hard on defining area and perimeter. With practice, the kids are able to find the perimeter and the area of different figures.
Area: we define as the surface inside a figure. We find area by counting the square units inside the shape.
Perimeter: we define as the distance around a shape (the shape doesn't have to be a rectangle). We find perimeter by counting the line segments all the way around the shape.
We ended our math week with learning a new problem solving strategy. We completed an example problem in class showing how to best draw a diagram to help solve a math problem.
Reading: Last week and this week we are looking at Cinderella stories from around the world. We began the week by reading The Egyptian Cinderella and the more traditional United States version. With each story students are practicing summarizing and identifying key themes as well as comparing and contrasting the different versions.
Social Studies: It was a very big week for us. We finally were able to paint our continent maps. The class also got a special guest- My Dad was able to come visit and help paint Thursday afternoon. He was very impressed with everyone and had a wonderful time. We will finish painting our landforms this coming Monday.
Science: Another exciting week observing our butterflies. As I left on Friday afternoon we had one butterfly emerge. I wonder how many butterflies we will have by Monday? Watching this metamorphosis happen has been very exciting and very interesting.
*** Don't forget there is still time to donate to the JDRL walk-a-thon.*** We will be walking Friday the 17th of May.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Second Grade Community Service Project
Helping dogs and cats get through “Ruff” times.
The second graders have decided to put their new persuasive writing skills to great use by helping out our local community.
April 30th through May 10th the second graders will be collecting pet supplies: pet shampoo, toys, treats, chews, dog and cat food (dry or canned) near the front office. The second graders have been working very hard the past couple days creating persuasive posters for the rest of Ivy Hill to convince this audience to bring in items for the pantry.
If you can, we would appreciate your support by bringing in an item for the food drive or by spreading the word to others.
Check out the website----------> Nina's Pet Food Pantry
Monday, April 22, 2013
Space Experiment
This morning we read an incredibly interesting article. I have attached the article and the video. The class made great hypotheses about how this experiment was going to turn out. They were really using their schema about gravity and how water acts on Earth. We were all surprised to see the true results.
Up on the International Space Station, wet wash cloths don't drip.
What they do is like nothing I'd imagined.
What they do is like nothing I'd imagined.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
A Look Back At Our Week April 15th-19th
I think it is safe to say that we are all happy to see the rain gone. I hope everyone enjoyed the sunshine we had this weekend. I was able to get outside and go for a couple long walks around my neighborhood. I am starting to see many flowers starting to bloom.
In reading last week we worked on continued to learn how questioning helps us become stronger readers. We read 'The Stranger' by Chris Van Allsburg and the kids did a fantastic job recording their questions before and during their reading. This book prompted some interesting discussion. Along with questioning we continued to work on inferencing; combining what we know with the information we gathered from the story. The class continues to grow stronger with this skill. I am now asking them to show me their growth individually by completing graphic organizers from their guided reading books.
In math, we are almost done with our fractions unit. I think this may have been everyone's favorite unit so far this year. I will be sure to continue to add fractions into our daily practices. On Friday we had a lot of fun creating fraction kites. The kids had to color a kite any way they choose using 5 colors. They then had to write down what fraction represented the different colored sections of their kites. The kites look great and will make a fun spring addition to the hallway! As a reminder, our math test will be on Tuesday and we will be continuing our problem solving skills on Friday.
In writing, we are wrapping up our autobiographies. The class has been working hard to zoom in on one moment and describe it using detailed language. We will now begin our persuasive unit. I think everyone will also enjoy this unit because they get to come up with discussion points to try and convince someone else to believe in their opinion. In this unit we will be talking a lot about the difference between what a fact and what an opinion is.
In social studies, we are coming very close to our salt and flour map days. It will be a messy afternoon on Thursday so if you'd like please send your second grader with a large t-shirt or in close you don't mind getting a little messy in (just in case). I have reached out to some parents, but if you are interested in volunteering to help that afternoon please email me.
In science, we had the first of two very special deliveries. Our Painted Lady caterpillars arrived. We have 5 new additions to our classroom as this moment and more to come. The excitement can be felt when you walk through the door. The kids rush over after leaving the classroom for lunch and specials to check on our new little critters. We will begin learning about our visitors next week. We have already written down our schema about butterflies, now we will start adding to that knowledge.
Keep focused everyone! :) We have a great week of learning ahead!
In reading last week we worked on continued to learn how questioning helps us become stronger readers. We read 'The Stranger' by Chris Van Allsburg and the kids did a fantastic job recording their questions before and during their reading. This book prompted some interesting discussion. Along with questioning we continued to work on inferencing; combining what we know with the information we gathered from the story. The class continues to grow stronger with this skill. I am now asking them to show me their growth individually by completing graphic organizers from their guided reading books.
In math, we are almost done with our fractions unit. I think this may have been everyone's favorite unit so far this year. I will be sure to continue to add fractions into our daily practices. On Friday we had a lot of fun creating fraction kites. The kids had to color a kite any way they choose using 5 colors. They then had to write down what fraction represented the different colored sections of their kites. The kites look great and will make a fun spring addition to the hallway! As a reminder, our math test will be on Tuesday and we will be continuing our problem solving skills on Friday.
In writing, we are wrapping up our autobiographies. The class has been working hard to zoom in on one moment and describe it using detailed language. We will now begin our persuasive unit. I think everyone will also enjoy this unit because they get to come up with discussion points to try and convince someone else to believe in their opinion. In this unit we will be talking a lot about the difference between what a fact and what an opinion is.
In social studies, we are coming very close to our salt and flour map days. It will be a messy afternoon on Thursday so if you'd like please send your second grader with a large t-shirt or in close you don't mind getting a little messy in (just in case). I have reached out to some parents, but if you are interested in volunteering to help that afternoon please email me.
In science, we had the first of two very special deliveries. Our Painted Lady caterpillars arrived. We have 5 new additions to our classroom as this moment and more to come. The excitement can be felt when you walk through the door. The kids rush over after leaving the classroom for lunch and specials to check on our new little critters. We will begin learning about our visitors next week. We have already written down our schema about butterflies, now we will start adding to that knowledge.
Keep focused everyone! :) We have a great week of learning ahead!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Wonderful Country Research Presentations
We are finally unveiling our fabulous country research projects. The whole class did a spectacular job choosing a country they were interested in then completing many session of note-taking on specific topics about their country. We definitely have a few technology expects because the Google Presentations they put together were very impressive. The volume is a little on the softer side but
Mrs. Polito says wearing headphones helps to hear everyone's interesting information.
Enjoy!
Mrs. Polito says wearing headphones helps to hear everyone's interesting information.
Enjoy!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Weekly Update April 15th- 19th
Hello everyone! I had a wonderful weekend of seeing old friends. I also had a great time with many of our Ivy Hill teachers at the Just Move It challenge on Saturday morning. I saw a couple of you there. Hope you all had great fun this weekend and enjoyed the sunshine today!
Although I say this every week, we have a packed week! We will be continuing and expanding many of our projects we have begun in class.
In Reading- Last week we read The Lotus Seed. Everyone seemed very engaged and interested in the history behind the story. We will continue to work on questioning and inferencing this week in our whole group lessons as well as in our guided reading groups. We will also continue spelling as normal.
In Math- We continue to work hard on our fractions. We will continue to challenge ourselves with equivalent fractions through games and center work.
In Social Studies- Everyone has been doing a wonderful job creating their own continent map. The groups have been focusing on designing map keys and researching important landforms of their continent. This week we will be taking a closer look at elevation and coloring in our maps according to the elevation of the continent. We will be needing volunteers to help our class build our salt and flour maps on the afternoon of the 25th. If you think you would like to help please email me.
In Science- We continue to talk about plants and life cycles. We recently read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. The class did a wonderful job recording plant facts and drawing conclusions from those facts. We have a special surprise arrival this week... stay tuned!
In Writing- The class continues to do an excellent job writing their autobiographies. Everyone is growing in their ability to zoom in on one moment and use descriptive language to describe it. We are hoping to finish our autobiographies this week so we can move on to our next exciting writing project.
Stay positive everyone! We are going to have a great week!
Although I say this every week, we have a packed week! We will be continuing and expanding many of our projects we have begun in class.
In Reading- Last week we read The Lotus Seed. Everyone seemed very engaged and interested in the history behind the story. We will continue to work on questioning and inferencing this week in our whole group lessons as well as in our guided reading groups. We will also continue spelling as normal.
In Math- We continue to work hard on our fractions. We will continue to challenge ourselves with equivalent fractions through games and center work.
In Social Studies- Everyone has been doing a wonderful job creating their own continent map. The groups have been focusing on designing map keys and researching important landforms of their continent. This week we will be taking a closer look at elevation and coloring in our maps according to the elevation of the continent. We will be needing volunteers to help our class build our salt and flour maps on the afternoon of the 25th. If you think you would like to help please email me.
In Science- We continue to talk about plants and life cycles. We recently read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. The class did a wonderful job recording plant facts and drawing conclusions from those facts. We have a special surprise arrival this week... stay tuned!
In Writing- The class continues to do an excellent job writing their autobiographies. Everyone is growing in their ability to zoom in on one moment and use descriptive language to describe it. We are hoping to finish our autobiographies this week so we can move on to our next exciting writing project.
Stay positive everyone! We are going to have a great week!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Reminder!
I hope everyone is still enjoying their day even though it is very rainy. I love to read on rainy days like today. Maybe grab a great book and curl up for a while.
Just as a reminder, please wear your green Ivy Hill t-shirt tomorrow.
Just as a reminder, please wear your green Ivy Hill t-shirt tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Grammar Time
Since everyone in class loved this homophones video so much, I thought I should post it. Practice it over spring break and we can sing it in class.
Happy Practicing! See how many homophones you can come up with!
Click Here-------> Veggie Tales: School House Polka
Happy Practicing! See how many homophones you can come up with!
Click Here-------> Veggie Tales: School House Polka
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Feb. 25th - March 1st
We had a great week last week! I was so impressed with all of our second grade stars! The show was wonderful and everyone had a fabulous performance.
Looking back:
Reading: We have been having some fun with different activities reviewing story structure. The class seemed to really enjoy our story of the week, 'Chato's Kitchen'. I think there were some surprising twists and turns in the story that led to some great predictions. When you are reading with your second grader at home help them by asking them to summarize their reading. By asking them what happened in the beginning (characters, setting, problem), middle (the twists and turns) and the end (solution to the problem). Practicing this type of retell will help your student in building their comprehension.
In Writing-
The class has combined reading and writing together by working on creating our own Non-Ficition books or 'All About Books' as you may have heard them called at home. The kids were able to chose any topic they knew they had a lot of schema, or background knowledge about already. Using a checklist, everyone is creating their very own book showing that they can use non-fiction features correctly. The books are looking great and we hope to have them mostly finished by the end of the week. We have books from football to playing an instrument.
In Math-
We are almost done with unit 6. On Friday we took a mid-year test to reflect on all the concepts we have learned this year. This is a great way foe me to see what we need to review and where we can extend to some problem solving. We continue to 'pretend' that we are teaching our learned concepts to a younger student. Please ask your second grader to teach you about a math concept at home.
In Science-
Our pea plants are growing more like 'Jack and the Bean Stalk' then pea plants. We will continue to discuss the 'perfect' conditions in which to grow a plant and design an experiment to test out their theories.
In Social Studies-
We began one of my favorite projects (however I think I may say that for every project we do). The class was divided into continent groups. Each group was assigned a continent to research and is doing a nice job starting to take notefacts. It is difficult to work in a team but everyone seems to be learning and trying very hard to listen to all group members.
Our Country Research has also been going well. Everyone has started to write United States facts that match their country research facts. For example, if one student researched China and found that many of the people eat their food using chopsticks the fact they might write down to compare to how we eat in the United States would be that we eat mostly with forks, spoons, and knives.
Looking back:
Reading: We have been having some fun with different activities reviewing story structure. The class seemed to really enjoy our story of the week, 'Chato's Kitchen'. I think there were some surprising twists and turns in the story that led to some great predictions. When you are reading with your second grader at home help them by asking them to summarize their reading. By asking them what happened in the beginning (characters, setting, problem), middle (the twists and turns) and the end (solution to the problem). Practicing this type of retell will help your student in building their comprehension.
In Writing-
The class has combined reading and writing together by working on creating our own Non-Ficition books or 'All About Books' as you may have heard them called at home. The kids were able to chose any topic they knew they had a lot of schema, or background knowledge about already. Using a checklist, everyone is creating their very own book showing that they can use non-fiction features correctly. The books are looking great and we hope to have them mostly finished by the end of the week. We have books from football to playing an instrument.
In Math-
We are almost done with unit 6. On Friday we took a mid-year test to reflect on all the concepts we have learned this year. This is a great way foe me to see what we need to review and where we can extend to some problem solving. We continue to 'pretend' that we are teaching our learned concepts to a younger student. Please ask your second grader to teach you about a math concept at home.
In Science-
Our pea plants are growing more like 'Jack and the Bean Stalk' then pea plants. We will continue to discuss the 'perfect' conditions in which to grow a plant and design an experiment to test out their theories.
In Social Studies-
We began one of my favorite projects (however I think I may say that for every project we do). The class was divided into continent groups. Each group was assigned a continent to research and is doing a nice job starting to take notefacts. It is difficult to work in a team but everyone seems to be learning and trying very hard to listen to all group members.
Our Country Research has also been going well. Everyone has started to write United States facts that match their country research facts. For example, if one student researched China and found that many of the people eat their food using chopsticks the fact they might write down to compare to how we eat in the United States would be that we eat mostly with forks, spoons, and knives.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Go Hawks!
To support our fabulous Blackhawks feel free to wear your Hawks gear or Red and Black to give the Hawks good luck in their game tomorrow evening!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Looking Back Feb. 19th-22nd
This is such a busy time for second grade! Everyone is doing a fantastic job being flexible!
In Reading-
We continue to review all of the important skills we have covered so far this year. There are quite a few, we have come a long way as readers. We read a story called 'Just Plain Fancy' and discussed theme or the lesson the author wants you to learn from the story.
Looking ahead we will be reading 'Chato's Kitchen'. We may even be able to learn some new spanish vocabulary from our new book.
In Writing-
The class has combined reading and writing together by working on creating our own Non-Ficition books or 'All About Books' as you may have heard them called at home. The kids were able to chose any topic they knew they had a lot of schema, or background knowledge about already. Using a checklist, everyone is creating their very own book showing that they can use non-fiction features correctly. The books are looking great and we hope to have them mostly finished by the end of the week. We have books from football to playing an instrument.
In Math-
We continue to work through unit 6. I can see that the kids are really excited and engaged while learning about multiplication and division. Everyone has done a wonderful job on drawing and naming rectangular arrays. We are working on how to teach this concept to a younger student. Please ask your second grader to teach you about a math concept at home.
In Science-
Our pea plants are growing more like 'Jack and the Bean Stalk' then pea plants. We will continue to discuss the 'perfect' conditions in which to grow a plant and design an experiment to test out their theories.
In Social Studies-
We began one of my favorite projects (however I think I may say that for every project we do). The class was divided into continent groups. Each group was assigned a continent to research and is doing a nice job starting to take notefacts. It is difficult to work in a team but everyone seems to be learning and trying very hard to listen to all group members.
Our Country Research has also been going well. Everyone has finished creating their T-Chart for all of the wonderful notefacts they took on their chosen topic. Now we will get ready to start thinking about how those notefacts compare to how we live here in the United States.
Exciting News:
The Second Grade Show is this coming week:
The parent shows are on Wednesday, February 27that 2:15 and Thursday, February 28th at 9:30.
We all hope you can make it! I have had the pleasure of sitting in for some of the practices and everyone is doing a great job! The show looks great! You may be singing some of the songs for a while after the show ends.
In Reading-
We continue to review all of the important skills we have covered so far this year. There are quite a few, we have come a long way as readers. We read a story called 'Just Plain Fancy' and discussed theme or the lesson the author wants you to learn from the story.
Looking ahead we will be reading 'Chato's Kitchen'. We may even be able to learn some new spanish vocabulary from our new book.
In Writing-
The class has combined reading and writing together by working on creating our own Non-Ficition books or 'All About Books' as you may have heard them called at home. The kids were able to chose any topic they knew they had a lot of schema, or background knowledge about already. Using a checklist, everyone is creating their very own book showing that they can use non-fiction features correctly. The books are looking great and we hope to have them mostly finished by the end of the week. We have books from football to playing an instrument.
In Math-
We continue to work through unit 6. I can see that the kids are really excited and engaged while learning about multiplication and division. Everyone has done a wonderful job on drawing and naming rectangular arrays. We are working on how to teach this concept to a younger student. Please ask your second grader to teach you about a math concept at home.
In Science-
Our pea plants are growing more like 'Jack and the Bean Stalk' then pea plants. We will continue to discuss the 'perfect' conditions in which to grow a plant and design an experiment to test out their theories.
In Social Studies-
We began one of my favorite projects (however I think I may say that for every project we do). The class was divided into continent groups. Each group was assigned a continent to research and is doing a nice job starting to take notefacts. It is difficult to work in a team but everyone seems to be learning and trying very hard to listen to all group members.
Our Country Research has also been going well. Everyone has finished creating their T-Chart for all of the wonderful notefacts they took on their chosen topic. Now we will get ready to start thinking about how those notefacts compare to how we live here in the United States.
Exciting News:
The Second Grade Show is this coming week:
The parent shows are on Wednesday, February 27that 2:15 and Thursday, February 28th at 9:30.
We all hope you can make it! I have had the pleasure of sitting in for some of the practices and everyone is doing a great job! The show looks great! You may be singing some of the songs for a while after the show ends.
Becoming A Part of History
The pictures in this slideshow are from our biography presentations. Everyone worked so hard on collecting notefacts and worked even harder at writing true paragraphs for the first time.
Then everyone let their creative juices flow by creating wonderful posters to share all of the new information they gathered.
I am so proud of everyone! I know I learned new informamtion about many figures in history through this project.
Then everyone let their creative juices flow by creating wonderful posters to share all of the new information they gathered.
I am so proud of everyone! I know I learned new informamtion about many figures in history through this project.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Weekly Review Feb. 4h-8th
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Variety Show Saturday night! I know it was a very busy night for everyone!
All of the teachers had so much fun performing our swimming routine- we had been working hard at practices to make sure everyone would enjoy the performance.
We are hoping to get a video that I will post for those that could not attend. :)
In Reading:
We are continuing with our Non-Fiction features but now we starting to create our own All About books to practice using all of the Non-Fiction features we have learned. Throughout February we will also be reviewing the strategies that we've already learned. This past week we read 'Owl Moon' and reviewed the purpose and importance of making mental images while reading. Everyone did a wonderful job creating their mental images and writing about how the image helped them to comprehend the story better.
In Math:
The class did a really nice job complete comparison problems all week. Everyone also seemed to very much enjoy learning about food groups and graphing our classes favorite foods using a bar graph.
In Science and Social Studies:
Our pea plants are growing fast, strong and healthy. I will post pictures of our growing plants very soon so please stay tuned!
In Social Studies we continue to learn about landforms, continents and maps.
In Writing:
Next week we will be presenting our biography poster projects. Hooray! The posters are looking great! Everyone is really letting their creative juices flow.
Country Research Project:
Last week we started our Country Research project. They kids chose what country they wanted to research and learn more about. On Thursday, we began to research one of their chosen topics. Everyone is doing a great job taking notes and learning about their new country.
*** Be on the look out Tuesday for the Valentine's Day letter with our classes names printed on it for Valentine's that wish to be sent on Thursday***
All of the teachers had so much fun performing our swimming routine- we had been working hard at practices to make sure everyone would enjoy the performance.
We are hoping to get a video that I will post for those that could not attend. :)
In Reading:
We are continuing with our Non-Fiction features but now we starting to create our own All About books to practice using all of the Non-Fiction features we have learned. Throughout February we will also be reviewing the strategies that we've already learned. This past week we read 'Owl Moon' and reviewed the purpose and importance of making mental images while reading. Everyone did a wonderful job creating their mental images and writing about how the image helped them to comprehend the story better.
In Math:
The class did a really nice job complete comparison problems all week. Everyone also seemed to very much enjoy learning about food groups and graphing our classes favorite foods using a bar graph.
In Science and Social Studies:
Our pea plants are growing fast, strong and healthy. I will post pictures of our growing plants very soon so please stay tuned!
In Social Studies we continue to learn about landforms, continents and maps.
In Writing:
Next week we will be presenting our biography poster projects. Hooray! The posters are looking great! Everyone is really letting their creative juices flow.
Country Research Project:
Last week we started our Country Research project. They kids chose what country they wanted to research and learn more about. On Thursday, we began to research one of their chosen topics. Everyone is doing a great job taking notes and learning about their new country.
*** Be on the look out Tuesday for the Valentine's Day letter with our classes names printed on it for Valentine's that wish to be sent on Thursday***
Monday, January 28, 2013
Weekly Update 23rd-25th
Even though it was a short week last week we accomplished quite a lot!
I am so so impressed with how everyone has been writing their paragraphs for our biography project. We are hoping to present with all the other second grade classrooms by the end of the week.
Keep practicing your paragraph writing at home. We begin each paragraph with a topic sentence, followed by three details, then the paragraph is closed with a closing (wrap up) sentence that connects to the topic sentence. The class has been using a 'Hamburger Organizer' to help us think about how to organize our writing. Think of the hamburger top bun as the topic sentence, all the yummy additions as the details, and the bottom hamburger bun represents the closing sentence.
In Reading- We have started to read about landforms to connect with our geography unit and maps. Last week we discussed mountains and hills. One of the key vocabulary terms and processes that we talked about was erosion. We will continue to work with our non-fiction features throughout out geography/social studies unit.
In Math- We are coming to a close with Unit 5. Monday we have an exciting, fun activity planned building pyramids with different size marshmallows and toothpicks. I think this will be a great way to connect our talks of polygons and 3D figures. We will review for our test on Tuesday and the test for Unit 5 will be on Wednesday.
Here are some quick links to make navigating new information happening at Ivy easier:
I am so so impressed with how everyone has been writing their paragraphs for our biography project. We are hoping to present with all the other second grade classrooms by the end of the week.
Keep practicing your paragraph writing at home. We begin each paragraph with a topic sentence, followed by three details, then the paragraph is closed with a closing (wrap up) sentence that connects to the topic sentence. The class has been using a 'Hamburger Organizer' to help us think about how to organize our writing. Think of the hamburger top bun as the topic sentence, all the yummy additions as the details, and the bottom hamburger bun represents the closing sentence.
In Reading- We have started to read about landforms to connect with our geography unit and maps. Last week we discussed mountains and hills. One of the key vocabulary terms and processes that we talked about was erosion. We will continue to work with our non-fiction features throughout out geography/social studies unit.
In Math- We are coming to a close with Unit 5. Monday we have an exciting, fun activity planned building pyramids with different size marshmallows and toothpicks. I think this will be a great way to connect our talks of polygons and 3D figures. We will review for our test on Tuesday and the test for Unit 5 will be on Wednesday.
Here are some quick links to make navigating new information happening at Ivy easier:
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Welcome Back!!
We made it everyone! We had a great, very full first week back after break! I was so impressed with our Teach-Nology Fair on Friday! I had the pleasure of volunteering upstairs for the sessions. I know some of our classmates presented during the poster sessions- I am sad I could not come see your work but I am certain you all did a fantastic job!
We have some exciting changes that will surface as we work our way through the second half of the year! I will make sure you know of all the excitement as it comes up!
Looking Back-
Reading- We have started learning all about the features of Non-Fiction texts. We will continue this through the coming week as well. Students will have a chance to explore different Non-Fiction texts and go on a 'hunt' for all of the features we have been learning. Everyone will be creating a Non-Fiction Feature notebook to use as a reference guide as to the features we have spent time learning.
Last week we continued our practice of identifying the genre of the books we are reading by recording the genre on the at home reading log. Please continue to help your 2nd grader use the correct code to match their book.
Math- We began Unit 5. The class seems to be very interested in learning Geometry. They have really latched onto the mathematical vocabulary and are using the words to describe objects in our classroom and at home. We will continue to learn about polygons and arrays.
Science- Last week we continued our Life Cycles unit and learned how to tell the age of a tree.
Writing- I have been so impressed with the way our class is researching their chosen biography person. We started the week by learning the correct way to take notes. After the lesson everyone spent time going through their old notefacts and revising them. From that point we have been using PebbleGo, WorldBook Online and print books to do further research.
If you can, please send a plain white poster board with your student next week to continue this project.
We have some exciting changes that will surface as we work our way through the second half of the year! I will make sure you know of all the excitement as it comes up!
Looking Back-
Reading- We have started learning all about the features of Non-Fiction texts. We will continue this through the coming week as well. Students will have a chance to explore different Non-Fiction texts and go on a 'hunt' for all of the features we have been learning. Everyone will be creating a Non-Fiction Feature notebook to use as a reference guide as to the features we have spent time learning.
Last week we continued our practice of identifying the genre of the books we are reading by recording the genre on the at home reading log. Please continue to help your 2nd grader use the correct code to match their book.
Math- We began Unit 5. The class seems to be very interested in learning Geometry. They have really latched onto the mathematical vocabulary and are using the words to describe objects in our classroom and at home. We will continue to learn about polygons and arrays.
Science- Last week we continued our Life Cycles unit and learned how to tell the age of a tree.
Writing- I have been so impressed with the way our class is researching their chosen biography person. We started the week by learning the correct way to take notes. After the lesson everyone spent time going through their old notefacts and revising them. From that point we have been using PebbleGo, WorldBook Online and print books to do further research.
If you can, please send a plain white poster board with your student next week to continue this project.
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