Friday, January 13th

Happy Long Weekend 2nd Grade Families!

It’s been another fantastically busy (and short) week in 2nd grade…

Reader’s Workshop:
This week in Workshop we took a look back at the different styles of dialogue within a text. We then did some pre-reading work where the kids were given a copy of the book, Pinky and Rex and the Spelling Bee without any of the text. Using predictions, inferences, wonderings and even connections, our students worked as a team to predict and write about the story, in their own words. I also started doing individualized reading assessments this week which will help to re-structure and re-align our current guided reading groups and partner reading assignments.

Writer’s Workshop:
In Workshop this week we took a look at our “Seed Lists” and chose one small event to take through the writing process. Our writers were given a graphic organizer that they could use next to plan for the beginning, middle and ending of their Small Moment. It has been neat to see how excited they are to write and tell about their narrative!

Word Study:
This week in Word Study we were focusing on three different areas. We took a look at contractions, how we combine two words into one (i.e. I am -> I’m). Next we spent time with high-frequency words and played a concentration game matching words with similar beginning or ending consonant clusters. Last we, took a look at synonyms and antonyms and played a LOTTO game to review similarities and differences amongst the meaning of words.

Math:
We have done A LOT in math this week! Subtraction with borrowing seems to be a difficult concept. Please make sure to review this thoroughly at home before our Math Benchmark next week on Thursday, January 19th! We have also spent time this week learning to multiply! Using arrays or equal groups, the kids have been practicing multiplying different numbers. They are VERY excited about this new skill!

Science:
The botanists observed that our potato plant started growing roots- students realized potatoes use their roots like straws to drink water and nutrients from the ground. We talked about how some things grow underground like potatoes and carrots, but still need sunlight to shine on the vines to grow. Many of the plant cuttings have finally begun to sprout roots too. Ask your child about wheat and what wheat is made into… flour. Be on the lookout for a science study guide in the next few weeks.

Social Studies:
This week in Social Studies we learned about absolute location (the exact location of a place or landmark). Students practiced absolute location by finding coordinates on a grid. We also learned a fun Tic-Tac-Toe game with a twist called Absolute Location Tic-Tac-Toe. Ask your child to play a few rounds with you! Our week ended by reviewing for our end of the unit assessment which will be on Tuesday, January 17th.

Important Upcoming Dates:
• Friday, January 13 and Monday, January 16: NO SCHOOL
• Thursday, January 19: Math Benchmark Test
• Friday, January 20: End of 2nd Marking Period/Skyward Closed

Have a wonderful and safe long weekend! We’ll see you on Tuesday!! Mrs. Weckstein and Miss Mossoian