Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 23 - Jan.3 - Winter Break - No School (school resumes on 1/6)
Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 17 - President's Day - No School
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we will continue our reading unit called: "Characters and their Stories". This unit is all about characters and studying how they change and grow. The students will be making lots of inferences and predictions in this unit! Next week the kids will learn to stop and jot their thinking while they are reading. They will also learn to jot about their predictions.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will wrap up our nonfiction writing unit. The kids will do one final editing session. They will also make a cover for their books and add color to their illustrations. We will have a little celebration to show off our great work in this unit!
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We continue our module: " Addition and Subtraction to 200". We will learn many new strategies for adding and subtracting larger numbers in this unit! This week we will use math drawings to represent adding two and three digit numbers. We will also use manipulatives to represent trading of 1 ten for 10 ones while subtracting (borrowing).
Science: We are going to wrap up our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week we learned the different properties of liquids. We also talked about surface area and did some experimenting with the surface area of liquids.
Week of: December 9th
Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - trip slip due by 12/2
Dec. 23 - Jan.3 - Winter Break - No School (school resumes on 1/6)
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we will start a new reading unit called: "Characters and their Stories". This unit is all about characters and studying how they change and grow. The students will be making lots of inferences and predictions in this unit! Next week we will learn about character traits and how to stop and jot to make predictions.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will learn to write great endings for our nonfiction pieces. We will also continue to learn and try some "craft moves" from our mentor texts.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We have started a new module: " Addition and Subtraction to 200". We will learn many new strategies for adding and subtracting larger numbers in this unit! This week we will use manipulatives to represent the written vertical method for addition. We will also learn to use drawings to represent the written method of addition.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week we switched from learning about solids to learning about liquids. The kids experimented with 7 different "mystery liquids" that were in clear bottles. They learned to describe how the liquids were the same and different.
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - trip slip due by 12/2
Dec. 23 - Jan.3 - Winter Break - No School (school resumes on 1/6)
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we will start a new reading unit called: "Characters and their Stories". This unit is all about characters and studying how they change and grow. The students will be making lots of inferences and predictions in this unit! Next week we will learn about character traits and how to stop and jot to make predictions.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will learn to write great endings for our nonfiction pieces. We will also continue to learn and try some "craft moves" from our mentor texts.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We have started a new module: " Addition and Subtraction to 200". We will learn many new strategies for adding and subtracting larger numbers in this unit! This week we will use manipulatives to represent the written vertical method for addition. We will also learn to use drawings to represent the written method of addition.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week we switched from learning about solids to learning about liquids. The kids experimented with 7 different "mystery liquids" that were in clear bottles. They learned to describe how the liquids were the same and different.
Weeks of: November 25th and December 2nd
Upcoming Dates:
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - trip slip due by 12/2
Dec. 23 - Jan.3 - Winter Break - No School (school resumes on 1/6)
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will wrap up our nonfiction unit. The kids have been working on becoming experts on a topic of their choice. They will prepare a short presentation and we will invite a first grade class to our room to share what we have learned! Our next unit will be all about characters and their stories.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will work on goal setting and how to put our writing goals into action! The kids will work on editing and fixing up their writing so it will be easy for others to read. Finally, we will work on reading other nonfiction books to get ideas for our own writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will wrap up our unit on place value. The kids will take their end-of-module assessment right before Thanksgiving break. When we get back, we will start a new module on adding and subtraction with and without regrouping. The first week will focus on adding and subtracting multiples of 10.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week the kids learned how to group solid objects by their properties. Next week we will learn how to use solids to build sturdy towers. The kids will get to try and make the tallest tower possible with a set of given solid objects. It will be lots of fun!
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - trip slip due by 12/2
Dec. 23 - Jan.3 - Winter Break - No School (school resumes on 1/6)
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will wrap up our nonfiction unit. The kids have been working on becoming experts on a topic of their choice. They will prepare a short presentation and we will invite a first grade class to our room to share what we have learned! Our next unit will be all about characters and their stories.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will work on goal setting and how to put our writing goals into action! The kids will work on editing and fixing up their writing so it will be easy for others to read. Finally, we will work on reading other nonfiction books to get ideas for our own writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will wrap up our unit on place value. The kids will take their end-of-module assessment right before Thanksgiving break. When we get back, we will start a new module on adding and subtraction with and without regrouping. The first week will focus on adding and subtracting multiples of 10.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week the kids learned how to group solid objects by their properties. Next week we will learn how to use solids to build sturdy towers. The kids will get to try and make the tallest tower possible with a set of given solid objects. It will be lots of fun!
Week of: November 18
Upcoming Dates:
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - more info to come...
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn that when you read about a topic, you try to also learn about all of the related subtopics. We will also lean to compare and contrast two books on the same topic. Finally, students will learn to put information together from several books to retell an entire topic, rather than just retelling one book.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will learn about creating interesting leads. We will also learn that writers give themselves reminders to keep their writing interesting. Finally, we will reread our writing to clarify information.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will compare two three-digit numbers using <, >, and = (including situations with more than 9 ones or more than 9 tens). We will also model and use language to tell about 1 more and 1 less, 10 more and 10 less, and 100 more and 100 less.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week the kids learned the difference between properties and the material of solids. Properties are words that describe a solid and the material is what it is made from.
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - more info to come...
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn that when you read about a topic, you try to also learn about all of the related subtopics. We will also lean to compare and contrast two books on the same topic. Finally, students will learn to put information together from several books to retell an entire topic, rather than just retelling one book.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will learn about creating interesting leads. We will also learn that writers give themselves reminders to keep their writing interesting. Finally, we will reread our writing to clarify information.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will compare two three-digit numbers using <, >, and = (including situations with more than 9 ones or more than 9 tens). We will also model and use language to tell about 1 more and 1 less, 10 more and 10 less, and 100 more and 100 less.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week the kids learned the difference between properties and the material of solids. Properties are words that describe a solid and the material is what it is made from.
Week of: November 11th
Upcoming Dates:
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - more info to come...
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn about the importance of re-reading to gain more knowledge on a topic. We will also learn to share what we have learned with others. Finally, the students will learn that they can gain more knowledge by reading more than one book on the same topic.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will continue edition our pieces. The kids will also learn to write with a specific audience in mind. They will learn to write in a way that helps their readers picture the information.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will use place value disks to represent three-digit numbers. The kids will also learn to trade ones for tens and tens for hundreds.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week the kids learned that solid objects can be described by their properties. Some of the properties that the kids learned are: flexible, rigid, smooth, bumpy, sharp... They also learned that all things on earth are made up of matter. Matter can come in three different states: solids, liquids, and gasses.
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
Dec. 12 - Field Trip - Museum of Science and Industry - more info to come...
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn about the importance of re-reading to gain more knowledge on a topic. We will also learn to share what we have learned with others. Finally, the students will learn that they can gain more knowledge by reading more than one book on the same topic.
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will continue edition our pieces. The kids will also learn to write with a specific audience in mind. They will learn to write in a way that helps their readers picture the information.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will use place value disks to represent three-digit numbers. The kids will also learn to trade ones for tens and tens for hundreds.
Science: We are going to continue our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. Last week the kids learned that solid objects can be described by their properties. Some of the properties that the kids learned are: flexible, rigid, smooth, bumpy, sharp... They also learned that all things on earth are made up of matter. Matter can come in three different states: solids, liquids, and gasses.
Week of: November 4th
Upcoming Dates:
Nov. 7 - Trivia Night!
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn that using vocabulary is an important part of growing knowledge. The kids will learn to notice and use text features to figure out keywords. We will become more persistent when figuring out keywords!
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week the kids will learn to add more to each page of their writing, asking themselves: "What else could I say?". We will also do some goal setting this week as well as editing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will learn to count on from three-digit numbers using ones, tens, and hundreds. Will use place value blocks and disks. We will also take a mid-module assessment. This will help to guide my instruction for the remainder of the module.
Science: We are going to start our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. We will start by studying the properties of solids.
Nov. 7 - Trivia Night!
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 6 - Report Cards Go Home
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn that using vocabulary is an important part of growing knowledge. The kids will learn to notice and use text features to figure out keywords. We will become more persistent when figuring out keywords!
Writing: We will continue our unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week the kids will learn to add more to each page of their writing, asking themselves: "What else could I say?". We will also do some goal setting this week as well as editing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will learn to count on from three-digit numbers using ones, tens, and hundreds. Will use place value blocks and disks. We will also take a mid-module assessment. This will help to guide my instruction for the remainder of the module.
Science: We are going to start our first science unit: Solids and Liquids. We will start by studying the properties of solids.
Week of: October 28th
Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 31 - Halloween Parade at 1:45
Nov. 1 - Teacher Institute Day - No School for Students
Nov. 7 - Trivia Night!
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn to preview a nonfiction book before reading. We will ask ourselves: "How does this book go?". We will also learn that reading to learn and using vocabulary is an important part of growing knowledge.
Writing: We will start a new unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will learn that nonfiction writers write about topics they know well. We will also learn that nonfiction writers notice what other nonfiction writers have don in their books and think, "I can try this, too!".
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week the students will practice and learn to write numbers in all forms: standard, expanded, unit, and word forms. We will also learn to count the total value of $1, $10, and $100 bills up to $1,000.
Science: We are hoping to start our first science unit on solids and liquids! The students will learn the different properties of solids first, and then we will learn about properties of liquids!
Oct. 31 - Halloween Parade at 1:45
Nov. 1 - Teacher Institute Day - No School for Students
Nov. 7 - Trivia Night!
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
*Italics are repeated from last week's blog.
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we will learn to preview a nonfiction book before reading. We will ask ourselves: "How does this book go?". We will also learn that reading to learn and using vocabulary is an important part of growing knowledge.
Writing: We will start a new unit this week: "Nonfiction Writing". The students will learn to write informational books about topics they know well! This week we will learn that nonfiction writers write about topics they know well. We will also learn that nonfiction writers notice what other nonfiction writers have don in their books and think, "I can try this, too!".
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week the students will practice and learn to write numbers in all forms: standard, expanded, unit, and word forms. We will also learn to count the total value of $1, $10, and $100 bills up to $1,000.
Science: We are hoping to start our first science unit on solids and liquids! The students will learn the different properties of solids first, and then we will learn about properties of liquids!
Week of: October 21st
Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Oct. 21-24 - Book Fair Week after school
Oct. 31 - Halloween Parade at 1:45
Nov. 1 - Teacher Institute Day - No School for Students
Nov. 7 - Trivia Night!
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we lean to pay attention to details, putting all the pieces together to really know and understand a topic. We will also learn to generate questions about topics. Finally, the kids will learn to preview a nonfiction text before reading and ask themselves, "How does this book go?".
Writing: We will wrap up our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week the students will wrap up their writing pieces for this unit. They will do some final editing and publishing. Then we will have a little celebration to end this first unit of writing. The next week will begin a new unit on nonfiction writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will learn to show three digit numbers in both unit and expanded form.
Social Studies: We have continued to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. This week we will be focusing on "flexibility"some more. We will also be learning about "persistence". The kids can say to themselves: "I am getting frustrated. If I try again, maybe I will get it."
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Oct. 21-24 - Book Fair Week after school
Oct. 31 - Halloween Parade at 1:45
Nov. 1 - Teacher Institute Day - No School for Students
Nov. 7 - Trivia Night!
Nov. 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Reading: This week we continue our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we lean to pay attention to details, putting all the pieces together to really know and understand a topic. We will also learn to generate questions about topics. Finally, the kids will learn to preview a nonfiction text before reading and ask themselves, "How does this book go?".
Writing: We will wrap up our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week the students will wrap up their writing pieces for this unit. They will do some final editing and publishing. Then we will have a little celebration to end this first unit of writing. The next week will begin a new unit on nonfiction writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our module called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will learn to show three digit numbers in both unit and expanded form.
Social Studies: We have continued to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. This week we will be focusing on "flexibility"some more. We will also be learning about "persistence". The kids can say to themselves: "I am getting frustrated. If I try again, maybe I will get it."
Week of: October 14th
Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - permission slips went home already
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 14-18 - Fun Run Spirit Week - Flyer went home with daily themes
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - 2nd grade will go from 10:00-10:30
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will start our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we lean to pay attention to details, putting all the pieces together to really know and understand a topic. We will also learn to generate questions about topics.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will learn that you can find "craft moves" in any text, anytime you read! They will learn to be brave and try these new things they have found in their own writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will start a new module this week called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week the kids will learn to count up and down between 90 and 1,000 using ones, tens, and hundreds. They will also learn to use the place value chart.
Social Studies: We have continued to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. This week we will be focusing on "flexibility". The kids will learn to use self-talk to say: "That way isn't working, what else can I try?"
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - permission slips went home already
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 14-18 - Fun Run Spirit Week - Flyer went home with daily themes
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - 2nd grade will go from 10:00-10:30
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will start our second reading unit: "Becoming Experts - Reading Nonfiction". This week we lean to pay attention to details, putting all the pieces together to really know and understand a topic. We will also learn to generate questions about topics.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will learn that you can find "craft moves" in any text, anytime you read! They will learn to be brave and try these new things they have found in their own writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will start a new module this week called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week the kids will learn to count up and down between 90 and 1,000 using ones, tens, and hundreds. They will also learn to use the place value chart.
Social Studies: We have continued to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. This week we will be focusing on "flexibility". The kids will learn to use self-talk to say: "That way isn't working, what else can I try?"
Week of: October 7th
Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 7-11 - Hispanic Heritage Week - See Mrs. Pelling's email for daily themes/activities
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - permission slips went home already
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 14-18 - Fun Run Spirit Week - Flyer went home with daily themes
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - 2nd grade will go from 10:00-10:30
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will focus on author's craft, noticing what they do and why/how. We will also notice how different parts of a story go together. Finally, we will learn to think about what the author wants to teach us, the story's "message".
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will working on adding "craft moves" from mentor authors to our own writing. We will also learn to use the "editing checklist" to make sure our writing is ready to share with others.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will start a new module this week called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will take the module pre-test, and also work on "bundling" ones, tens, and hundreds up to 1,000.
Social Studies: We have continued to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. The first trait that we will be discussing is "Empathy". We will also continue to learn about how to "Talk it Out". This week we learned about how to find solutions to problems that satisfy the needs of both parties involved.
Oct. 7-11 - Hispanic Heritage Week - See Mrs. Pelling's email for daily themes/activities
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - permission slips went home already
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 14-18 - Fun Run Spirit Week - Flyer went home with daily themes
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - 2nd grade will go from 10:00-10:30
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will focus on author's craft, noticing what they do and why/how. We will also notice how different parts of a story go together. Finally, we will learn to think about what the author wants to teach us, the story's "message".
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will working on adding "craft moves" from mentor authors to our own writing. We will also learn to use the "editing checklist" to make sure our writing is ready to share with others.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will start a new module this week called: "Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000". This unit focuses heavily on place value with ones, tens, and hundreds. This week we will take the module pre-test, and also work on "bundling" ones, tens, and hundreds up to 1,000.
Social Studies: We have continued to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. The first trait that we will be discussing is "Empathy". We will also continue to learn about how to "Talk it Out". This week we learned about how to find solutions to problems that satisfy the needs of both parties involved.
Week of: September 30th
Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - permission slips went home already
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - grade level times TBD
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week the children will continue to work on their strategies for figuring out tricky words. We will work on finding vowel teams in the middle of words. We will also be spending a lot of time on how to use "meaning" to figure out tricky words and self-monitor.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will be trying out some "craft moves" that we have found in our mentor texts. One of those moves is to write clues that add drama to our stories. We will also be working on revision/editing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our second module this week. This module is called: "Addition and Subtraction of Length Units". This unit covers measurement using centimeters and meters. We will begin using non-standard units like cubes and paperclips and then move into using rulers with cm and m. This week we will continue to work on comparing length units. We will learn to use a tape diagram to compare. We will also work on solving two-step word problems around measurement. I am hoping to end the week with an end-of-module assessment. We will then move on to place value in our next module.
Social Studies: We have started to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. The first trait that we will be discussing is "Empathy". We will also continue to learn about how to "Talk it Out". This week we learned about how to use "I-messages" when trying to work out problems with peers.
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - permission slips went home already
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - grade level times TBD
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week the children will continue to work on their strategies for figuring out tricky words. We will work on finding vowel teams in the middle of words. We will also be spending a lot of time on how to use "meaning" to figure out tricky words and self-monitor.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will be trying out some "craft moves" that we have found in our mentor texts. One of those moves is to write clues that add drama to our stories. We will also be working on revision/editing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will continue our second module this week. This module is called: "Addition and Subtraction of Length Units". This unit covers measurement using centimeters and meters. We will begin using non-standard units like cubes and paperclips and then move into using rulers with cm and m. This week we will continue to work on comparing length units. We will learn to use a tape diagram to compare. We will also work on solving two-step word problems around measurement. I am hoping to end the week with an end-of-module assessment. We will then move on to place value in our next module.
Social Studies: We have started to focus on 5 traits for "joyful independent growth". This ties in nicely with what we have already learned about growth mindset. The first trait that we will be discussing is "Empathy". We will also continue to learn about how to "Talk it Out". This week we learned about how to use "I-messages" when trying to work out problems with peers.
Week of: September 23
Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - information and permission slips to come
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - grade level times TBD
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week the children will work on their strategies for figuring out tricky words, which includes thinking about meaning. We will also teach children to focus on the beginnings and endings of words; as well as vowel teams.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will look at our writing and set some individual goals. We will also work on revision. Finally, we will study mentor texts and think about what "craft moves" we would like to try in our own writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will begin our second module this week. This module is called: "Addition and Subtraction of Length Units". This unit covers measurement using centimeters and meters. We will begin using non-standard units like cubes and paperclips and then move into using rulers with cm and m. This week we will measure several objects using centimeter rulers and meter sticks. We will then learn how to compare lengths. Finally, we will learn to relate measurement to unit size (big paper clips vs. small paper clips).
Social Studies: We will continue to work on classroom community building activities. We will also be learning about how to "Talk it Out" with our classmates when we have conflicts. This past week we learned about different ways to handle "conflict". Our class agreed that taking it out was the best option in most cases.
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - information and permission slips to come
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - grade level times TBD
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week the children will work on their strategies for figuring out tricky words, which includes thinking about meaning. We will also teach children to focus on the beginnings and endings of words; as well as vowel teams.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will look at our writing and set some individual goals. We will also work on revision. Finally, we will study mentor texts and think about what "craft moves" we would like to try in our own writing.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". We will continue to have individualized word lists. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home. The goal is not to memorize the words, but to learn the letter patterns.
Math: We will begin our second module this week. This module is called: "Addition and Subtraction of Length Units". This unit covers measurement using centimeters and meters. We will begin using non-standard units like cubes and paperclips and then move into using rulers with cm and m. This week we will measure several objects using centimeter rulers and meter sticks. We will then learn how to compare lengths. Finally, we will learn to relate measurement to unit size (big paper clips vs. small paper clips).
Social Studies: We will continue to work on classroom community building activities. We will also be learning about how to "Talk it Out" with our classmates when we have conflicts. This past week we learned about different ways to handle "conflict". Our class agreed that taking it out was the best option in most cases.
Week of: September 16th
Upcoming Dates:
Sept. 17 - Map Math testing today in the afternoon
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - information and permission slips to come
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - grade level times TBD
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will teach children that we need to not only read a lot, but also THINK about our books. We will work to take notes on on post-its as we read. We will also learn to tackle those tricky words while reading.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will learn to magnify the small details in our stories. We will also work on revising, crafting powerful endings, and punctuation.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". This week we will have individualized word lists for the first time. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home.
Math: We will begin our second module this week. This module is called: "Addition and Subtraction of Length Units". This unit covers measurement using centimeters and meters. We will begin using non-standard units like cubes and paperclips and then move into using rulers with cm and m. This week we will measure several objects using centimeter rulers and meter sticks. We will then learn how to compare lengths. Finally, we will learn to relate measurement to unit size (big paper clips vs. small paper clips).
Social Studies: Our first unit in social studies will focus on building classroom community and building a growth mindset. Both of which will help us to have a successful year in second grade! This week we put everything we've learned so far together to learn that trying hard things makes us smarter. We now know that we can reflect on our mistakes in order to try again and learn from them.
Sept. 17 - Map Math testing today in the afternoon
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Field Trip - All Seasons Apple Orchard - information and permission slips to come
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 18 - Fun Run - grade level times TBD
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will teach children that we need to not only read a lot, but also THINK about our books. We will work to take notes on on post-its as we read. We will also learn to tackle those tricky words while reading.
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will learn to magnify the small details in our stories. We will also work on revising, crafting powerful endings, and punctuation.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". This week we will have individualized word lists for the first time. Students will bring their word sorts home on Monday and will be tested on 10 randomly selected words from their sort on Friday. Please spend time working on the spelling PATTERNS from their sorts at home.
Math: We will begin our second module this week. This module is called: "Addition and Subtraction of Length Units". This unit covers measurement using centimeters and meters. We will begin using non-standard units like cubes and paperclips and then move into using rulers with cm and m. This week we will measure several objects using centimeter rulers and meter sticks. We will then learn how to compare lengths. Finally, we will learn to relate measurement to unit size (big paper clips vs. small paper clips).
Social Studies: Our first unit in social studies will focus on building classroom community and building a growth mindset. Both of which will help us to have a successful year in second grade! This week we put everything we've learned so far together to learn that trying hard things makes us smarter. We now know that we can reflect on our mistakes in order to try again and learn from them.
Week of: September 9th
Upcoming Dates:
Sept. 11 - Curriculum Night - More info. on presentation times to come
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will learn how to preview the book before reading to take a sneak peek. We will also learn that readers run their eyes across the words on a page, looking for the ones they know in a snap. This will help them to scoop up longer phrases!
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will learn about telling the whole story of a tiny moment. We will also learn to magnify the small details in our stories. Finally, we will work on the endings to our stories.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". This week we will practice our word routines as a whole class. We will take a practice spelling test on Friday. I'm not sending words home because we will be taking the test together for practice.
Math: We will continue our first module in math this week. The first module is called, "Sums and Differences to 100". Much of the first unit (only 8 lessons) will be a review of first grade material. This week we will review subtracting single-digit numbers from multiples of 10 within 100.
Social Studies: Our first unit in social studies will focus on building classroom community and building a growth mindset. Both of which will help us to have a successful year in second grade! This week we learned about how our brains are like a muscle and we can make them stronger by trying hard things. The kids learned about the neurons in their brains and how to make more pathways between their neurons. Finally, we talked about how mistakes can actually make us smarter!
Sept. 11 - Curriculum Night - More info. on presentation times to come
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will continue our first unit: "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will learn how to preview the book before reading to take a sneak peek. We will also learn that readers run their eyes across the words on a page, looking for the ones they know in a snap. This will help them to scoop up longer phrases!
Writing: We will continue our first writing unit called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will learn about telling the whole story of a tiny moment. We will also learn to magnify the small details in our stories. Finally, we will work on the endings to our stories.
Spelling: This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". This week we will practice our word routines as a whole class. We will take a practice spelling test on Friday. I'm not sending words home because we will be taking the test together for practice.
Math: We will continue our first module in math this week. The first module is called, "Sums and Differences to 100". Much of the first unit (only 8 lessons) will be a review of first grade material. This week we will review subtracting single-digit numbers from multiples of 10 within 100.
Social Studies: Our first unit in social studies will focus on building classroom community and building a growth mindset. Both of which will help us to have a successful year in second grade! This week we learned about how our brains are like a muscle and we can make them stronger by trying hard things. The kids learned about the neurons in their brains and how to make more pathways between their neurons. Finally, we talked about how mistakes can actually make us smarter!
Week of: September 3rd
Upcoming Dates:
Sept. 2 - Labor Day - No School
Sept. 11 - Curriculum Night - More info. on presentation times to come
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will officially begin the first unit in our reading curriculum, Lucy Calkins Reading Units of Study. The first unit is called, "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will learn that you can choose not only what you read, but HOW you are going to read. We will also learn how to preview the book before reading to take a sneak peek. Finally, the kids will learn that second grade is a year where they can really take off as readers. And to do that, volume is key!
Writing: We will also be starting our first unit in our writing curriculum, Lucy Calkins Writing Units of Study. The first unit is called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will talk about how you can learn craft moves from mentor authors. We will also learn to capture everyday moments in our "Tiny Topics" notebooks and save them as possible story ideas.
Spelling: This week we will take a spelling inventory in order to find out where each student falls in their spelling journey. This will help me know where to begin with each individual student. This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". More information will be shared very soon.
Math: We will start our first module in math this week. We are using the Eureka math series. The first module is called, "Sums and Differences to 100". Much of the first unit (only 8 lessons) will be a review of first grade material. This week we will work on adding and subtracting like units, making ten to add within 100, and subtracting single-digit numbers from multiples of 10 (within 100).
Social Studies: Our first unit in social studies will focus on building classroom community and building a growth mindset. Both of which will help us to have a successful year in second grade!
Sept. 2 - Labor Day - No School
Sept. 11 - Curriculum Night - More info. on presentation times to come
Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct. 17 - Family Math Night
Oct. 21-25 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week - Early Dismissal on Thursday and Friday (11:00)
Reading: This week we will officially begin the first unit in our reading curriculum, Lucy Calkins Reading Units of Study. The first unit is called, "Second-Grade Reading Growth Spurt". This week we will learn that you can choose not only what you read, but HOW you are going to read. We will also learn how to preview the book before reading to take a sneak peek. Finally, the kids will learn that second grade is a year where they can really take off as readers. And to do that, volume is key!
Writing: We will also be starting our first unit in our writing curriculum, Lucy Calkins Writing Units of Study. The first unit is called, "Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing". This week we will talk about how you can learn craft moves from mentor authors. We will also learn to capture everyday moments in our "Tiny Topics" notebooks and save them as possible story ideas.
Spelling: This week we will take a spelling inventory in order to find out where each student falls in their spelling journey. This will help me know where to begin with each individual student. This year we will be using a program called: "Words Their Way". We will also use another program called: "Phonics Units of Study". More information will be shared very soon.
Math: We will start our first module in math this week. We are using the Eureka math series. The first module is called, "Sums and Differences to 100". Much of the first unit (only 8 lessons) will be a review of first grade material. This week we will work on adding and subtracting like units, making ten to add within 100, and subtracting single-digit numbers from multiples of 10 (within 100).
Social Studies: Our first unit in social studies will focus on building classroom community and building a growth mindset. Both of which will help us to have a successful year in second grade!
Welcome Back to School!
I am excited to be teaching second grade again this year! It is so exciting to see how much second graders grow, both academically and socially. There are many things I love about teaching, but one of my favorites is the relationship that I get to build with my students AND their families!
This will be my 18th year teaching in Oak Park. I started my career here and could not imagine being anywhere else. I have two kids of my own, Emmy will be in seventh grade this year and Charlie will be in fifth grade. They will attend schools near our home in Western Springs.
As we start the year, please know that I am always available through email and am happy to answer any questions you might have. My email address is lpelling@op97.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)