Week 18

Dear Parents, 

      What a cold, short week it was, but packed full of new learning experiences! In math we began unit nine on multiplication as repeated addition. We learned about equal groups and how many items were in the groups. We learned to write multiplication stories following our model of two sentences and a question. It was confusing at first, but I think we are now on our way to understanding what it really means to multiply.

       In writing we learned that a bold beginning leaves the reader with some questions in their head. It makes the reader want to keep reading to find out more. We also learned that mighty middles have a sequence that makes sense and the words flow as you read them. It also stops giving details in a logical place. We learned that excellent endings wraps up the details and makes my writing feel finished. My second graders are really becoming quite good at writing. I am so proud of their efforts.    

        In reading we read The Mitten  by Jan Brett. We read a poem about the story and did a science investigation involving a mitten, a chocolate kiss and some bear shaped counters. When we were done, we rewarded ourselves by eating a kiss! We used a copy of the story to complete a story map and take a vocabulary quiz.

        In Science we began our new unit on bodies of water. We set up our unit in our notebook, saw a video on salt marshes, watched Brainpop Jr. on fresh and salt water habitats, then took a quiz. We always go over the questions before we watch the videos so the children know what to listen for to answer the questions. We are trying to become better listeners and add the information we are hearing to our schema.

        In social studies we have continued researching our 5 landmarks to put on our brochures. This has been a two week process. The children have been excited to learn about these landmarks. We can’t wait to share our brochures!

I am also requesting that all children bring in 4 more large glue sticks, two large pink erasers, a new box of 24 crayons and more number 2 pencils as our supply is getting low. Thank you for your help. Only three children have brought new supplies. Everyone of them need of them. The children are borrowing from each other as all are running out of their supplies.

Swim Week is next week. It begins on Tuesday for our class and goes until Friday. Thursday is the day that parents may come watch. Our class starts at 9:00 A.M. at the LISD Aquatic Center.  Look for the information sheet on what your child should bring as they are to wear their swimsuit to school under their clothes, they will need to bring dry undergarments for when they change back into their clothes. It is helpful if your child brings a large canvas bag that contains all the items they will need. You may want to include a plastic bag for the wet swim suit. Be sure that your child packs up what he/she needs the night before a swim day, as when rushed in the morning things get left behind.  I have seen some very sad faces when a child forgot what he/she needed to swim and had to sit out a day.