Math:
We will be starting our last math unit next week. During this unit, students will begin to work with arrays and will learn to make the connection to basic multiplication and division strategies. We will also be looking at fractions at this time, and connecting those equal parts to division.
At-home connection - Talk with your child about how to divide items equally. Look at things that come in arrays (egg cartons, the circles on the top of Legos, cookies on a baking sheet, etc.) and talk about the use of repeated addition to find a total
Reading:
We are getting ready to wrap up our Reading Street unit on creativity. During this last week, students are exploring the question, "Where do Creative Ideas Come From?" They've really enjoyed learning about George Washington Carver this week and exploring his biography. Our next...and final...unit will focus on our changing world. Our last day or reading groups will be on May 13.
At-home connection - Continue reading with your child on a regular basis! Ask your child about ways they can be creative this summer.
Writing:
We are about halfway through our unit on opinion writing. Students are learning how to defend their opinions about books using specific examples. Next week, we will look at ways to incorporate quotes from characters in our opinions. Students will also begin to explore creative ways to use comparisons between two pieces of written work to convince their readers to agree with their opinions.
At-home connection - When your child shares an opinion with you...whether it be about a book, a food, or something else...ask him or her to give you convincing reasons!
Science/Health:
It's been so much fun to hear about the plant and animal models that students are working on! They should plan to bring those to school no later than May 16. Please remember that these models should be made of things you have at home already...there's no need to purchase supplies! I hope that many of you will be able to attend our Ecosystem Zoo Open House on May 18!
Now that we have finished studying ecosystems in class, we will be taking some time to look at our health standards. Your child is bringing home a letter today with information about the standards we will cover. Please look it over and contact me with questions.
At-home connection - As we prepare for our Body Venture field trip on May 12, talk with your child about how the body works. Conduct a little research about the different body systems, or read a fun book about the body together!
Speaking/Listening:
We like to wrap up our 2nd grade school year each year by giving students the chance to see what it's like to be a teacher! The week of May 16 will be our annual Teach the Class week! Early next week, your child will be bringing home a note about this project. Each student will have 5-10 minutes to teach his or her classmates how to do something. This can be as simple as drawing a picture of a dog or kicking a soccer ball, or as complicated as a small craft project or assembling a favorite food recipe. This would be a great weekend to start brainstorming ideas with your child! Please note that no students will be assigned to teach their lesson on May 18, as that is the day of our Ecosystem Zoo!
Upcoming Dates - Mark Your Calendars!
May 4 - May birthday breakfast/Make-Up birthday breakfast
May 6 - ALL library books due!
May 11 - June birthday breakfast - Cara, Davis, Owen
May 12 - Body Venture field trip - 11:25-3:25
May 16 - Animal and plant models due
May 16-20 - Teach the Class week (info coming soon)
May 18 - July birthday breakfast - Cooper, Eli S., Ethan
May 18 - Come visit our Ecosystem Zoo! We will be open 12:15-1:00!
May 19 - Talent Show
May 20 - Field Day
May 26 - Last day...have a GREAT summer!
