January News

Happy New Year!

2017 has gotten off to a busy, busy start here in our classroom!  Please review the following curriculum information and be sure to mark the dates listed on your calendars.

Math
We are currently working on Unit 3 of Math Expressions.  In this unit, student are exploring measurement and shapes.  This week, we've been using centimeter rulers to measure and draw line segments, as well as to determine the perimeter of 2-dimensional shapes.  Starting next week, students will study the properties of shapes (both 2D and 3D) and will practice drawing and constructing models of these shapes.

What can we do at home?
Take some time to explore the games and videos for Unit 3 in Blackboard.  Have your child help measure things around the house.  Look for shapes around you, and have your child classify the shapes.  Continue working on basic math fact efficiency.

Reading
This week, we are reviewing comprehension strategies with a quick author study of Janell Cannon.  During this study students are working with cause and effect relationships, author's purpose, main idea/detail, and comparing and contrasting.  I'm also using this week to gather oral reading data.  We will resume reading groups next week.  In the upcoming weeks, Reading Street units will explore the question, "How Can We Work Together?"

What can we do at home?  
Watch for a new spelling/vocabulary list to come home approximately each week.  Post this in your house and have your child practice spelling the words.  Rather than simply memorizing the words, work with your child to apply spelling patterns to other words.  Get on our ELA Blackboard for access to your child's reading group books, practice activities, etc.  Encourage your child to read good-fit books with you at home.  Allow your child time to work on IStation at home.  

Writing
We continue our study of expository unit.  This unit focuses on teaching students to use the scientific process to write informational booklets.  Next week, we will be constructing small catapults and using them to investigate the forces of motion.

What can we do at home?
Encourage your child to ask creative questions about how the world works and to investigate and write about those questions.  Log in to Blackboard and allow your child to play keyboarding games.  Make sure to log into out student blogs once a week and allow your child to answer the posted question

Science
This week, students have been presenting their invention at-home connection projects.  You can view your child's presentation on Seesaw.  For the next several weeks, we will be working on engineering. Students will study the different types of bridges, research a famous bridge, and do a STEM project that involves creating a model of a functional bridge.

What can we do at home?
We are in need of supplies!  Many items have come in already...thank you so much!  If you would still like to donate, we are collecting paper tubes, cardboard, lids, small plastic containers, string, craft sticks, etc.  If you have something at home you are thinking of recycling and think it might be useful as we construct, we'd love to have it!

Upcoming Dates

January 16 - No School - Martin Luther King Junior Day

January 25 - Birthday Breakfast - Happy birthday to Ayannah, Adilyn, and Toby!

January 30 - Mad Science visits 2nd grade

February 3 - Class Pictures

February 7 - Book Fair

February 17 - No School

February 22 - Birthday Breakfast - Happy birthday to Sanjay and Sonomi!

February 22/23 - Conferences