October News

Wow...where did the month of September go?  We have a lot going on in 2nd grade this month.  Please make note of upcoming curriculum, and be sure to mark the dates below on your calendar!  I hope you all are having an excellent week!

Math
In our current math unit, students are working on strategies for adding 2 and 3-digit numbers.  This includes problems with regrouping to make a new 10. We will practice addition for the next couple of weeks, then move into subtraction and story problems.  Please note that I'm introducing several strategies in class.  If you notice that one strategy works better for your student than others, please encourage him or her to use that strategy regularly!

What can we do at home?
Get on Blackboard for videos and games practicing multi-digit addition and subtraction.  Continue to work on basic fact efficiency with your child. If you don't have addition and subtracting flashcards at home, invest in a set from Dollar Tree!  Use these...or a regular set of playing cards...to create practice games with your child.

Reading
Thank you for supporting your child at home with spelling and vocabulary words!  During our current Reading Street unit, students are working with a variety of texts...both narrative and expository...to answer the question "What Can We Learn By Exploring Different Places?"  If you have questions about your child's specific reading level, please let me know. I will soon be assigning leveled readers on Blackboard so that you can see what books your child is working with in reading groups.

In addition to our regular curriculum, our class is participating in the Global Read Aloud Challenge!  Over the next several weeks, we will be collaborating with a 2nd grade class in Canada to explore pieces of literature by the Australian author Mem Fox.  This would be a great time to check out some Mem Fox books at the public library, or to watch some of her read-aloud videos online with your child.

What can we do at home?
Continue reading each night with your child.  As you read together, stop to discuss new vocabulary.  Make predictions while reading unfamiliar stories.  Encourage your child to re-read familiar favorites to build fluency and expression.  Explore the Reading Street folder on Blackboard with your child (he or she should be able to tell you which unit and story we are on each week).

Writing
We are taking a break from our narrative writing unit this week for our Genius Hour project.  Thank you to all of you who reviewed your child's project choice at home and returned the project proposal slip to me!  In class we are working on appropriate use of research tools, taking notes, and planning out how to share and teach information we are passionate about.  I can't wait to see the final presentations next week!

What can we do at home?  
Help your child explore the typing activities on Blackboard.  Continue to help your child complete Kidblog homework each Tuesday.

Science
This week, we wrapped up our study of plants and pollination.  I really enjoyed seeing the mini-presentations your children gave yesterday about specific pollinators!  Next week, we will begin our study of landforms and erosion.  Look for information about our first at-home connection project late next week.

What can we do at home?
Go on a hike and talk about specific landforms we can find in Lawrence.  Go through family vacation photos and identify how the land looks different depending on where you are.  Help your child complete the at-home connection project when you receive it.

Upcoming Dates...Mark Your Calendars!

October 13 - No School

October 20 - No School

October 25 - Birthday Breakfast - Happy birthday Alina, Isaac, and Jermaine!

October 31 - Langston Hughes Halloween parade & party

November 3 - No School

November 8 & 9 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 9 & 10 - No School