April and May...The Final Stretch!

I can't believe I'm passing information on to you about the end of the school year!  It's been wonderful getting to know your families this year.  We have a lot going on the next month and a half, so please be sure to mark your calendars with the important dates listed below.  As always, let me know if you have questions!

Math
In our current math unit, students are learning about measurement and data collecting.  They have practiced estimating and measuring using inches, centimeters, meters, and feet.  Students have learned to compare measurements and to display them on line plots, bar graphs, and picture graphs.  As a culminating project, students are working in small teams to design a pollinator plant garden plan for our 2nd grade garden box outside.  In addition to researching gardening and pollinator plants in Kansas, students will be surveying another class about their visions for our garden box, displaying that data on a graph, measuring and partitioning our garden box, and putting together a design proposal to present to the Langston Hughes garden committee.

What can we do at home?
Allow your child time at home to explore the measurement and data activities on Blackboard.  Work together to measure things in your house or outside.  Conduct a family survey for fun, and help your child put results on a graph.

Reading Street
Next week, we will be finishing our 6-week long unit on creativity.  Our next unit is on changes in the world around us.  Students will study a variety of genres and will practice drawing conclusions, sequencing, looking at facts and opinions, and identifying plots and themes.  As we approach the end of the school year, I will be meeting with reading groups less.  The last spelling/vocabulary list for the year will come home the 2nd week of May.

What can we do at home?
Continue reading with your child on a regular basis.  Allow your child time to get on Reading Blackboard.  As summer approaches, encourage your child to sign up for the summer reading program at the Lawrence Public Library.  I will be having a book club in Devictor Park in late June/early July...please look for that information in a few weeks if you are interested in having your child participate.

Writing
For the remainder of the school year, students will be learning about opinion writing.  We will tie this writing unit in with our math and science projects.  Students will practice stating an opinion, defending it with several good reasons, and using vocabulary that would persuade and audience to agree with their opinions.

What can we do at home?
Encourage your child to write in a journal at home, or to write stories.  Explore the keyboarding activities on Blackboard.

Science
2nd graders are currently researching ecosystems and the adaptations plants and animals must have to survive in different places.  We will wrap up the school year with a unit on personal care, the body systems, and living a healthy lifestyle.

What can we do at home?
Early this week, students are bringing home information about our final at-home connection project.  Please assist your child in completing this project on time so that we are ready for our ecosystem zoo in just a couple of weeks!

Important Dates - Mark Your Calendars!

April 17 - 2nd Grade Music Program

April 23 - Reading MAP testing

April 24 - Lied Center Trip - "The Gruffalo"

April 25 - April Birthday Breakfast - Happy birthday, Matthew!

April 25 - 2nd Grade Ecosystem Zoo - 12:30-1:30 - Please plan to attend if possible!

April 26 - Math MAP testing

April 30 - Body Venture field trip

May 2 - May Birthday Breakfast - Happy birthday, Ruth and Donald!

May 9 - June Birthday Breakfast - Happy birthday, Chelsea and Justin!

May 9-10 - Aimsweb testing

May 14-18 - Teach the Class Week - Information coming soon!

May 16 - July Birthday Breakfast - Happy birthday, Ayana and Henry!

May 23 - Last day of school!  Have a great summer!