5/30-6/2 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week in Language Arts, we continue our review of our last unit, The World Around Us. We will review the different stories and discuss how each one relates to the theme. We will also continue to focus on paragraph and letter writing. The kids are excited to write letters to future 2nd graders who will receive their letters on the first day of school this August. In Math we finish our chapter on Data and Graphs and conclude with Geometry.
5/22-5/26 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week in Language Arts is a review of our last unit, The World Around Us. We will review the different stories and discuss how each one relates to the theme. We will also continue to focus on paragraph and letter writing. In Math we continue with Data and Graphs.
5/12-5/19 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week in Language Arts, we conclude our final unit, The World Around Us. Our selection this week is a play by Joseph Bruchac, "Pushing Up the Sky," adapted from an old Native American Snohomish pourquoi tale. A pourquoi tale is a type of folk tale that explains how or why something came to exist - in this case, the sky. The Snohomish reside around the Puget Sound area of Washington state, north of Seattle.
In Math, we will complete Chapter 10, Telling Time, and begin our chapter on Data and Graphs.
In Math, we will complete Chapter 10, Telling Time, and begin our chapter on Data and Graphs.
5/8-5/12 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week in Language Arts, we continue our unit, "The World Around Us" with a non-fiction piece called Super Storms by Seymour Simon. Storms are swift and violent changes in the weather. From lightning to blizzards, kids will learn all about the awesome power of these amazing natural disturbances.
This week in Math, we continue Chapter 10, Telling Time.
This week in Math, we continue Chapter 10, Telling Time.
5/1-5/5 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week in Language Arts, we continue our unit, "The World Around Us." Our selection this week is a non-fiction piece called Splish, Splash, Animal Baths. April Pulley Sayre, who also wrote last week's story about the desert toad, describes how a variety of animals such as elephants, birds, horses, and fish bathe or groom themselves.
In Math, we conclude Chapter 8, Money and will skip ahead to Chapter 10, Telling Time. We will come back to Chapter 9, Data and Graphs in a couple of weeks.
In Math, we conclude Chapter 8, Money and will skip ahead to Chapter 10, Telling Time. We will come back to Chapter 9, Data and Graphs in a couple of weeks.
4/24-4/28 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week in Language Arts, we continue our sixth and final unit, "The World Around Us." This week's selection is non-fiction, Dig Wait Listen, A Desert Toad's Tale by April Pulley Sayre. Under the sand, a spadefoot toad waits for the sound of rain. She remains in her burrow as creatures, including peccaries, a rattlesnake, and a kangaroo rat, pass above her but finally emerges to lay her eggs when the distinctive patter of rain begins. Clear, often lovely watercolors illustrate the creature's wait, the desert animals, and the brief time the toad and tadpoles spend on the desert floor after the rain.
In Math, we continue with Chapter 8 - Money.
In Math, we continue with Chapter 8 - Money.
4/17-4/21 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, our selection this week is a Time for Kids non-fiction article, "A Way to Help Planet Earth." This is a perfect connection to Earth Day. The article is all about recycling and easy things we can do to help the environment.
In Math, we start Chapter 8, Money.
In Math, we start Chapter 8, Money.
4/3-4/7 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we conclude our unit, "Growing and Changing." Our story this week is "Nutik, the Wolf Pup" written by Jean Craighead George, author of the 1973 Newberry Award-winning novel, Julie of the Wolves.
In an Eskimo village at the top of the world lived a little boy named Amaroq, named for the great wolf leader who saved the life of his big sister, Julie. One day Julie brings home a sickly wolf pup named Nutik for Amaroq to feed and tend. "Don't fall in love with Nutik," Julie warns, "or your heart will break when the wolves come to take their pup home." Amaroq feeds and cares for Nutik, and soon the fuzzy little pup is romping and playing and following Amaroq everywhere. Amaroq and Nutik become best friends, but soon it's time for Nutik to rejoin his wolf family. Will Amaroq be strong like the great wolf leader he was named after and be able to let Nutik go?
As we read this story, the kids and I will discuss how wild animals, such as wolves, change as they grow, adapt to their environments, and must learn to live and survive in the wild.
In Math, we conclude Chapter 7, 3-digit Subtraction.
In an Eskimo village at the top of the world lived a little boy named Amaroq, named for the great wolf leader who saved the life of his big sister, Julie. One day Julie brings home a sickly wolf pup named Nutik for Amaroq to feed and tend. "Don't fall in love with Nutik," Julie warns, "or your heart will break when the wolves come to take their pup home." Amaroq feeds and cares for Nutik, and soon the fuzzy little pup is romping and playing and following Amaroq everywhere. Amaroq and Nutik become best friends, but soon it's time for Nutik to rejoin his wolf family. Will Amaroq be strong like the great wolf leader he was named after and be able to let Nutik go?
As we read this story, the kids and I will discuss how wild animals, such as wolves, change as they grow, adapt to their environments, and must learn to live and survive in the wild.
In Math, we conclude Chapter 7, 3-digit Subtraction.
3/27-3/31 This Week in Language Arts and Math
We continue our Growing and Changing unit with one of my favorites, Farfallina and Marcel, a touching story about friendship. Once there was a caterpillar named Farfallina, whose best friend was a gosling named Marcel. They were inseparable. But one day everything changed. Can best friends remain best friends no matter what happens? For Farfallina and Marcel, who endure growing up and growing apart only to find that it brings them closer together, the happy answer is "yes." This story ties in perfectly with our current science unit on life cycles of insects.
In Math we continue with Chapter 7, 3-digit subtraction.
In Math we continue with Chapter 7, 3-digit subtraction.
3/20-3/24 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we continue our unit, Growing and Changing. Our story this week is a non-fiction article from TIME for KIDS entitled, "Meet the Super Croc." We will explore how some animals have changed dramatically over time and adapted to their new environments.
In Math we continue Chapter 7, 3-digit subtraction.
In Math we continue Chapter 7, 3-digit subtraction.
3/13-3/17 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we continue with Growing and Changing which focuses on how animals and plants grow and change. This theme aligns perfectly with our current Science curriculum and Learning Garden. This week's story, The Ugly Vegetables, by Grace Lin, shares timeless themes of community and diversity. A neighborhood comes together to share flowers and ugly vegetables soup, and the young gardener learns that regardless of appearances, everything has its own beauty and purpose.
In Math we have just about completed Chapter 6, 3-digit Addition and will move on to Chapter 7,
3-digit Subtraction.
In Math we have just about completed Chapter 6, 3-digit Addition and will move on to Chapter 7,
3-digit Subtraction.
3/6-3/10 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week in Language Arts, we will begin our new unit, Growing and Changing. The selections in this unit will focus mainly on how animals and plants grow and change. This theme aligns perfectly with all of the life cycles we are currently studying in Science class. Our story this week is called, "One Tiny Seed," written by Eric Carle, one of my favorite authors. This vibrantly illustrated story tells of a tiny seed that travels with the wind, survives perils, germinates, and grows into a flower, producing more tiny seeds.
In Math, we'll continue with Chapter 6: Strategies for Adding 3-digit numbers. We're using strategies such as open number line and regrouping to add 3-digit numbers. Chapter 7 will focus on subtracting 3-digit numbers.
In Math, we'll continue with Chapter 6: Strategies for Adding 3-digit numbers. We're using strategies such as open number line and regrouping to add 3-digit numbers. Chapter 7 will focus on subtracting 3-digit numbers.
2/27-3/3 This Week in Language Arts and Math
This week we have a review week of our Better Together unit. We will revisit all the great selections we have read over the last 5 weeks. Spelling words for this week will also be a review. In Math we continue with Chapter 6: Strategies for Adding 3-digit numbers.
Report cards will be sent home by this Friday, March 3. Please be on the lookout for a white envelope from me.
Report cards will be sent home by this Friday, March 3. Please be on the lookout for a white envelope from me.
2/21-2/24 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we have our last selection in our Better Together unit. We will read an entertaining story entitled, Mice and Beans, by Pam Munoz Ryan. The story's main character, Rosa Maria, loves to cook big meals for her big family, and she's determined to make her youngest grandchild's birthday party a special occasion. But when important items start to disappear from her kitchen, she doesn't know what to think. Kids will have fun uncovering the clues that lead to a very funny surprise.
In Math we continue with Chapter 6: Strategies for Adding 3-digit numbers.
In Math we continue with Chapter 6: Strategies for Adding 3-digit numbers.
2/13-2/17 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we continue with our Better Together unit. We will read a non-fiction selection entitled, A Harbor Seal Pup Grows Up by Joan and Richard Hewett. This is a true story of an abandoned harbor seal pup who is rescued by a team of wildlife rescue volunteers. The seal pup is rehabilitated at a wildlife rescue center and eventually released back into the ocean.
In Math we continue with Chapter 5: Place Value to 1,000. We are comparing 3-digit numbers, learning expanded form, and strengthening understanding of place value.
In Math we continue with Chapter 5: Place Value to 1,000. We are comparing 3-digit numbers, learning expanded form, and strengthening understanding of place value.
2/6-2/10 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we continue with our Better Together unit. We will read a non-fiction selection entitled, A Trip to the Emergency Room. We will learn about all the different people who work in an emergency room and how each job is very important.
In Math we continue with Chapter 5: Place Value to 1,000. We will compare 3-digit numbers, learn expanded form, and strengthen understanding of place value. This chapter will be followed by 3-digit addition in Chapter 6.
In Math we continue with Chapter 5: Place Value to 1,000. We will compare 3-digit numbers, learn expanded form, and strengthen understanding of place value. This chapter will be followed by 3-digit addition in Chapter 6.
1/30-2/3 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we continue with our Better Together unit. We will read Officer Buckle and Gloria written and illustrated by Peggy Rathmann. Officer Buckle knows more about safety than anyone in the town of Napville. But whenever he tries to share his safety tips, nobody listens. Until, that is, the Napville Police Department buys a police dog named Gloria. The kids will enjoy this fresh and funny story about the wonders of teamwork.
In Math we finish up Chapter 4, 2-digit subtraction with regrouping, and will begin Chapter 5: Place Value to 1,000. We will compare 3-digit numbers, learn expanded form, and strengthen understanding of place value. This chapter will be followed by 3-digit addition in Chapter 6.
In Math we finish up Chapter 4, 2-digit subtraction with regrouping, and will begin Chapter 5: Place Value to 1,000. We will compare 3-digit numbers, learn expanded form, and strengthen understanding of place value. This chapter will be followed by 3-digit addition in Chapter 6.
1/23-1/27 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we will begin Unit 4: Better Together. The stories in this unit focus on teamwork and cooperation. This week's selection is a re-telling of a Liberian folktale called Head, Body, Legs.
In Math, we continue our work in subtraction with regrouping (borrowing).
In Math, we continue our work in subtraction with regrouping (borrowing).
1/17-1/20 This Week in Language Arts and Math
Our last story in our "Let's Create" unit is an autobiography by award-winning children's author Pam Munoz Ryan entitled Stirring Up Memories. She is the author of Tony Baloney, one of my all-time favorite kids' books. The kids will learn how an autobiography is different from a biography and we'll discuss how writing is a way to tell about one's life and experiences. Click on the image to the right to go to Pam Munoz Ryan's website.
In Math we continue with subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers. I have introduced the kids to the concept of "regrouping" (what us grown-ups learned "carrying and borrowing") for subtraction. It is common for kids to mix up the rules for addition and subtraction at first. Regrouping is not the only way to subtract. It's important for the kids to be able to use different strategies for solving subtraction. They are well versed in 'decomposing' and 'open number line' as well as using tens and ones models. Regrouping is yet another strategy.
In Math we continue with subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers. I have introduced the kids to the concept of "regrouping" (what us grown-ups learned "carrying and borrowing") for subtraction. It is common for kids to mix up the rules for addition and subtraction at first. Regrouping is not the only way to subtract. It's important for the kids to be able to use different strategies for solving subtraction. They are well versed in 'decomposing' and 'open number line' as well as using tens and ones models. Regrouping is yet another strategy.
1/9-1/13 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts we continue with our Let's Create unit. Our story for the week is an award-winning children's book written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin entitled, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. This is a tale of Farmer Brown's cows, who find an old typewriter in the barn and proceed to write letters to Farmer Brown, listing various demands. With its simple text and delightful illustrations, this book is a great vehicle for showing kids that writing is one way we can express ideas and opinions.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends. We'll continue working with multiple step word problems.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends. We'll continue working with multiple step word problems.
12/12-12/16 This Week in Language Arts and Math
Continuing with our Let's Create unit, our selection for the week is "Music of the Stone Age." In this non-fiction article, we will learn how people thousands of years ago created their own musical instruments using natural materials such as wood, stone, and bones. We will also discuss sound in terms of vibration.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends. We'll also continue working with multiple step word problems.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends. We'll also continue working with multiple step word problems.
12/5-12/9 This Week in Language Arts and Math
Continuing with the Let's Create unit, our story for this week is Abuelo and the Three Bears written by Jerry Tello. Based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this delightful version puts a creative and unexpected twist on the classic fairytale.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends.
11/28-12/2 This Week in Language Arts and Math
We will begin our new unit, Let's Create, this week. Our first selection is The Alvin Ailey Kids: Dancing as a Team by Sharon Dennis Wyeth. This non-fiction story is about children who attend the Alvin Ailey School in New York City.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends in addition to regrouping (borrow/carry).
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends in addition to regrouping (borrow/carry).
11/4-11/18 This Week in Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies
In Language Arts, we have a week of review and assessment of Unit 2, Community Heroes. When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we will begin Unit 3: Let's Create. Spelling words for this week are a review of words from Unit 2.
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends in addition to regrouping (borrow/carry).
It's Heritage Week! The kids and I are so excited! 2nd Grade's Heritage Week culminates with the World Potluck Brunch this Friday, 11/18 from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. We hope you will join us for one of the best events of 2nd grade - it's the kind of experience kids and families will remember for years to come, so don't miss it!
11/7-11/11 This Week in Language Arts and Math
Since we have only 4 days of school this week and short days every day, we will continue with African-American Inventors, by Jim Haskins. The kids are having the best time designing their own imaginary inventions. It's great to see so much creativity and vision in their inventions!
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends in addition to regrouping (borrow/carry).
In Math we continue with adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers using an "open number line" with "decomposing" addends in addition to regrouping (borrow/carry).
10/31-11/4 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we will read the last story in our Community Heroes unit, African-American Inventors, by Jim Haskins. In this non-fiction selection, we will learn about inventors such as George Washington Carver and Sarah E. Goode as we continue to discuss heroes in our community. We will learn how heroes can be inventors who create things to help us in our daily lives.
In Math we continue Chapter 3: Adding 2-digit Numbers. We are focusing on different strategies such as making "friendly" numbers, breaking apart or "decomposing" numbers, as well as regrouping. Regrouping is the term now used in place of borrowing and carrying.
In Math we continue Chapter 3: Adding 2-digit Numbers. We are focusing on different strategies such as making "friendly" numbers, breaking apart or "decomposing" numbers, as well as regrouping. Regrouping is the term now used in place of borrowing and carrying.
10/24-10/28 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts we continue with Community Heroes. This week we will read a selection written by Demi, one of my favorite children's authors, called One Grain of Rice. This is a mathematical folktale about a clever young woman who saves her entire village from the Raja's selfishness.
In Math we continue working with place value and strategies for adding two digit numbers.
In Math we continue working with place value and strategies for adding two digit numbers.
10/17-10/21 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts we continue with Community Heroes.
This week we will read a selection called "Fighting the Fire" as we discuss how neighborhood workers, such as firefighters, can be heroes in our community.
In Math we begin Chapter 3: Adding 2-digit Numbers. We will focus on different strategies such as making "friendly" numbers, breaking apart or "decomposing" numbers, as well as regrouping. Regrouping is the term now used in place of borrowing and carrying--which is what most adults over the age of 30 know it as.
This week we will read a selection called "Fighting the Fire" as we discuss how neighborhood workers, such as firefighters, can be heroes in our community.
In Math we begin Chapter 3: Adding 2-digit Numbers. We will focus on different strategies such as making "friendly" numbers, breaking apart or "decomposing" numbers, as well as regrouping. Regrouping is the term now used in place of borrowing and carrying--which is what most adults over the age of 30 know it as.
10/10-10/14 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts we continue with Community Heroes. This week we will read one of my favorite selections, Tomas and the Library Lady, written by Pat Mora and illustrated by Raul Colon. This story is about a family of migrant farm workers and the friendship that develops between Tomas, an eight year-old boy, and a kind-hearted librarian of a small town in Iowa in the 1960s. This story coincides beautifully with Hispanic Heritage Month as we learn about Cesar Chavez and all he did to help farm workers.
In Math we'll finish Chapter 2: Number Patterns. The kids will take a "Check My Progress" quiz on Tuesday and Chapter 2 assessment on Friday.
In Math we'll finish Chapter 2: Number Patterns. The kids will take a "Check My Progress" quiz on Tuesday and Chapter 2 assessment on Friday.
10/4-10/7 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts we will begin unit 2: Community Heroes. In this unit, we'll learn about people who are heroes within our community. Our story for this week is Babu's Song, written by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen. Set in Tanzania, this heart-rending story captures the tender relationship between a child and his grandfather. We will discuss how family members can be our heroes.
In Math we continue Chapter 2: Number Patterns: odd & even number patterns, skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s. We'll also look for patterns to help solve word problems. Repeated addition and arrays are the first steps to understanding the concept of multiplication.
9/26-9/30 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we have a week of review and assessment of Unit 1, Friends and Family. Next week, we will begin Unit 2, Community Heroes. We will also focus on paragraph writing this week as we create a paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details and concluding sentence. Spelling words for this week are a review of words from Unit 1.
In Math we continue Chapter 2: Number Patterns. We'll focus odd & even number patterns, skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s. We'll also look for patterns to help solve word problems. The kids will take a look at repeated addition and arrays as a first steps to understanding the concept of multiplication.
In Math we continue Chapter 2: Number Patterns. We'll focus odd & even number patterns, skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s. We'll also look for patterns to help solve word problems. The kids will take a look at repeated addition and arrays as a first steps to understanding the concept of multiplication.
9/19-9/23 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we wrap up our Family and Friends unit. This week we discuss how some friends come from different places or cultures. It takes time to make friends when we move to a new place. Our main selection is My Name is Yoon, written by Helen Recorvits. Yoon’s name means Shining Wisdom, and when she writes it in Korean, it looks happy, like dancing figures. But her father tells her that she must learn to write it in English. In English, all the lines and circles stand alone, which is just how Yoon feels in the United States. Helen Recorvits’s inspiring story about a little girl finding her place in a new country is filled with beautiful illustrations by Gabi Swiatkowska, recipient of the 2004 Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award.
In Math we begin Chapter 2: Number Patterns. For the next 2 weeks we'll focus on patterns such as odd & even, skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s. We'll also look for patterns to help solve word problems. The kids will take a look at repeated addition and arrays as a first steps to understanding the concept of multiplication.
In Math we begin Chapter 2: Number Patterns. For the next 2 weeks we'll focus on patterns such as odd & even, skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s. We'll also look for patterns to help solve word problems. The kids will take a look at repeated addition and arrays as a first steps to understanding the concept of multiplication.
9/12-9/16 This Week in Language Arts and Math
In Language Arts, we continue our unit on Family and Friends. This week, our main selection is non-fiction: "Meet Rosina," by George Ancona. This is a story about Rosina, a girl who attends the New Mexico School for the Deaf. Rosina uses American Sign Language to communicate with her friends and family. The kids and I will be learning some words in ASL this week.
In Math we continue Chapter 1: Addition and Subtraction. We're focusing on subtraction strategies. If your child is telling you that the math we are doing right now is "really easy" it should be--the first month of 2nd grade is 1st grade review. Before we get into 2nd grade Math, we need to be sure that students remember their addition and subtraction facts and strategies that were learned in 1st grade before moving on to more complicated Math. The level of difficulty of our Math lessons is going to increase very soon.
In Math we continue Chapter 1: Addition and Subtraction. We're focusing on subtraction strategies. If your child is telling you that the math we are doing right now is "really easy" it should be--the first month of 2nd grade is 1st grade review. Before we get into 2nd grade Math, we need to be sure that students remember their addition and subtraction facts and strategies that were learned in 1st grade before moving on to more complicated Math. The level of difficulty of our Math lessons is going to increase very soon.
9/6-9/9 This Week in Language Arts and Math
Continuing with our theme, Family and Friends, this week in Language Arts we discuss how family members can be close friends from whom we can learn a lot. We will read a non-fiction selection, "Their Native Tongue," about the Akwasasne Freedom School in Roosevelt, NY. We will learn how the students at this school help save the language of their Native American ancestors, the Mohawk Indians.
In Math we continue Chapter 1: Addition and Subtraction. The focus for this week and next week will be subtraction.
In Math we continue Chapter 1: Addition and Subtraction. The focus for this week and next week will be subtraction.
8/29-9/2 This Week in Language Arts and Math
Our Language Arts theme for the next month is "Family and Friends." We will explore how classmates, family members, neighbors, and pets can be friends. Learning about different kinds of friends helps us learn what we can do to be a good friend. The Big Question this week is, "Why are pets good friends?" This coincides with our story of the week, Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Arthur Howard. Cynthia Rylant is one of my favorite kids' authors. This particular story is the introduction to the Mr. Putter and Tabby series. Mr. Putter is a lonely senior citizen who rescues an old cat from a local animal shelter. Both in their golden years, Mr. Putter and Tabby share a life together, keep each other company, and become the best of friends.
In Math we continue to review addition strategies such as doubles, near doubles, and making a ten. This week's spelling & vocabulary test will be Thursday, 9/1 because we have no school on Friday. I understand that this is one day less for learning the words so I will only give the kids homework sheets on Monday and Tuesday (no worksheet on Wed.) in addition to extra time in class to study.
Also written by Cynthia Rylant are Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven. Recommended highly by pet lovers around the world, these books are especially helpful to readers young and old who have lost a beloved pet as well as bring a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet. You can click on the images of these books to go to Cynthia Rylant's offical website.
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