In Readers' Workshop we are finishing our Unit on Characters in Books. The students have learned to look at the characters in the books they read as a friend. Many students have read through whole series and can tell someone all about the main character. We have learned that many fiction books have a problem and solution and we can understand the author's message. Many children have been reading for longer periods of time because they are so excited to read about the characters in their books. Next we will be studying books across the genres. We will compare nonfiction books to fiction books on the same topic. In addition, we will read some fairy tales to better understand the Second Grade Fairy Tale Theater show which will be April 19th. This is a performance in which all second grade students get to participate.
Along with reading about characters in books we are writing fiction character stories in
Writer's Workshop. Each student created a character that goes on realistic adventures. The students have many books in their series and are excited to read their writing to their friends. Next, the students will learn about Bald Eagles and write a report on Bald Eagles. We have been watching a pair of eagles in Decorah, IA. on the bald eagle camera. http://www.decoraheaglecamalerts.com/. So far we have seen two eaglets in the nest and the adults feed the babies rabbit and fish. Very cool to watch. The students will get to use two computer websites to enrich their information on eagles: Early World of Learning and World Book Online.
Math: We finished Chapter 13-Addition and Subtraction to 40. Many students are still working on understanding regrouping with subtraction. I encourage parents to have their child practice this skill at home. Our next Chapter, Ch. 14, will focus on Mental Math for addition and subtraction. We will look for ways to add and subtract in our head by practicing doubles facts, adding ones only or adding tens only. Ex: 20 + 8 = 28, 25 + 10 = 35, 16 + 6 = 22. Some of the vocabulary that will help your child be a problem solver: fewer, greater, in all, how many left, all together, more than, less then. We will get to Chapter 16 by the end of the year, Chapter 16 is addition and subtraction to 100 with and without regrouping.
Science: The students really enjoyed going to the science lab to explore properties of solids and liquids. They investigated the interactions between solids and liquids while describing, observing and recording the results of their experiments. Finally, students read the Dr. Seuss book, Oobleck and then made oobleck. They found it is a third kind of liquid called plasma. Next, we will learn about Air and Weather all through April. During this science unit, the children will explore properties of air as it interacts with other materials and when it is put under pressure. We will observe, record and discuss the weather every day and discuss the types of instruments scientist use to learn about the weather.
Social Studies: We will learn about the Marketplace in Social Studies during the month of May. We have a field trip scheduled to the Magic House, Friday, May 6th to practice being producers and consumers. The students will learn about: jobs versus volunteers, needs and wants, service providers and goods.
Idea for this unit: Counting mixed coins is something all families can do at home that will help enrich their child's math skills before second grade.
Friday, April 22- after school PTO Spring Garden Clean-up and Planting day.
Friday, May 6th- Magic House Field Trip
Friday, May 13th Community Team Picnic- Wear team shirt and pack a sack lunch.
Friday, May 20th- Field Day, Wear Team shirt and pack a sack lunch
Wednesday, May 25th, Last Day- Dismiss at 1:00 p.m.
