In math, we explored geometry before the break. We became especially intrigued by the rectangle and used this model to explore arrays, halves, thirds and quarters. Who knew all the connections we would make! Before you knew it we were multiplying, dividing and telling time! It is so important to use mathematical language in our everyday life so students make connections to the value of mathematical thinking in their world. Currently we are diving into place value. Breaking apart numbers into ones, tens, hundreds and beyond. It is amazing to see how students can mentally break apart and therefore compose and decompose numbers. Who needs the traditional algorithm for two digit addition? We don't! Although we can get the answer, it is expected that we can draw a model of how our mind/brain breaks apart numbers and adds or subtracts. Give second graders a "think minute or two" and a pencil and paper and they will show the steps to get to 25+ 53, or 75-22. Keep practicing at home...it makes "better." Perfect is over rated! Show your thinking is our new mantra...It is exciting to see all the different strategies people use. Be sure to share your ideas while validating your child's. All the ways are good ways!
In reading, we just wrapped up an author study of Tomie dePaola. I would be very surprised if you have not heard your child speak of one of his stories. The children and I devoured his books and made so may connections to our own lives. Many life lessons were learned and a deeper understanding of life, both good/bad and happy/sad evolved. How wonderful to learn about how authors find their ideas and how we can write our opinions about books!
In science, we just wrapped up our unit on balancing and weighing. Keep an eye out for the student work coming home. Many students are excited to share their new learning and experiments with family members! We had a wonderful presentation by the Museum of Science about building bridges. Thank you for the PTO funding and Mira's mom Sheila for organizing! We will be starting this exploration soon and are excited to do some lab report writing about our investigations about forces that push and pull on something. Hmmm...gravity, balance and supports. I wonder what engineering marvels we will create?
Technology is a part of our world! How are we integrating this in second grade? Students continue to use SpellCity for vocabulary and spelling practice, We started TenMarks Tuesdays to keep a routine for extending math practice with video lesson support and students continue to practice reading and comprehension using the Raz kids reading program. Remember the students have access too all of these as well as BrainPop, PTO funded, at home. Let me know if you need any subscription information. The new news is that Jane's mother Shay will be leading us through an exploration of the Scatchjr programming app. We are very excited and will provide more information as we get going. Also, I will be participating in the Tech Fair on April 13 and encourage you to come and visit. This Fair showcases technology integration around the district. K-12 teachers and students will be present to share projects and learning adventures. Although technology bring us many advances, it also brings safety concerns. We share good Digital Citizenship ideals at school and it is important to teach this is at home. There is so much at our finger tips! Facebook, twitter, search engines are very accessible...when my kids were your kids age I was monitoring the TV. How do you monitor an iPod, iPad or cell phone? I think the most important thing to do is educate them. This may mean talking about things sooner than you had planned. Here is a nice visual and invitation to join the conversation of screen time.
Finally, Progress reports will be coming home on Friday. Please let me know if you have any concerns or would like to discuss any of my reporting. I have linked the rubric and report explanation here. If you read the progress report in this context there is quite a bit of explanation. I am happy to clarify, through email or face to face meeting, any questions you have. I look forward to seeing you at Open House on April 15th. I know the students are eager to share their hard work with you! If you are unable to attend I am happy to arrange another visit before or after school.