Writing: Second graders have also been assigned writing partners. This is a partner who they will sit next to during writer’s workshop lessons and they will also share stories and get suggestions from this partner. We have continued to focus on the writing process with a heavy emphasis on the planning and brainstorming portion of the process. Additionally we have worked on strategies for being independent spellers. At this point in the year, the goal is to be writing as much as possible. Therefore, I don’t want children to get too caught up on spelling every single word correctly. One resource is a mini dictionary that is part of everyone’s literacy binders. This is a list of commonly used words that may be helpful as your child comes across a word they don’t know how to spell as they write.
Math: We have added in some new math choices for after we are done with independent work- Xtra Math and Versatiles. Your child can tell you all about these two new math activities! We have also begun recording our math choices on a math log. Your child’s independent math work will be sent home each day and math choice work will come home approximately every other week (this was sent home this week). Your child’s log contains the list of choice activities and a reflection on the activities. Second graders are enjoying having the independence to choose how they spend their time practicing math skills during this portion of math workshop.
Science: Our first science unit is all about trees. We began looking at the difference between living and nonliving things and thought about the question “What do living things need to survive?”. We learned how to make scientific sketches and observed various objects from nature. Unfortunately, the rain prevented us from getting outside for observations this past week. We are hoping for sunnier days for science next week!
Conversation Starters:
How is a scientific sketch different from drawing a picture?
Show me what a whole body listener looks like. Why is it important to show whole body listening during all parts of the school day (such as during specials like PE or Music)?
Who is your writing partner? What compliment did you give to your partner about a story he/she shared with you this week?
Dates to Remember:
9/26 Early Release
9/29 Picture Day