Writing: In writer’s workshop we looked closely at a few techniques/writing tools that Tomie DePaola uses as a writer. We learned all about dialogue and how to punctuate it. We also brainstormed a big list for words to replace “said” so our writing can be more interesting. Another technique we tried out was using italics words to emphasize a word in our writing.
Math: Our new math unit is geometry. We began the week by looking at polygons. Polygons have straight sides, no overlapping, and are closed shapes. The four shapes that second graders need to know the names of are triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, and hexagon. We also began to talk about three dimensional shapes and made models of triangular and rectangular prisms as well as cubes.
Second Step: A huge focus continues to be on how we can be a kind and caring classmate. One lesson this week was about bubble thoughts- thoughts that need to be kept in our head that would be hurtful if they were said aloud. Some examples are “Math is the worst!”, “Why are you sitting next to me?”, “I guess we have to be partners again...” We talked about controlling the impulse to say these things and alternatives to these types of thoughts. We also talked about how sometimes, it’s hard to control our impulses and these words come out, but that it’s important to immediately say “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” Another lesson earlier this week was about asking for and accepting help in appropriate ways.
Conversation Starters:
What steps should you take before you ask a teacher for help?
Tell me about the different parts of soil you observed this week.
Who was your Dr. Suess Week guest reader?
Draw an example of a polygon. Why is that shape a polygon?
Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, March 18th: Peabody Museum Field Trip
Friday, March 27th: Scholastic Book Orders Due visit www.scholasticreadingclub.com Code MFJGC