Math: Second graders have learned the strategy of breaking apart numbers to add and subtract. We have begun to work on adding two digit numbers using the strategy of breaking numbers apart into tens and ones by using a cross number puzzle. This is a strategy that will be used for three digit addition as well as subtraction problems with large numbers. I will teach other strategies as well, but this strategy is a main focus as it connects well with the traditional algorithm that is taught in later years. We have just begun to work on subtracting two digit numbers and will continue to solidify this skill next week.
Science: We have been having so much fun learning about magnets and are sad that this unit is coming to an end. To wrap up, we explored toys that use magnets such as Wooly Willy and a Space Wheel. We are ending our unit with an engineering design challenge. Students are working in small groups to solve the problem “how can we more easily transport books from our classroom to the media center?” The only requirement is that magnets must somehow be used in the design. Students worked together to imagine, plan, create, and improve their designs.
Second Step: We have learned about the strategy of using positive self talk to calm down. This is saying things to yourself like “I can do this” or “This is not a big deal”. We talked about how negative self talk can make the problem worse and can make us angrier or more upset.
Conversation Starters:
Describe your design for the magnet engineer challenge. What materials did you use? How did you improve your design?
What book did you write a letter about this week? What was your opinion about the book?
How can you use a cross number puzzle to add 27 + 39?