Classroom News

We had another busy week in second grade!  We started our first reading unit, "Second Grade Growth Spurt", by building our stamina to read for longer periods of time and picking "just right" books.

During our writing workshop, we started brainstorming topics and writing "small moments" narrative pieces. We talked about how writers choose meaningful stories to tell.  We have also been reviewing how to form capital letters and discussing when we need to use them in our writing, such as for names, at the beginning of sentences, and for the months of the year and days of the week.  Ask your child about his or her "small moment" story ideas!  It is great practice for students to tell their stories to others before writing them down!

My math class has been working on building, writing, and comparing 2-digit and 3-digit numbers.  Students have been learning about place value and working with partners to build numbers using base-10 blocks and Cuisenaire rods.  They have also practiced writing numbers in standard form (for example: 482) and expanded form (400+80+2).  Another fun way to practice these skills is to play Trash Can!  I will send home Trash Can game boards and a fun (but optional) geometry shape hunt soon.

During morning meeting and "discovery" times, we have been working on building our classroom community.  We created our class "expectations" tree, which lists our class rules/expectations that we have all agreed to follow, such as using kind words and actions, following the school-wide KHFOOTY (Keep Hands Feet and Other Objects to Yourself) expectations, and taking care of our classroom materials.  I have been so impressed with the way that students are learning new routines, collaborating, helping each other, and sharing their ideas with the group!

Important Dates:

Friday, September 29th:  All-School Hike
Please help your child come prepared with a lunch, plastic/metal water bottle, snacks, and appropriate footwear and clothing for walking/hiking all day. 

Wednesday, October 11th:  Our First P.E. Lab
We are looking for volunteers who can chaperone and drive students for this field trip.  If you are interested in participating in P.E. Lab or E.C.O. lessons, please let me know.  You will also need to complete the volunteer packet paperwork. Drivers will also need to fill out an additional form.  Please see Jane Badger in the office if you need this paperwork. You can also send me an email if you would like me to send it home in your child's folder.  We would love to have families join us!

Monday, October 16th:  Picture Retakes
Please let the office know if your child will need a picture taken on this day. 

Thursday, October19th:  Open House with Students 
Families are invited to join us for this special event!

Friday, November 3rd:  EMES Holiday Feast 
More info to come in an upcoming school newsletter.