Geometry

During the first quarter, we learned about two-dimensional shapes, focusing on polygons such as triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, and hexagons.  We used geoboards, pattern blocks, and shape sort cards to help us build, sort, label, and describe 2-D shapes.  Some of the key vocabulary words we used to describe our shapes were:  sides, angles, and vertex, and parallel. 

We reviewed how "tri" means "three" and we brainstormed a list of "tri" words, such as:  triangle, triceratops, tricycle, tripod, and Triwizard Tournament.  We also discussed whether all squares are rectangles and if all rectangles are squares.

Students seemed to enjoy this hands-on mini-unit.  We will return to our study of geometry in December to learn more about two- and three-dimensional shapes.

Owl Moon Arts Integration Projects

During the first quarter, our first writing unit of the year focused on "small moments" narrative writing.  During this unit, we frequently revisited our mentor text, Owl Moon, looking for ideas and inspiration.  We learned how the author, Jane Yolen, used repetition, comparisons, and descriptions in her writing as she stretched out her story.  After reading the story aloud, students worked in small groups to place sticky notes on sentences or phrases that they thought were examples of good writing. Then, each student chose a few phrases and wrote about why he or she thought they were interesting.
We selected six of these phrases and created a movement phrase/dance that showed our ideas about what each descriptions means.  Students made choices about how to represent each movement through dance rather than acting it out.  They also had to make decisions about whether to move in unison or around the circle one by one, how to add different levels, and how many times to repeat a movement.

Once we had finished putting together each movement, we practiced our dance while listening to George Winston's song "December", which matched the mood of the story very well.  The phrases we chose were:

"The trees stood still like giant statues"

"The moon was so bright the sky seemed to shine."

"Somewhere behind us, a train whistle blew, long and low, like a sad, sad song."

"It was as quiet as a dream."

"The moon made his face into a silver mask."

"For one minute, three minutes, maybe even a hundred minutes, we stared at one another."

"Then the owl pumped its great wings and lifted off the branch like a shadow without sound."

On another day, students picked a sentence or scene from Owl Moon to use as inspiration as they drew and painted an illustration of their own.  It was interesting to hear students describe the important details from the book that they wanted to include in their illustrations.  Often there were similarities between the details in their illustrations and in our dance.

Throughout this unit, we have been inspired by the writing choices Jane Yolen and other authors make.  It has been exciting to see students trying out these "craft" moves, such as making comparisons, to lift the level of their own writing!

E.C.O.: Educating Children Outdoors: Becoming Black Bears and Making Maps of the E.C.O. Woods

 Becoming Black Bears

Last Thursday, we had our second E.C.O. lesson of the year.  During this lesson, we learned about black bears and how they prepare for the winter.  We learned that although they sleep for a good part of the winter, they are not considered true hibernators.  Many students were surprised to learn that bear cubs are born in January or February.

We learned about bear dens and then students had a chance to work independently or in groups to build their own dens.  It was exciting to see our great teamwork and problem-solving skills in action in the woods and to watch the different methods of building.  We also had a chance to play our Owl and Mouse tag game again at the start of the lesson to help us warm up on a very chilly morning! Back in the classroom, students wrote and created illustrations in their E.C.O. journals to show what they know and learned about black bears.

 

 

 

 

 

Making Maps of the E.C.O. Woods

The weather for our first lesson E.C.O. lesson was absolutely perfect!  We started the lesson with a sharing circle where students shared either a "nature note' or something they are thankful for.  Then, we played an Owl and Mouse tag game.  Students took turns being the predators and prey.

Next, we ate snack and listened to the Native American story about how owl and rabbit got their shapes long ago.  Our main lesson focused on building maps of the important places in the E.C.O. woods.  Students worked in pairs or small groups to create their maps using sticks, rocks, leaves, bark, and other natural objects.  Afterwards, each group did a great job sharing their map

 

Classroom News

This week, we learned about Tisquantum and the history of the first Thanksgiving by reading a Scholastic News article, watching several short Scholastic videos, and playing a trivia game.  While reading the article with a partner, students practiced the “stop, cover, think, tell” strategy to help us share our thinking and deepen our understanding about what we read. Through our discussions, we learned about what life was like for members of the Wampanoag tribe and for Pilgrims in the 1620s.  We also compared how life in the past was similar and different from today.

On Monday afternoon, students participated in an All-School Celebration since we filled up our school PBIS “tree”.  Celebration choices included sledding, art time, Thanksgiving crafts, a Wild Kratts video, rubber band bracelet making, and forest choice time.  Nice work, team!

Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  I am very thankful to work in this supportive community with such a wonderful class!

Upcoming Events

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Monday, November 12th (No School for Students)

E.C.O. Lesson: Thursday, November 15th (morning)

Please help your wear/bring appropriate clothing and footwear for spending the morning outdoors.  Students should wear warm layers to help them feel comfortable with the colder temperatures.  Students should have:

• Warm coat or jacket
• Warm, waterproof boots
• Warm socks
• Waterproof gloves or mittens
• Hat
• Snow or rain pants

Please help your child remember to have indoor shoes to change into afterwards.

Thanksgiving Break:  Wednesday, November 21st-Friday, November 23rd

Classroom News

What a busy and productive week in second grade!  In math, we have been working on using a variety of efficient strategies to solve math problems.  We are learning how to “decompose” and “recompose” numbers as we add. For example, when solving 6+8, we could:

Take 2 from the 6 and give it to the 8 to make 10.  Then, we can add the four (from the 6) to the 10 to make 14.

We could take 4 from the 8 and give it to the 6 to make 10.  Then, we could add the other 4 to the 10 to make 14.

Or… we could take 1 from the 8 and give it to the 6 to make 7+7, a doubles fact that equals 14.

We share our thinking in discussions and as we play math games with our partners.  I have included a packet of math of math games in this Friday Folder. It would be great if students can play these games at home and discuss their strategies with you.

During our reading workshop, students are working independently and in pairs to read a chapter book that has 2 main characters.  As they read, they are comparing the main characters in their books to figure out how they are alike and different. Each student is recording their ideas on sticky notes.  Then, they will use the sticky notes as they participate in discussions and to complete a Venn diagram about the characters.

During our discovery time, we have been learning about where we are in the world, zooming out from town, state, country, continent, planet and beyond.  We also have been learning the names and locations of the continents and oceans.

Over the next few days, I will be updating our classroom blog with some of the special projects and lessons from this quarter, such as our Owl Moon arts integration lessons, geometry mini-unit, and our first E.C.O. lesson.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I am looking forward to parent/teacher conferences next week!