September 10-24

Welcome Back to School! We have had a great couple of weeks in second grade. Thank you to everyone for signing and returning all the papers that have come your way. Please continue to sign/initial your child's assignment notebook every night and return Red Friday Folders every Monday. Thank you also for helping your child gather items they read to bring to school as well as their favorite book (Books should have been brought home today) As we settle into new routines and expectations, we have jumped into Unit 1 of Everday Math, started our new science unit: Balance and Motion and have begun Reader's and Writer's Workshops. Here is what we have been up to:
Reading: We have been talking about what we need to be successful readers- quiet, no interruptions, just right books. We discussed why everybody has different needs and books that are just right. We also practiced taking care of books and choosing our own just right books. Here is how we chose a book (you can use this acronym at home): I PICK
I chose a book
P urpose- why am I reading this book (to learn, for fun...)
I interest- does this book interest me
C omprehension- do I understand what I am reading
K now- can I read most of the words

* Look for your child to bring home a book in a book bag next week. This book and bag will need to be returned to school everyday.
Writing: We have started our work as 2nd grade authors. This month we will be talking about how writers get ideas and noticing how authors use details in illustrations and words to make thier stories come to life. The kids will be writing any type of story they choose this month. Our workshop has been filled with thoughtful planning, busy pencils and lots of excitement. I look forward to watching the kids grow and develop as writers.
Math: We have begun our 1st math unit. So far we have practiced routines, started to fill our math tool kits and worked with number patterns, time and counting coins. Please check the inside cover of your child's assignment notebook for their username and password to access the Everyday Math Online games and other resources. (See link to the right)
Science: We completed our first experiment in our Balance and Motion Unit. We explored balancing paper crayfish in multiple ways. We discovered that using counterweights (clothespins) helped balance the crayfish. Ask your child if the counterweights should be placed above or below the balance point.
Other News: We met our 4th grade buddies today. Once every month we will get together with Mrs. Kluck's 4th grade class to share in learning and fun. Timothy was our 1st Star of the Week (It was his birthday on Sunday). We used our 5 new school rules to develop our class social contract. Ask your child what the school rules are.
Reminders:
*Please turn in your family contact info card (it's orange)
*Scholastic Book Orders are due Thurs (optional)- you can order with a check sent to school or online (see link to the right). Every dollar spent earns our classroom points to buy more books.
*Writing collage is due on Monday
*Picture Day is on Friday September 17

Have a fabulous weekend!