States, Countries & Continents.

As we wrap up our Social Studies unit on Maps, students are learning the difference between states, countries and continents.  They identified them today and looked at a variety of maps.  They should understand that maps can show different things.

Students enjoyed hearing a song which names all 50 states in alphabetical order.  One of the students, Cecilia, was brave to sing the song for us which she previously learned from her sister.  Students were also amazed at some other kids who could learn and sing the song at extreme speeds.  They were so excited and are motivated to learn the song themselves.

Fifty Nifty United States Song

5-year-old States Song

50 States Song in 34.5 Seconds

Science Writing.

We are starting a new unit in Science.  Students will be learning about Force and Motion.  We will be learning to write like a scientist, using the scientific method to write lab reports.  We are conducting the first experiment together to help students learn the process to apply it on their own with other experiments. Students have discovered that it takes a lot of thinking, discussing and writing to accomplish what a scientist might do.

Students are learning about collecting data and recording results.  We are gathering books on the topic at hand to help us understand the results.

Grandparent's Day.

We had a great time with all of the visitors last Friday.  Students had so much enthusiasm to share their knowledge and experiences.  We worked on math, reading, writing and word work. Students shared their Personal Narratives in groups. We celebrated their writing accomplishments from this unit. They also spent time reading to their grandparents.

Students also showed their grandparents their work with money and 2-digit addition.  Many of the grandparents were surprised by the methods and strategies that the students are using.  Finally, they taught and played some of the learning games we play at school.

Personal Narratives: Revising & Publishing.

As we end our unit on Personal Narratives, students stories were published and they had the opportunity to reread, meet with writing partners and do final revisions.  I am so proud of the students' hard work to focus on making their stories stronger and longer. We discussed that no writer ever has a perfect story. Students will illustrate their stories and share them with grandparents tomorrow.  A copy of your child's story will come home.  Celebrate their accomplishment! We learned a lot about writing personal narratives and worked hard to apply writing techniques. A copy will also go in their special file along with their rough copy and revisions that I save for the end of the school year. I like to compile student work as a keepsake from second grade.

Maps.

In Social Studies, we are focusing on maps as well as communities.  Students are applying their knowledge to the real world.  Students are understanding why these skills are important and necessary.  Today students discussed the compass rose and the cardinal directions. They also listened to a fun song about maps.

Map Song


Map Song & Lyrics

Many students associate maps with a treasure map or map of the world but there are many different kinds of maps. Students have been creating some including those of their neighborhoods and a birds' eye view of their bedroom.

Ask your child about these vocabulary words: scale, compass rose, symbols, map key

Happy First Quarter!

Money Skills.

Students worked with money today relating dimes and pennies to tens and ones with place value.  Although students have had some experience with money, students are learning how to represent different amounts.  Students are learning dollar and cent notation.

In the computer lab today, students were able to play a variety of money games to work on skills.  Students worked at their level with different counting skills.

The websites we used have been added to the list on the right under "websites."

Halloween!

Sorry for the late post! It was an eventful week last week.  Students participated in many activities revolving around Halloween.  I hope you noticed their lovely artwork on the window: Frankensteins and Pumpkins.  They are now coming home in their mailboxes.

Students received spider rings and fang teeth as a treat from me :)

Students had Junior Achievement as well.  Students learned about voting and making decisions based on what is best for a community.  Students discussed the pros and cons in making certain decisions.  Students received a sticker showing that they voted.  We talked about the importance of voting only once on a ballot and also keeping their votes private.

Finally, students received a special snack from Kaden's Nana.  She shared a delicious mummy treat with us.  It was very yummy and students enjoyed it! Many have taken an interest in cooking and learning new recipes! 

Questioning.

Our focus has been on questioning- an important strategy good readers use while reading. Students are practicing asking questions before, during and after reading. They are learning to ask thoughtful questions- those that require further thinking to increase their understanding and deepen their comprehension of the text. Students are using both fiction and nonfiction texts. As a class, we've been having fun using the strategy together.  Students have been trying it on their own as well.  Encourage your child to ask questions while reading at home.

Where do we find answers to our thoughtful questions?

• T- in the TEXT 
• I- Using clues from the pictures or text, INFERRING the answer 
• OS- Doing further research and using and OUTSIDE SOURCE 

Book Fair.

Remember that the book fair is this week! Students will be able to visit the book fair during lunch and recess times with a special pass from me.  If you send money along with your child, they can get a pass.  The book fair will also be open during conferences. Students will visit the book fair this week to check out the books and make wish lists.