Language Arts-

This week we are near the end of the first 20 days of the reading workshop. The skills we have covered include the best ways in selecting  a “good fit” book, connecting text to self, expanding vocabulary, using prior knowledge, using context clues, making a mental image, launching word work, listening to reading, working on writing, and increasing reading stamina.

In writing, the 2^nd graders are continuing to write their own personal narrative stories and have expanded on their own friendly letters while writing to their new Flat Stanley pen palsNew York andMontana.  They are excitedly waiting for the Flat Stanley exchanges. I have been in contact with second grade teachers and their classrooms inMontana,New York, andPennsylvania. The second graders are waiting for a Flat Stanley friend from a second grade English speaking classroom inSouth Korea to arrive in the next week to our classroom here atKeithSchool.

In grammar, we have covered different types of sentences, such as commanding sentences, asking sentences, exclaiming sentences and the appropriate end marks for each kind of sentences. We have also been working on the naming and action parts of each type of sentence.  The mechanics in writing that we’ve discussed in class are prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, proofreading and publishing.

Math-

This week we will be finishing up unit 2, which focused on lengths and partner lengths, measurement and the perimeter of squares, rectangles, triangles and odd shapes. Our math unit 2 test will be this week.  Unit 3 will be an overview of solving story problems with change plus and change minus, collection problems, comparison story problems, mixed story problems and problems with not enough or too much needed information.

Xtramath
I receive weekly updates on each student’s growth and progress. I am thrilled to say that many students have improved their overall speed since the program began.  Remember that logging onto the website and completing a section takes only about 20 minutes. This can become a daily routine at home after the school homework is completed.  Please let me know if you have any questions about logging into the site.

 
Social Studies

We have read Flat Stanley and are logged into a teachers’ website that connects other classrooms around the world who are interested in sharing their culture with exchanging class “Flat Stanleys.”  The second graders have written their pen pal letters to second grade classrooms inNew YorkandMontana.  We are exchanging a classroom “Flat Stanley” with a second grade English speaking classroom inSouth Korea. The children are eagerly waiting for the other Flat Stanleys for arrival atKeithSchool!

Our Native American unit is beginning and we will be learning about different American Native American groups throughout the semester.  We will be taking a field trip to theBurpeeMuseumlater on in the semester and visit the Native American exhibits.

“Cultures in our Classroom”

A few second grade parents have signed up to come into the classroom and talk to the students about their heritage and cultural background.  Please let me know when would be a convenient time for you to do so. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate presentation, but a way that the children can help understand the diversity in our classroom and the different cultural beliefs and backgrounds in our second grade classroom.

Important Dates to Remember:

Wednesday, October 3-Math test over unit 2
Thursday, October 4-Lesson #6 spelling lesson
Friday-Monday, October 5-8- No School. Long Fall Weekend
Friday, October 12-“Mixer at the Mansion”  6:30-8:30 PM at theBriggsMansion. The senior class will be offering babysitting for those interested parents.
Friday, October 19-Parent/Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, October 31- Halloween classroom party immediately following the Lower School Halloween parade