Reminders:
It got warm this week! Now is a great time to double check your child’s backpack for extra clothes and restock if needed. Please make sure your child has seasonally appropriate clothing in the correct size, as well as a water bottle packed each day. Thank you for your support!
The Second Grade End-of-Year Party will be happening on Tuesday, June 9th, 8:15-9:00AM with set up starting at 8:00AM. Here is the link to the sign-up document. We are still in need of additional lawn games and activities to make the morning special, so please sign up if you are able!
Look Ahead Day is Wednesday, June 10th. Students will bring home their “Welcome to 3rd Grade” letters in their backpacks that day.
The last day of school is Friday, June 12th.
Math: In math, we continued our ant-themed unit while strengthening our problem-solving skills. Students explored division by separating groups into equal parts, practiced sharing “ant treats” fairly, and used fractions such as halves, thirds, and fourths to describe equal shares. We also worked with measurement, using centimeters and meters to measure and compare lengths, estimate distances, and solve problems involving ant paths and army ant raids. Later in the week, students began solving a variety of toy store story problems involving money, addition, subtraction, place value, and comparing numbers while explaining and sharing multiple strategies for solving problems.
Word Study: In Word Study, we completed Unit 11 and began Unit 12, focusing on vowel teams and syllable patterns. Students practiced reading and spelling words with the long e vowel teams (ee, ea, ey) and learned how these patterns work in both one-syllable and multisyllabic words. We also explored the new vowel teams oi and oy, learning the spelling rule that oi is typically used in the middle of syllables while oy is used at the end. Throughout our lessons, students strengthened their decoding and encoding skills through dictation, word work, games, and continued practice with heart words.
Writers’ Workshop: In writing, we wrapped up our nonfiction unit with a special “Writers Only” celebration. Students shared their published nonfiction pieces with classmates and took time to recognize all of the hard work that goes into the writing process. Throughout this unit, students practiced planning, drafting, revising, and publishing informational writing designed to teach others about a topic. Our classroom was filled with excitement and pride as students celebrated themselves and one another as authors.
Readers’ Workshop: In Readers’ Workshop, we continued our series study by closely examining author’s craft and the ways authors bring stories to life. Students paid attention to punctuation, bold print, capital letters, and dialogue tags to help read stories with expression and fluency. We also thought deeply about story endings, discussing why authors choose to end stories in certain ways and what lessons readers can learn from them. To wrap up our unit, students began creating projects and recommendations to share their favorite series with others, finding creative ways to inspire classmates to fall in love with books they have enjoyed.
iReady: This week, students completed the spring iReady Diagnostic assessments in both reading and math. We talked a lot about showing what we know, taking our time, and celebrating the growth we have made throughout second grade. We were so proud of the focus, perseverance, and effort students showed during testing. These assessments help us better understand each child’s progress and growth over the course of the school year.
Craft: Students created flower-inspired artwork using a variety of materials and artistic styles. Students had the opportunity to choose their own art medium, such as collage or drawing, and create unique pieces inspired by spring flowers and the changing season. It was wonderful to see so much creativity, individuality, and bright color brought into our classroom as students explored different ways to express themselves through art.
Project: As part of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, students learned about artist Alisha Kahealani Mahone-Brooks and explored how artists can be inspired by the world around them, their heritage, and their personal connections to nature and community. After looking at examples of her artwork and discussing her ideas about connection and inspiration, we went outside to observe our surroundings and sketch things that inspired us. Back in the classroom, students added color and detail to their artwork using a variety of materials and reflected on the inspiration behind their pieces.
Dance: Thank you to Señora Gomez for the amazing dance tutorial! We had a blast!
Quiet Time: Here is where we travelled these past two weeks.
