Reminders:
No school Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Math: Second graders have been working hard to write story problems. After writing them, we had a blast solving our classmate’s story problems. During this work, students focused on:
Identifying key information in story problems
Creating and solving two digit addition and subtraction story problems
Using place value to solve two digit addition and subtraction problems
Writing: We have begun our opinion writing unit! During this unit, the student learning targets will be:
Learning Targets
I can write about a topic showing my opinion using: a topic sentence, linking words, 3 supporting details and a conclusion sentence or section.
I can listen to others’ ideas to help add details to my writing.
I can use writing conventions such as legible handwriting, capital letters, punctuation, and grade-appropriate spelling.
Our first bend, or group of lessons, has students working to state their opinions clearly, give two (or more) reasons for their opinion and then using an opinion writing checklist to revise their work.
Readers: This week our second grade readers were busy! We began focusing on nonfiction text. Before we begin the work of our nonfiction reading unit, we are taking time to learn about many nonfiction text features.
Word Study: In word study we wrapped up Unit 6 in our FUNdations program. This unit focused on v-e syllables, which stands for vowel-consonant-e (any vowel or consonant followed by an e). We spent time going from closed syllable types such as cap to a v-e syllable such as cape. Students learned that the vowel e at the end of the word is silent but makes the first vowel make a long sound. Once students had a firm grasp on one syllable words we practiced reading, building, and writing multisyllabic words that contained both closed and v-e syllables such as the word reptile. Lastly, our squad learned that much like closed syllables that have exceptions, so do v-e syllables. In the English language words to not end in the letter v. Therefore some words have an e at the end but the vowel before that v is still short (have, give). In addition we added -ive to our list of suffixes. It was an exciting and informative unit!
Science: After deducing the mystery mixtures it was time for our second graders to learn that the stages of matter can change from one to another. These past two weeks students learned that all matter is made up of molecules and all molecules are made up of atoms. These atoms will space out and move in certain ways depending on the state of matter. After watching a video to help our understanding we played a game where we got to be the atoms of different materials. For example, I would call out milk and students would first identify the state of matter liquid and then move their bodies accordingly to act out as atoms in a liquid state.
Next, we learned about reversible and irreversible changes. Some materials such as water can change from a liquid to a solid (ice), to a liquid once more, then into a gas (water vapor), and back into a liquid (water droplets). We then did an investigation on irreversible changes such as a raw egg being cooked into a hard boiled egg. Once the egg has changed from a liquid, it cannot be turned back into a solid.
Our scientists had a blast!
SEL: Our squad has started the next bend of our SEL program, Second Step. In this bend we will learn about emotional management. This week students worked on identifying physical clues in their bodies that could help them name their own feelings. Later on in this bend they will learn some helpful routines and tools to help calm their bodies to help them achieve their social, emotional, physical, and academic needs and goals!
Theme: ‘We are all the same. We are all different. We are all unique.’ Our second grade mantra is an important lens as we talk about social justice. We are working with students to think about social justice in relation to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s work as well as how these conversations are present today. We watched a few videos (linked below) that connect directly to MLK. We also listened to many read alouds inspired by our conversations on social justice. If you would like to add books to your library at home, we found the website for Social Justice Books, very helpful in our search.
PBS About the Holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
I Have a Dream speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Here are some photos from our week together!
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