Monday, January 26, 2015

Research Arctic Animals


We had a great time using pebblego this afternoon to research Arctic animals. Before getting into our research work, we learned how to pull information and use key words for note taking. Students modeled for one another using key words and key motions then mirrored one another as a way of teaching one another. 

Friday, January 23, 2015

Mathematics

Second Grade Parents,
If you and your second grader have a few minutes over the weekend, ask your child to solve a few double digit addition and subtraction problems.  We have been practicing a variety of strategies for solving these problems in the classroom.  The truth is, we need to be practicing math facts at home in order for this to become easier for us.  Please take a few minutes each day to spend practicing facts.  It might even be fun for your second grader to make their own flash cards.
Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Stretching Our Minds in Second Grade




FROM BALANCING CRAYFISH TO A NONFICTION SCAVENGER HUNT...
IT ALL HAPPENS IN SECOND GRADE!

Students are navigating through a wide variety of nonfiction text in search of a number of text features. Some examples that students were looking for are:
  • glossary
  • table of contents
  • illustrations
  • photographs
  • captions
  • maps
  • index
  • diagrams
  • charts
  • bold print
  • headings
  • subheadings
  • labels

Time flies!

It has been an amazing week in second grade!

We have had so much fun with the beginning of our research project on arctic animals, practicing writing the "gist" of a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, identifying the main idea and even pulling supporting details from the text to justify the idea, and continuing to practice balancing crayfish on one finger.  Phew! That's a lot and there's still math...problem solving, word stories, adding and subtracting double digit numbers, and identifying odd and even numbers. 

Ask your second grader what they are most excited about. 

Stay tuned for photos!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

SCIENCE NEWS

Balance and Motion is the new unit we are studying in science.  We will be observing and comparing how objects balance, spin, and roll, and communicating orally and in writing the things we discover.  The processes of observing, communicating, and comparing are important thinking processes that your child will be using during our investigation of these interesting characteristics of objects and systems.

Your second grader may be interested in trying some things at home.  You might want to tie a string between two chairs and see how many paper cups, craft sticks, and other objects you can balance (use clothespins for counterweights).  You could make a big mobile by suspending a broomstick and hanging things from it, or make spinning tops out of Tinkertoys or other shafts and hubs.  The possibilities are endless, and your child can be your guide.

We are about to have a lot of fun working with balance and motion!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

I am so excited to say that I am trying to get two iPads in our second grade classroom. The opportunities for learning are endless if we can make this happen. 

I have attached a link below to tell you more about this opportunity. 

Hi Friends,
I want to make sure my students have the materials they need to succeed, so I just created a request for my classroom at DonorsChoose.org:
Your support would mean so much to my students. If you chip in to help, we’ll send awesome photos and our heartfelt thanks.
Thanks so much,
Kristin
P.S. If you know anyone who may want to help my classroom, please pass this along!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of our second grade families! I hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable time with your family throughout our winter vacation.

It's hard to believe that 2015 is already here. Time sure does fly when you are having fun!

Over vacation, I have created this blog in hopes that you will find that it is an easy way to access what we are doing in the classroom. My goal is to update it a few times a week. Whenever you access the blog, you will be able to navigate throughout its entirety so you won't ever miss anything. I will be sure to post reminders and upcoming events on here as well.

This blog will replace our weekly newsletter. We are always looking for ways to save paper when we can.  I also like the idea of becoming more interactive and possibly being able to post pictures from our days as well.

Happy 2015! Stay warm.