Weekly Update

Writing:

We have big two writing projects going right now. As part of our writing curriculum we are writing persuasive reviews. The second graders are writing about a movie they think is worth watching. We have talked about the elements of movies that may persuade people to watch them and the second graders are getting good at using persuasive language. 

The second project we are working on is writing valentine cards. Every day when they finish their morning work the second graders have been writing individualized messages. It can be tricky to come up with three sentences for every person, but the second graders are working hard and making a dent in the number of cards they have left to write. Thank you to everyone who has sent in stickers so far! Decorating won't happen until we are farther along with writing, so it's not too late to send decorations in!

As a class we counted over 2,000
craft sticks!

 

Math:

The second graders finished the Unit 5 Screener this week and while this unit is primarily focused on working with larger numbers there is also a focus on learning coin names and values and working with money. To help the second graders get some authentic practice Mrs Hills and I started a penny economy. Each second grader designed a "wallet" and everyone got one penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. Students have been earning pennies to add to their wallet in many ways including by walking quietly in the hallway, taking care of their boots, and cleaning up after themselves. They have also been losing pennies for interrupting, being off task, or not taking care of materials. Eventually the second graders will be able to "spend" their money on things like rulers, new pencils, stickers, and trinkets. They have already been "buying" a turn at leading our line and using flexible or special seating. If your second grader has a collection of trinkets they want to donate to our store feel free to send it to school! Mr Weber already donated a whole bunch of stuffies for us to "sell"! As a special incentive this week homework that gets turned in on Monday is worth 5¢!

Phonics:

Did your second grader tell you that we were hired? We are BLC's newest Phonics Construction Team. We don't have any assignments from them yet, so we are brushing up on our phonics skills and spelling strategies while we wait. Gus, our class pet, was a little nervous that he wasn't going to be good enough, so the second graders wrote him encouraging notes.

Reading:

As the second graders are giving more and more challenging books a try they may need a little more coaching so that has been our continued focus in reading. Students have been practicing with some sentence stems and reading out loud to each other to get targeted feedback. They are doing a fantastic job coaching each other!

SEL:

We revisited our classroom charter this week and make a few updates. We added to the things we can do to help everyone feel Safe, Happy, and Calm and Relaxed. Everyone agreed those words are still a great focus for our class. This is a great group of kids and they really do make our classroom a safe, happy, and calm learning environment!

Homework:

A double-sided math page went home in Friday's mail. It is due by this coming Friday 1/23.

Extra Information:

We go bowling this Thursday 1-22 from 12-2. We will be having a pizza lunch at the bowling alley so no need to pack a lunch that day!!

Remember you don't have to buy Valentine cards but if you want to send in some stickers of other decorations we would love it! Just make sure your second grader knows what is to share with the class and what is just for their cards.

Mrs Hills made us a Sign-Up Genius for the Valentine's Day celebration we will have on February 13. It's still a little way out, but if you want to sign up the link is right here: Valentine Party Supplies

Thanks in advance!