Second Grade SUPER News
April 8, 2016
Highlights from the Week
This week Mrs. Sayre came into the classroom to start a unit on Novel Engineering. Before break we read to the class, Clementine by Sara Pennypacker. This is a book about a girl who really beats to her own drum. She runs into many problems in her life, and comes up with some interesting solutions. We discussed some of those problems with Mrs. Sayre and have come up with our own unique solutions for Clementine’s problems. In the next few weeks we will be building models of things to help Clementine solve her problems. To help us with this, we have also read books on simple machines. We will be using the cardboard containers and tubes that the children have brought in to build prototypes.
Literacy
We are back to Superkids as we begin Unit 7. This week our lessons focused on ways to spell the long a sound using: ai, ay, ey, eigh, ange, able and Super e. We also worked on proper capitalization in writing, specifically in titles, and the use of comparative adjectives (adding er) and superlative adjectives (adding est). Finally, we discussed the use of irregular adjectives in comparing things (as in good, better, best). Idioms in language were once again reviewed where the words used have different meanings from the ordinary meanings (as in Buzz Off! or You are totally off base!)
In Cursive writing we have begun Capital letters. Once we have taught the first letter in your child’s first name, they can begin writing their name in cursive if they choose to do so. They also get a “special” assignment sheet to practice writing their first name. They all really look forward to this! This week we reviewed number words, and presented C, A, and O. Review packets for handwriting will start coming home again in next week’s Friday folders.
In Writing we continue with our Poetry unit. We worked on using sound words and comparisons, which fit perfectly with Superkids!
Math
In math this week, students learned how to group to the nearest 100 when subtracting to make it much easier. We also presented using an open number line to count up and count back to subtract 3-digit numbers, and decomposing which is a favorite for many students.
During our technology center, students worked on the Greg Tang subtraction games called Breakapart and Missing along with IXL. They can continue to work on completing IXL 3-digit subtraction at home:
J.1, J.2, J.3, J.4, J.5, J.6, and J.7
Star Student
This week's Star Student was Isaac. Isaac had a family trip over spring break to St. Louis and visited the zoo and a Magic House. One of the exciting things he did there was to touch a metal ball, shake his head, and his hair stood on end from static electricity as you can see below. An interesting fact that Isaac knows about himself is that he is as tall as a 4 year old llama.
Our next STAR STUDENT is . . . Gio!
AR Winners
We have handed out the new AR goals for the last quarter. Most of the students have taken quizzes this week and are already working toward their first 100%! Please continue to encourage your student to read for 20 minutes each day and be ready for quizzes at school. As soon as someone reaches their goal, the prizes will again be awarded by the LRC and pictures will be posted in our weekly newsletter. This week we have a picture of those students who went to the luncheon with the teachers for reaching 250% or more of their goal. Afterward, they students were able to go into the LRC for a Pinata and more prizes. GO READERS!
The PTO sponsored Read-a-Thon, Keep Calm & Read On!, will work nicely with our AR program. While reading 20 minutes each day at home, your child can help raise money for the PTO. Information about this program is in the Friday folder. The students should start collecting pledges in the next week, and begin their READING for the Read-a-Thon which goes from Friday, April 15th - Sunday, April 24th. Please try to support this project which encourages your student to READ!
Miscellaneous Items
Report cards will be sent home on April 15th.
Collect pledges for the Read-a-thon from Friday, April 8th until Thursday, April 14th.
Read, read, read, for the Read-a-thon from Friday, April 15th through Sunday, April 24th.
Complete forms and return your pledges from Monday, April 25th through Monday, May 2nd.
For the next two weeks our specials schedule will change due to PAARC testing which starts in the 3rd grade. We will be having our specials in the mornings rather than in the afternoons - same days but just at a different time.
Our Mission
In partnership with family and community, Woodridge School District 68 will provide a comprehensive educational foundation for all children in a safe, caring environment, preparing them to be productive, responsible, and successful members of society.