Second Grade Scoop
Miss Roberts * Stoy Schoo * December 3, 2018
Reading Workshop
The second graders have been working hard within the Journeys curriculum. The boys and girls demonstrated patience and stamina in completing their first Benchmark Journeys quiz. Since this was the students' first real experiences working with the test-taking genre, we read the directions, stories and questions together. The Phonics section proved to be the most difficult for the Second Graders. We will focus on this skill as a class. I will use the students' results to help determine which strategies and skills they are beginning to grasp as readers and writers. We will revisit how to read the questions and every answer choice to provide support in this genre.
As their Teacher, I use these tests in several different ways. I will look at which skills and strategies the students, both individually and as a team, understand well, and where they need more practice. I will use this information to drive my daily whole and small group instruction. I will also look at how the students worked within the genre of “test taking”. We will practice strategies to help them understand how best to approach the various formats and questions within a language arts test.
We are beginning Unit 2 of Journeys. During the next few weeks, we’ll explore the theme Nature Watch. We’ll learn about different kinds of plants, animals, gardens and weather while considering the Big Idea, “Nature can teach us many things". We will begin by exploring the question, “How can chapter headings help you?” We’ll read an informational text called Animals Building Homes which discusses different types of animal homes around the world. We’ll then have fun with the play Hiding at the Pond. What might their homes in a pond?
Target Vocabulary: beaks, break, deepest, hang, pond, shaped, winding, branches
Phonics Skills: common final blends nd, ng, nk, nt, ft, xt, mp
Comprehension Skill: Text and graphic features tell how words work with art
Comprehension Strategy: Question; ask questions about what you are reading
I will utilize our Daily Five time to meet with a Guided Reading group and begin Reading benchmarks for the first marking period
Writer's Workshop
During handwriting, the students will review and practice the "dive-down" letters and concentrate on the formation, size, and placement of each letter. Later in the week, they will continue to practice letter formation and spacing while learning about homophones. Their focus will be continue to be on legibility and spacing between letters and words.
The boys and girls have been discussing the idea that opinions do not always have to be positive. Learning how the 4-star review is used, students will be able to more specific sharing their ideas.
The students have been working hard to fine-tune their opinion pieces. Using the OREO strategy their are writing with beginning and ending. This week the students will practice making and "Double Stuff" OREO opinion by adding details. Retelling small parts, describing specific part or character will allow them to support their opinions in more detail.
Math
Unit 4 Using Bar Models: Addition and Subtraction
Lesson 3 - Comparing Two Sets
- Model addition and subtraction as comparing sets
- Apply the inverse operations of addition and subtraction
- Vocabulary * compare
- Use bar models to solve two-step addition and subtraction problems
- Apply the inverse operations of addition and subtraction
Social Studies
The students will be bringing home their Unit 1 Social Studies test. They students took it as class to help them acclimate to the format and to the test taking genre. This week marks the beginning of Unit 2 "Our Government." The students will discuss the need for cooperation among citizens and begin to develop an understanding of the role a government plays within a community. They will compare the various jobs of public officials including the Mayor, Governor and President.
Finally, they will be introduced to the option of running for class leader. Everyone will participate in a discussion about what a class leader does in 2R and all of the additional responsibilities in that role. Each student has the option to add their name to the ballot, but must write a paragraph explaining the qualities they possess and why they believe they would be the best class leader. All of this will take place during school hours and the class will elect their leader next week.
Social Thinking
Coming Soon
December 4th - School Store
December 4th - PTA Reindeer Games
December 7th - End of first marking period
December 20th - Denim Day and Pretzel Sale
December 21st - Half Day & Report Cards distribution
December 24th - January 1st - Winter Break