February
We Teach 2nd Grade Super Heroes!
Mrs. Braun ---- Mrs. Blasl ---- Mrs. Arndt ---- Mrs. Blaschko
February Calendar
Library and Media: Mrs. Arndt - Day 4, Mrs. Blasl - Day 5, Mrs. Blaschko - Day 3
All Excel Dates Are Highlighted
What We're Learning in Reading this Month
I can understand and apply figurative language such as: metaphors, similes, personification, hyperboles, onomatopoeias, alliteration, imagery, cliche, and symbols.
I can identify text structure such as: chronological, cause and effect, problem and solution, and compare and contrast.
I can identify nonfiction genres such as: informational, biography, and autobiography.
I can identify fiction genres such as: realistic fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery.
I can identify poetry.
AND...We're continuing to use our Clover Reading Strategies whenever we need to decode a word! Scroll down for more info!
Clover Reading Strategies
Sometimes kids struggle to take the phonics patterns they’ve learned with single syllable words and apply them to longer words.
That’s the purpose of learning the 6 syllable types with the CLOVER Reading Strategy. The ability to recognize these types of syllables in multisyllabic words gives all kids the tools needed to break down longer words into manageable bites.
Check out the videos that are linked below the visual strategies for another explanation on how to use the CLOVER Reading Strategy!
Video - Part 1 of CLOVER Reading Strategies
Video - Part 2 of Clover Reading Strategies
Video - Part 3 of Clover Reading Strategies
Video - Part 4 of Clover Reading Strategies
What We're Learning in Writing this Month
Opinion pieces give us the ability to express an opinion, such as like or dislike of a chosen book or story, AND support that opinion with a reason.
What We're Learning in Math this Month
I can identify, create, and describe simple number patterns involving repeated addition or subtraction, skip counting and arrays of objects such as counters or tiles; use patterns to solve problems in various contexts.
I can understand how to interpret number sentences involving addition, subtraction and unknowns represented by letters. I can use objects and number lines and create real-world situations to represent number sentences.
I can use number sentences involving addition, subtraction, and unknowns to represent given problem situations. I can use numbers sense and properties of addition and subtraction to find values for the unknowns that make the number sentences true.
We'll continue to apply two digit subtraction and addition strategies throughout the year
Deepen Our Understanding and Ability to Apply Skills
Place value is a complex and challenging concept and one we will continue to build upon throughout the school year. Here are the skills we will continue to practice and deepen our thinking and understanding with:
- Rounding to the nearest ten - What is 217 rounded to the nearest ten? 220
- Rounding to the nearest hundred - What is 359 rounded to the nearest hundred? 400
- Compare numbers up to 1000 using words and symbols: less than, <, greater than, >, equal to, =
- Read numbers up to 1000 - Read 812 as "eight hundred twelve"
- Write numbers up to 1000 - Hear "nine hundred thirty-six" and write 936
- Represent numbers up to 1000:
- Using base-10 blocks (hundreds, tens, and ones)
- Using standard form - 734
- Using expanded form - 700 + 30 + 4
- Using word form - seven hundred thirty-four
- Describe numbers by understanding the value of each digit according to it's place - What is the value of the digit 6 in the number 862? The value of the 6 is 60 because it is in the tens place, therefore the 6 is representing 6 tens, which equals 60.
- Know that ten 1s is 10, know that ten 10s is 100, know that ten 100s is 1000, etc.
- Find 10 more or 10 less than a given three-digit number - What is 10 less than 579? 569
- Find 100 more or 100 less than a given three-digit number - What is 100 more than 372? 272
Social and Emotional Learning
The Second Step program teaches skills in the following four areas:
1. Skills for Learning: Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be assertive when asking for help with schoolwork.
2. Empathy: Students learn to identify and understand their own and others' feelings. Students also learn how to see other people's perspectives, and how to show compassion.
3. Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety and anger.
4. Problem Solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a positive way.
Your child will be learning a lot this year--and he or she will need your help! Throughout the year, your child may be bringing home a few Home Links that go with the Second Step lessons. The Home Links are designed to be simple and fun activities for you and your child to complete together. They are a great way for you to understand what your child is learning and for your child to show you what he or she knows.
Thank you for supporting your child in learning the skills that lead to success in school and in life.
Reminders
Reading and 400 Club Bookmarks
Remember to read for at least 20 minutes each night and mark it on your 400 Club Bookmark!
Here are some fun ideas for your reading time.
Read to a friend, read on a beach towel, read to a friend, read with all devices off, read in your favorite chair, read in your pajamas, read in the kitchen, read in the back yard, read in the car, read with a stuffed animal, read with a flashlight, read while eating a snack, read on the playground, read with your favorite blanket, read under a table, read on your way to school, read out loud to your family, read under an umbrella.
Wherever and however you read - HAVE FUN!
Educational Apps and Websites
If you're looking for online apps and websites, your child uses the following in their classroom:
IXL
To get your child started on your home computer, please follow these easy steps:
- Go to https://www.ixl.com/signin/mankato
- Enter your child's username and password and click "Sign in." (If your child doesn't know their username and password, this information will be coming home soon.)
- Click on any skill to start learning!
Kids A-Z
This is a free for you resource with amazing features! Please be sure to check it out!
Outdoor Clothing
If you need help obtaining winter clothing for your child, please let your child's teacher know. Thank you!