In addition to teaching the concrete skills of adding, subtracting, sounding out words to read, we are teaching thinking skills… using what we know to figure out new things. In reading we predict; in math we estimate; in science we make a hypothesis. These are not wild guesses, but are predictions based on clues that we know. This week we start a fun physical science study: Sink & Float. This is an excellent unit for our students to learn the scientific method of investigation. The sequel to this unit will be each student using the scientific method on his/her own science experiment (more information to follow) for our 2nd grade science fair on March 18!
Parents, it will really help your child if you can monitor his/her cursive homework practice, especially the pencil grip, posture & letter formation. Remember, these practice sheets are due the next day, (or asap). Reminder: these are due the next day! [See last week’s newsletter for more details.]
We’re reading 2 nonfiction pieces this week, Kate Shelly & the Midnight Express, and Dinosaur Fossils. While Kate Shelly is a historical character, this account of her heroism reads like a hair-raising adventure story! As the title suggests, Dinosaur Fossils deepens our understanding of fossils while providing information about a variety of dinosaurs.
This selection provides excellent background knowledge for next week’s field trip during which we will simulate doing the work of a paleontologist! Know these vocabulary words: dinosaurs, hardened, chance, difficult, scientist. Our spelling words provide practice with the vowel sound of /ar/. Working with the graphic organizers help build understanding and remembering the facts we learn.
Math: After months of working with numbers, and today’s math test, tomorrow we start a different kind of math: geometry. This is a refreshing break for many; there are many hands-on activities to explore 2- and 3-dimentional shapes. This is not a break from thinking though – we will learn and use new vocabulary words to do critical thinking as we note similarities and differences. We will also continue to review and practice the skills we’ve learned thus far, especially adding & subtracting.
I suggest reviewing & keeping the attached Family letter, a companion for our Home Links.
Homework
Daily: read aloud for 20 minutes and fill in your January Book It calendar; Home Links and cursive papers are due the next day; practice your spelling & vocabulary words; use the vocabulary words in your conversations!
Due Thursday: Spelling workbook, pages 82-85
For Friday: Parents-return conference request form; To prepare for the reading test, take your reading book home, and reread the story with a parent; then summarize it, by identifying the main ideas. Be ready for spelling, reading & vocabulary tests;
Due next Tuesday: Capture 5 recording sheet of your moves in the game you play with an older member of your family.
Due next Wednesday: optional book orders (many good book possibilities for Feb. book report);
Due any day next week: your January book report
Reminder: no school next Monday
Many graded tests are coming home today: review them and “learn from your mistakes”.
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