January 17, 2012
Dear 2-B Parents,
Here is a quick update on what’s
going on in 2-B:
Math:
We are currently working in Unit 6:
Whole Number Operations. In this
unit, students will review what they know about addition and subtraction, and
solve addition and subtraction problems in the context of number stories. Our work will involve solving addition
problems with three or more addends.
It will also include comparison number stories, and addition and
subtraction stories involving dollars and cents. Students will continue to gain familiarity with the Partial-Sums
Algorithm for solving addition problems, and will be formally introduced to the
Trade-First Subtraction Algorithm.
When solving these problems, students will continue to check the
accuracy of their work by making ballpark estimates.
You can continue to help at home by
practicing the Partial-Sums Algorithm and making ballpark estimates with your child. Students should continue to use other
addition and subtraction strategies that they know as well. However, the Partial-Sums Algorithm,
the Trade-First Subtraction Algorithm, and making ballpark estimates to check
for accuracy are strategies that students will be expected to know and use
regularly. It will also be used in
subsequent grades.
Reading:
In reading, the students have been learning
about story elements including character, setting, problem, and solution. We are also learning to pay more
attention to the characteristics of our main characters such as their likes, dislikes,
and personality traits. Students
are also building ideas as they read by thinking about how one page (or
chapter) connects to another.
Students will also practice making predictions using text evidence, and
inferring meaning through the text by using clues from the text.
Writing:
In writing, the students are
producing a fiction story.
Emphasis continues to be on using the writing process to plan, draft,
revise, edit, and publish a focused story. Most students have completed the planning stage of the writing
process, and are currently drafting their stories by writing a strong beginning
that introduces the reader to the main character(s) and develops the setting
(time and place). Students will also
write to create a “movie” in the mind of the reader, being sure that their
writing flows seamlessly from one “scene” to the next. Students will likely be working on
several stories at a time, but will eventually focus their efforts on
thoroughly revising one story of their choosing.
A Few Housekeeping Issues, Announcements, and Reminders:
- On time
Arrival: School starts everyday at 8:35a.m. When children arrive late,
they are often confused about what they are supposed to do. Arriving on
time daily helps your second grader independently learn the morning
routines and procedures. Your child is considered tardy if they arrive at 8:50a.m. or
later, and must obtain a tardy slip from the main office before proceeding
to the classroom.
- Snack: Please
remember to send a healthy, nut-free
snack to school each day.
Important Dates to Remember:
1/16/12 – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holiday
1/20/12 – End of 2nd
Advisory/Records Day – Dismissal at 12:15pm
2/3/12 – Professional Development
Day for Teachers – no school for students
2/6/12 – Parent Conferences 12:00pm
– 7:00pm – no school for students
2/14/12 – Valentine’s Day
Celebration at 2:15pm
2/20/12 – President’s Day – no
school