Shana's Second Grade Class

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December 1, 2009

Dear Parents,
	I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  It was a nice break from
the routine, and it’s hard to believe the winter holidays are just 3 weeks away!
	This week in Math we will wrap up unit 4 as we learn the partial-sums
algorithm.  We will start by just using base-10 blocks to represent the
numbers being added.  We will focus on the idea that we add the tens first and
then the ones. We finish up the problem by adding the tens and the ones
together.  We will then use base-10 blocks and record what we do on paper. As
I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, this is a different method that most
adults were taught in school.  Please give it a chance and be patient.  While
I’d love for all of my students to master this skill, it is not expected to be
secure by the end of 2nd grade.  It’s going to require encouragement from all
of us.  Even though Unit 4 is ending, this skill will continue to be
reinforced throughout the year.  I will be happy to demonstrate how to use the
partial-sums algorithm during parent/teacher conferences.
	Our folktales unit in Reading Workshop is coming to an end, but we will apply
our reading skills to a project we have begun in Social Studies.  Students
will each choose a country to research.  We’ll spend the next few weeks using
the laptops to learn more about the countries and then create travel brochures
using MS Word to teach what we learn.  We’ll also read fairy tales to help
stir our creative juices in Writing Workshop.
	We’re wrapping up our folktales in Writing Workshop.  Students have been self
and peer-editing their writing and will begin to publish.  This means
re-writing their stories in their very best handwriting and adding colorful
illustrations. Our plan is to have this done by the end of the week.  We’ll
begin a mini-unit on fairy tales next week.
	We weren’t able to get to our Science lesson last week, so we’ll investigate
air pressure this week using plastic syringes and tubing.  Students will find
that by pushing and pulling the plunger, they can transfer air between
syringes.  We’ll then create air and water fountains using the same materials
to further reinforce the idea that air pressure can make things move.
	A few reminders/announcements:
		- This is the last week we will have Ms. Kelley and Tamar working with us. 
Tamar’s last day is Thursday, and Ms. Kelley’s last day is Friday.  They have
been wonderful teachers and a tremendous help.  We will have a thank you party
in their honor on Wednesday afternoon.
		- Parent/Teacher conferences are next Monday, December 7th from 12-7.  My
understanding is that the sign up sheets will be available this Wednesday.
		- Minnow is looking for a home each for each weekend in December as well as
for the holidays.  Please let me know if you can host him during any of those
times.
		- The Student Council Winter Fair is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th
from 10-1:30.  Vendors are needed. In previous years we have had a nice
variety of adult and child vendors.  Students are definitely welcome to sell
homemade crafts, baked goods, gently used toys, movies, music, etc. Each table
costs $12 to rent (this benefits the Student Council) and vendors keep the
profits.  A form is included in this week’s Take Home Tuesday envelope.  
	Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Shana

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Shana's Second Grade Class

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