Dear Parents,

            October came and went in a whirlwind.  In Math Unit 2, the children learned how to make up and solve addition and subtraction number stories.  These stories are used to show that numbers are usually used in context, which we indicate by using a label or unit, which is recorded in a unit box.  The addition stories are usually one of two types – Parts-and-Total and Change-to-More.  Subtraction number stories are also one of two types – Change-to-Less and Comparison.  We highlighted key words in the number stories to help us to know when to use addition or subtraction.  We reviewed “easy” addition and subtraction math facts:  +0 and -0, + 10 and -10, +1 and -1, doubles facts and doubles +1 and doubles +2.  We also explored “harder” addition and subtraction facts:  +9 and -9, and +8 and -8.  We will continue to work on these all year so that the children develop fact power or instant recall of math facts.  Fact power is essential in solving multi-step problems.  We reviewed Frames-and-Arrows, Name Collection Boxes and “What’s My Rule?” from first grade.  We are continuing to practice telling time.

            During our read aloud and snack time, we read The Little Leftover Witch by Florence Laughlin, a wonderfully, funny, vivid, and haunting story.  Although it was published in the 1960s, the story has captured the interest and imagination of the children, with its memorable characters: mischievous Felina, sweet Lucinda, and her lovable family, the Doons.  The author’s message, which we discussed at the conclusion of the book, is the power of love and how love can truly change a person.

            After completing all the DRAs, we began meeting in our guided reading groups.  We will read both fiction and non-fiction texts this year and focus on comprehension skills.  When the children are not meeting with me in their groups, they are reading their DEAR books.  To help the children think about their reading, they are asked to respond to an assigned prompt in a journal entry about every two weeks.     

            In writing, we are continuing to review asking and telling sentences and using correct capitalization and punctuation.  The children are continuing to work on their stories about their summer vacation.  In Grammar, we classified spelling words as nouns, verbs or adjectives.  We practiced writing Four Star sentences based on the book, Picture Perfect? that we read in class.  In spelling, we have spent a few weeks studying the silent e pattern at the end of a word.  We also introduced words that have 2 vowels together (vowel combinations) such as ee, ea, oa, and ue.  Please make sure that when the children are writing at home, either for pleasure or homework, that these spelling words are spelled correctly.  All high frequency words that have been introduced should also be spelled correctly.  

            In Science, we continued working on the unit, Balancing and Weighing.  In this unit, the children performed simple experiments with a beam balance and applied these experiences to build a mobile.  In Social Studies, we read “Tulip Sees America” by Cynthia Rylant, a story in our Social Studies book, and have begun to study landforms, such as hills, mountains, valleys, plains, peninsulas, and islands.  To prepare for our field trip to Drumlin Farm, we focused on ways people use natural resources, such as water, air, trees and soil to meet our needs for food, clothing, and shelter and other uses.  At Drumlin, we learned how the Native Americans of long ago used the natural resources in their environment to provide for their food, clothing and shelter.

            “Star of the Week” began this month.  It is a project designed to help us get to know each other better.  In the Calendar section of my website, you will find the week that your child is scheduled to be our “star”.  The children were chosen randomly with my calling sticks.  I chose weeks in which we have five full days of school.  A letter will be sent home with your child one week before they are the “star”, giving you time to prepare at home.  

            The highlight for the month, of course, was Halloween.  The children enjoyed the Halloween Shopping activity and creating “Candy Corn-quains”, with the help of a few pieces of candy corn.  Special thanks to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Hardock, Mr. McDowell and Mr. Powell for providing materials for our second graders to make Halloween crafts.      

            Thank you for sharing your children with me.

                                                            Joan Friedman