We were super busy this week and boy did it fly by! From launching "Read to Someone" to having our first performance during "Fluency Friday" the week was full of fun.
Let's start with Launching "Read to Someone." The second graders were just fabulous at this portion of Literacy Stations. Throughout the week they learned various ways to read to someone, how to check their partner for understanding of what they read and how to choose a book by making a deal or doing "paper, rock, scissors." It took them no time at all to get up to 16 minutes of reading to someone independently. It was just awesome to see them so engaged as they asked their partners detailed questions, took turns reading and listening and explored a variety of genres. I kid you not, I was literally mumbling "They're so good...they're just so good" as I sat at my desk taking it all in. I also managed to take some videos of the kiddos in action. I do need to double check my photo and video release forms. So, check back for video later in the week.
Our first Fluency Friday was a huge success. I've never witnessed groups of readers that were so in-sync with each other as they read. It was clear the children had been practicing diligently all week. So, I thank you for your time and support. It's neat to see them begin to experiment with various voices and expression as they read. Speaking of reading with a "voice" I shared the story Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis with the children and we had a blast creating various voices to read each page with. Next time you're at the library you may want to check it out. I promise it will bring the giggles on gloomy day!
I feel like I've been a little neglectful to Mathematics on the blog. So, I'm going to take a moment to catch you up. Over the past month we have been working on a unit titled "Mathematical Thinking in Grade Two." Throughout the unit many of the concepts covered in first grade are reviewed as well as extended. We've been working with coins, combinations of ten, explaining our thinking in pictures, numbers and words, story problems and even and odd numbers. All that in one unit! We also continued with fact practice through a variety of interactive drills and activities. One of the favorites was "Musical Math" in which the children moved from desk to desk listening to music and answering math facts. They really seemed to enjoy it and it was a fun way to activate the "math fact" portions of our brains!
Once again, this was a great week in room 18. This is such a nice group of kids. I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be able to get up in the morning and go to a job that allows me to spend time learning and growing with them each day.
Have a super weekend everyone!