November 16, 2012

Math: 
We are working on solving word problems using addition and subtraction.  Students will need to be able to read a problem and decide which operation to use to solve the problem.  I tried to make it memorable by telling them they were doctors trying to diagnose what their patient was missing and what operation they would need to save their patient.  The basic model is called Part, Part, Total (whole).  If you can picture a triangle with the total at the top and both parts in the lower corner you have the model.  So students can memorize this:

Part + Part = Total                          Total - Part = Part

If the patient is missing the total, then the doctor should use the addition operation.  If the patient is missing a part, then the doctor should use the subtraction operation.  

I think this really helped the students to visualize and understand the meaning of the problem.  We have much more work with vocabulary next week.  

Science

We are learning about the different landforms and sources of water on our Earth.  We did partner work today which included reading a book together and finding three facts.  We have been discussing the difference between fact and opinion as well.  Students really enjoyed this work today.

Reading:

We have been working on finding the root or base word to help us figure out words.  For example in the word unhappiness the root word is happy.  We learned that un is a prefix and ness is a suffix. Finding root/base words is fun.  You can have your child find them in their reading.

Writing:

We are talking about the use of transition words: First, next, then, last, finally.  As well as adding voice to our writing by choosing great feeling words.  We read a book called How Are You Peeling?  Which talked about many types of feelings using vegetables made into faces.  

Remember next week is a short week.  We are off for Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday.  I will be sending home the permission slip for the November 28 field trip on Monday, please sign it and return it on Tuesday.

Thank you for sending your children to me ready to learn.  I love coming to work each day and look forward to seeing all the eagerness in their faces.  I truly enjoy working with your children.  Keep doing what you are doing, because from what I can see, your children can learn because they feel loved, safe and happy!

Enjoy the weekend!  Go Lions!

November 6, 2012

Did I really just type the word November?  Hard to believe, but we have just finished the first quarter of school.  I would like to talk about students writing in this post.  Writing is always considered one of the hardest thing to teach students because there is so much to teach when you really think about it.  Writing includes grammar, punctuation, constructing sentences, organizing thoughts, and choosing words that will interest the reader.  As I sat with the other second grade teachers and we were looking at the writing work of our students we really realized how much thought is required for one writing piece.  We also realize that our students are seven and eight years old, and what we expect of them now was what we did in sixth grade.  Writing standards for students today compared to when I was in grade school is dramatically different.  
     In order to help motivate my class, I showed them some "mini movies" that past students and I created with their writing.  The class was mesmorized when they watched these short stories on the big screen.  Students now have the choice during writing to work on their own or with a partner to create a fictional story or an informative writing piece that can be turned into a mini movie.  They must submit their writing to me for review before it can be made into a movie.  This project seems to bring out the best in student writing because they know the standard is high for me to make the writing into a movie.
     Writing instruction this week will be a review of great beginnings, transition words and how to add detail. We will look at books to see how real authors start stories and I will teach them how to start a piece with a question.  Some transition words include: first, next, then, and finally.  When I meet with students I tell them to tell me first what they want to write, then tell them to write what they said.  I then tell them to reread what they wrote.  Rereading is the most important part of writing, because it helps kids to make sure they did not leave out words and helps them organize their thoughts.
      I teach them to add detail by having them read the last sentence they wrote and then ask them what else they can say about that idea or topic.  For example, I wrote the following in class: One hot July day, my family and I went to Michigan Adventure.  (What else can I say about Michigan Adventure?) Michigan adventure is an amusement park and water park. (What else can I say about amusement or water park?) We decided to start our day in the water park. Each time I write a sentence I then reread it and decide how I can add a detail about the last topic.
     In Math we are nearly finished with Chapter 3 on subtraction.  The students are getting really proficient with borrowing across the tens and hundreds place.  We will hit subtracting across zeros again to reinforce this concept.  We started Math Journal as a choice during math time.  Students have a math writing journal where they copy a short problem. Students then have to solve the problem and explain how they came up with their answer.  This is a worthwhile activity because it includes reading, problem solving, and writing.  Their higher level thinking skills will be developed through this activity.  Students can use drawings to solve the problem if necessary.  The first problem students tried was: 16 paws. How many tigers?  There are many ways to solve this. Most students drew the tigers and counted.  They said they kept adding four until they came to 16.  This problem is using multiplication, repeated addition, skip counting or division, depending on how your child chose to solve it.  I look forward to the progress they make in this new area of mathematics.  Our upcoming chapters include:

• Chapter 4: Addition and Subtraction models to help with word problems
• Chapter 5: Multiplication & Division (How to)
• Chapter 6: Multiplication Tables, 2, 5, and 10s
• Chapter 7: Metric Measurement of Length

Halloween Party
Thank you all for all the help in making our Halloween Party a great success.  The kids had a great time. Mrs. Teer came in and took pictures for us.  I'm looking how to upload to a web based album that is an invite only space for you to view pictures.   I want you to be able to see the pictures of your children and be able to order prints if you want or simply download them to your computer/phone.  I'll let you know via email if I find something.  If you have suggestions, please shoot me an email.

Upcoming Dates:
November 8: Picture retake day. We will do our class picture this day.
                     Evening Conferences
November 9: No school
November 22-23 No school
December 22-January 6 Winter Break

October 19, 2012

Students are excited about the upcoming Halloween Party on Wednesday, October 31.  We will be eating breakfast in our costumes and enjoying a game and small craft.  Please be sure that your child has a bag to bring their costume home in so that nothing gets left behind in the classroom.

We started Raz-Kids this week which is an internet based reading program.  Some students used it last year and were familiar with the program.  We used it this week in computer lab so students know how to get on the program.  A note will go home today explaining how you can set up a free account for use at your home.  Title I funds paid for our classroom membership, so please check it out.  This is yet another way students can help to improve the amount of reading they are doing.   The reading progress has been good in this class.  Some students are able to read for longer periods than others.  Beginning on the 23rd, some students will be pulled for additional reading assistance from 9:00-9:40 everyday.  While students are gone, I will be meeting with small groups or individual students to monitor their progress in reading.

We are completing Chapter 2 in our math book; addition with and without regrouping.  I must say, this class is doing really well.  My method is to give students individual or small group assistance when I see they are not quite getting a concept.  This one-on-one time has really helped some students overcome their difficulty.  Once work is completed, I check it right away, make note of the students performance then have them correct minor mistakes, or meet with them to assist with difficulties.  I'm finding that the quick feedback to the student is really helpful.  Students are also getting used to finding their mistakes and correcting them by redoing the problem.  We will have our test on Tuesday, October 23 and I expect great results as we had with the first test.  Chapter 3 will cover subtraction with out borrowing to begin with, then we will move onto borrowing and finally subtracting across zeros.  Please check in with your child on their homework to show your support and give them the encouragement they will need to succeed.  Remember it is better to compliment hard work than to say they are smart.  Students who realize they must work hard to accomplish tasks perform better when tough problems come up.  They don't give up compared to students who are always told they are smart.   There is a difference.

We will also have a short quiz on science, October 29 and social studies October 30.  Students will bring home materials they can review.  

Please remember there is no school for students on October 26.  Enjoy the weekend, the weather is supposed to be quite nice.

October 12, 2012

Well we turned apples to applesauce this morning and are going to enjoy it soon.  Students are in Spanish at the moment and cannot wait to taste their creation.  This morning we began our investigation reporting form using the Scientific Method.  Students had to come up with a hypothesis on how a solid apple turns to liquid applesauce.  We also wrote a procedure.  Students did a great job yesterday working with a partner comparing their two apples.  Students were very engaged and came up with some good attributes.  

Today in math we practiced more addition with regrouping or carrying over to the column right next door.  I'm meeting with each student individually to have them check in with me to be sure they have the concept and so far we are all doing very well.  This week also brought in story problems that need to be read and we are starting to find key words that tell us that we need to add.  Being able to read and figure out what we need to do with the numbers is a very important skill. The words we are learning include: altogether, more, in all, total.  These need to be key words in your child's mind that help them to know they must add.  I think we are doing really well with a concept that has many steps.  

We have started a discussion in Social Studies about life in the past.  To begin the discussion and give the students a visual all the second grade classes watched Little House on the Prairie.  The students really enjoyed the program.  Students were able to see how clothing, homes, towns and transportation were in the past.  We will be doing some written work in class on this topic for this card marking.  In order to give the students a hands-on experience, the second grade teachers are planning a field trip to Cranbrook on November 28.  A note will be coming home next week with the details.  I will be needing chaperones to attend the field trip.  We will eat lunch at Cranbrook and learn about early Michigan Settlers.  

Accelerated Reader has also started.  We have library check out every Tuesday and students have to check out at least one non-fiction book each week.  My requirement is for each student to take and pass one test per week.  The student must score 80% or higher on the computer based test. Please help your child be successful by having them read their library book to you and then you can give them a short quiz on the book.  Students earn points for the quizzes and Ms. Barada in the library will award small prizes for points earned each month.  All students who pass at least two tests per month will be invited to an ice cream party at the end of the year.  In addition, top point earners in each grade level will be invited to a field trip at the end of the year.  If students keep up with the once a week classroom requirement, they should all be able to go to the ice cream party.  Every Wednesday in class I put a list of names on the board as a reminder of who needs a test by Friday.  If students do not take a test one week, I hold them accountable for two tests the next week.  Please contact me if you have any questions regarding Accelerated Reader (AR).


Here is a bit of how our week looked:  Comparing leaves, comparing apples, tasting applesauce and enjoying oranges from the lunch room.

October 5, 2012

We took our first math test and I must say the results were impressive!  The class average was 92%.  The kids are working hard and I do tell them that math takes hard work and concentration.  We started double digit and triple digit addition without regrouping today.  The kids seemed to pick up on it quickly. This chapter will also introduce the concept of story problems.  These are not easy, but I'm confident the students will understand them and be great problem solvers by year end.  Please be encouraging during homework time.  I know as a parent myself that this can be difficult at times.  It is extremely important that your child be the one to read the problem and try it on their own.  When you are asked for help, please start by asking your child what it is that they think they need to do.  Most times when I ask this question they know how to solve it and do have the correct answer, but do not have the confidence to believe they are correct.  The power of our words and the things we say to our children can make or break their confidence.  Here is an example, the day before the test I told the class that I believed that everyone of them could get 100% on the test.  I told them that they have all worked really hard and have completed all the work to prepare themselves.  I think our results help prove that positive words can make a difference.  Tell your child you believe in them and that you know they work hard, your words will go a long way!

We are continuing to practice using our reading strategies in class.  I want to thank all the parents who have been taping up all of our new books.  The students are so excited when I bring out new books.  The National Geographic books are very popular.  I am almost done meeting individually with students to set their reading goal.  I will then match students who have the same goal to meet with in small groups to be sure they are making progress on their goal(s).  This same format will also be happening with writing.  I am also in the process of adding a reading program called Raz-Kids to our classroom reading time and computer lab time.  Students will be able to access this site from home as well for more reading practice in a different format.  Again any books read on this site can also count on the weekly homework.  Please look for this information next week.  

Science has started with practicing process skills using leaves from our playground.  Students are observing attributes (size, shape, color, texture) of their leaves and will compare the similarities and differences as well.  I would like students to bring in an apple next Thursday, October 11 so that we can use our new skills with our apples and then transform the apples into applesauce.  

Place Value

We have been working on place value for the past week and it seems to be sinking in with some and others are still working hard to understand.  Extra practice at home would help reinforce the hundreds, tens and ones place.  We will be approaching our first test soon in math.  I will let you know ahead of time about that and students will complete a review in class which will be sent home for study purposes.  

If you have not yet visited our class website, please take a look at the links page.  I have given you the links to the two main sites we use for math and reading that you can access at home.  The kids have been taught how to log in to each site.  Xtra Math will require you to set up an account with the information I sent home. Tumble Books has the same username and password for our entire school.  The username is Kinloch123 and the password is books.  Please have your child show you around the sites.  

Welcome!

Welcome to our class blog!  I will try to post as often as possible to let you know what is happening.  

We are off to a great start in reading.  We have been building our stamina for reading to ourselves and writing.  Students are working hard and doing well at following the procedures for our reading time.  I will continue to send home the Parent Pipelines home which explain the strategies we are working on .  I hope to be able to post the Pipelines on the blog as well, but I have to check if I am able to do that.  

Math time will be formatted similar to reading in that students will be introduced to choices during math time. Math Work is a must do choice everyday which is completing workbook work.  If your child does not complete their work during this time, it will be sent home and expected back the following day.  Students do have ample time to complete.  While students are making choices and completing work, I work with small groups of 3 students at a time to reteach and help students complete work.  For example, today I was able to work with 3 groups of three on reteaching the concept of ordering numbers.  This was very helpful to the students.  Groups are called by me sometimes and students have the opportunity to come to a group on their own as well.  So far it is working well.

If you were not able to come to Open House, I will be sending a schedule of times available for Parent Teachers Conferences home with your child.  There are limited time slots available since most parents signed up at the Open House.  I took the pictures below during working on writing.  Students really get into their writing during this time.  It is fun to watch.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.

                             

                              

Market Day 2012

 I thought I deleted these pictures from my camera and my Picasa site, but I found them in my recycle bin.  I was so happy because this year's products and posters were some of the best since we started this unit three years ago.  I know these projects are a lot of work, but your children truly enjoyed the experience.  The current third and fourth graders kept saying "I want to go back to second grade to do Market Day!"  Scroll through the pictures and hopfully you will get a sense of how much fun the kids had. 

Zaher made Cootie Catchers that were a big hit.


 Mahdi made stick puppets with wiggly eyes.  I'm using mine for a book mark.
 Aya & Noor were business partners and made these great pencil holders that everyone is still using including me!


 Ali had a fun game to play where you had to find the hidden ACE. 











Rawan had some tasty cupcakes.
 Elissa and Haneen made, yes made unique t-shirts that sold out quickly.  This took a lot of time and effort.
 I believe Nader was the first to sell all his products.  His adorable bird houses were in great demand.  Once again the time and effort is quite apparent.

 Ali's slime was another popular product.  This was fun and a great product.

The posters that students brought in were really well done.  You can see that Ahmad and Ali both took time to plan out their poster.
 Game booths are always fun to visit. Ahmad had the Slap Jack game with large size cards.  Winners won a prize.
 Jerell also had a game booth for Connect4.  Students were able to win prizes.
 Elissa's Cone Cake display was very attractive to her customers.  It was a yummy treat to eat.
 Madison and Ayah had snack stores.  Homemade cookies and Cheeze-Its were bought by all.
 Firas sold some delicious cookies.  They melted in your mouth.  That reminds me, I would like this recipe.