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.