Classroom Update

It is time for another update to give you a glimpse of what we've been up to in second grade!

In Math, we finished Unit 9, which was all about two and three digit subtraction with regrouping.  Students learned various methods to solve these types of subtraction problems including: making a proof drawing (typically by drawing ten sticks and circles), the expanded method and ungrouping.  Ungrouping is the method the most students now use.  Even though it is called "ungrouping" in our new math curriculum, it is really the same thing as traditional borrowing.  Students also learned about solving story problems in which they had to find the unknown partner.  They learned how to subtract to find the unknown partner as well as add up to find the unknown partner.  This week we began Unit 10.  Students have learned about congruent and similar figures, and also had fun exploring with pattern blocks this week.

The second graders did four different reading responses this week all to the same story.  They are working on expanding their thoughts to a story and writing them down.  We read the story Happy Birthday, Grampie, and they rated the book and justified the grade they gave it, wrote about the main character and what their actions say about them, identified a favorite quote from the book and explained why they chose that quote and also drwe a sketch or symbol from the book and wrote about why it was so meaningful or memorable to the story.  We will be doing more resonses this week before beginning our study of nonfiction after Spring Break.

We have concluded our study of poetry in Writer's Workshop.  The students edited and published two of their free verse poems.  They will be on display in our hallway.  Last week, students also got to try a few different types of form poetry. 

In Social Studies, students learned about landforms and made landform books.  They also learned about producers and consumers, natural resources an also the importance of conservation.  Also, they learned a little bit about national parks.  We even took a pretend trip to Yellowstone!  After Spring Break we will be returning to Science with a unit about Solids, Liquids and Gasses!

Just a reminder that students have a short week this week.  Thursday is an early release day and Friday students do not have school.