Smith Update, 11/15

Hello Families of Fearless and Formidable Second-Graders,

I had planned a message about interesting research about math learning but it will have to wait as a quote came to mind during this past week, and certainly seems apt this weekend, and it could not be ignored: 

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots…the other, wings.” (origin unknown)

Learning about our families’ heritages and the lives of our ancestors while also being reminded of the struggle of the Pilgrims to find freedom here in America has informed the scope of our young students’ understandings. They are wide-eyed as we learn about how some of our relatives and ancestors have been world-famous chefs, Military heroes, creators of public-policy, and builders of buildings. Tracing the histories of immigration while in search of opportunity, freedom, or in escape of danger creates new discussions and opportunities to connect ideas from person to person and family to family. Thank you for helping give your children roots. 

Unfortunately, the world  seem to be engaged in the same cycle that has plagued humanity throughout history; fear and hate leading to violence leading to more fear and hate. I am so grateful to have a school such as ours, where award-winning programs like Understanding Differences and The Kindness Counts Book Club helps to teach our children the lessons that we want the world to own. We want to build empathy, compassion, advocacy for needy, and the confidence to act with wisdom and intelligence. We want to give them wings to be the leaders of their generation. Thank you for helping show your children that they can fly. 

As conferences have arrived, I look forward to sharing conversations about your learner. As always, thank you for entrusting me with your child each day. 

This Week’s Highlights

early release days all week for Parent Conferences

Phonics and word study focus

Long vowels- ing, Syllables

Reading focus

Comprehension focus: Approaching Non-Fiction Texts

Close reading: Connecting texts to questions in Non-Fiction

Book club individualized strategy lessons: Lessons created for specific skill outcomes based on individual and group needs

Focus books: Molly’s Pilgrim, Thanksgiving narratives, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Writing focus

Conventions- Spacing, Feeling ending of sentences, Periods and Capitals,

Writing skill- Planning Opinion pieces

Topical writing- Opinion pieces, Favorite of our Chris Van Allsburg author studies, Small group drama scripting “The First Thanksgiving”

Math focus

Full Math workshop

Math journal problem solving through visual models

Individualized challenges

Telling time and working with money

Social Studies focus

Ancestors

Science focus

Mrs. Minarik’s Science Lab

Homework

Daily reading and homework packet