Update, 4/17

Hello Fantastic Families,

Our young scientists are moving on from studies of habitats (though writing on the subject continues) into studying the various types and characteristics of plants found in differing habitats. To coincide with this study, we are planting crops in the school garden, observing and recording data related to seeds, flowers, and seed dispersion, designing our own experiments about the growth of plants, and taking a field trip to a nearby urban farm. 

Mathwork has two main emphases at the moment.

 First, we are working on using larger quantities with a variety of problem solving strategies. As I have emphasized in the past, second grade is a time to solidify understanding of how bace ten and place value concepts interplay. Because of this, many experiences problem solving different types of problems are necessary with the onus to demonstrate understanding not only with answers but with communication of chosen strategies. For example, one student might solve a Join: change unknown problem might be solved by counting on from the smaller of numbers towards the larger by like units, then place value units might be joined together. The same problem could be solved by subtracting the like units from one another to see where the change occurred. 

The second emphasis point we will be working on through the end of the year is to build fluency with very simple addition and subtraction. These are concepts that are well understood, now we must commit them to rapid recall or solution-finding. You can help with this by using one of the many online games that can be played for simple recall or by just doing some quick recall games in the car while driving. This does not need to be stressful, just a bit of extra practice to go along with the extra practice we are beginning in class. 

I am itching to begin a rich author study that I have planned. Byrd Baylor is an author who expresses depth and complexity in relationships between humans and nature with clean, concise text and beautiful linear illustrations. We will be exploring her works and her style in late April and into May. Look for some art and writing to come as we work through her texts. 

I am out tomorrow at a district meeting. Please give the kids my best and give thanks for their amazing little selves. 

Best,

 Andrew Smith

Teacher, Del Mar Heights School

This Week’s Highlights

4/18-22

Phonics and word study focus

-synonyms

Reading focus

Comprehension focus: Non-Fiction Texts: habitats, plants, ecology

Close reading: Non-Fiction, magazine articles

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

Focus books: plants and ecology

Writing focus

Conventions- Spacing, Feeling ending of sentences, Periods and Capitals, Commas in a series, Indentation

Writing skill- structure of multiple-paragraph essays, transitions and high-interest topic sentences in expository writing

Topical writing- multiple paragraph essays, habitats

Fiction- continue workshop for Magic Medicine Narrative

Math focus

Full Math workshop

Math journal problem solving through visual models

Individualized challenges

Word Problem solving, larger numbers in addition and subtraction

Fluency work

Social Studies focus

Earth day

Science focus

Plants

Homework

Daily reading, homework packet, and optional online work (razkids, rosetta stone, dreambox, typing club)

Field Trip Follow-up

Hello Fantastic Families,

After an enlightening field trip today I thank those who chaperoned and offer appreciation for the very fine attention that our students gave to our presenters. Please compliment your children.

As part of the field trip we were given time to use our creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking in purposeful play with reusable and repurposed materials. The “play” session consisted mainly of kids interacting with each other and their materials in multi-modal, dynamic ways. Safety was, as always, a priority through the play session. There were opportunities for problem solving, engineering enterprise, negotiations, and collaborations. Labyrinths that referenced Mythology were created while models of imaginative launching machines and semi-realistic gymnastics studios took form. In the end, the “play” sessions reminded us that in a world dominated by schedules and absolutes, it is important to empower the innovative and collaborative internal lives of our children through invitations to create. 

In class we have done this with many STEAM+ activities, the most recent of which challenged our students to use what they had learned through research about a given habitat, create that habitat in a manner that represented the key concepts found therein in teams, and present their learning and project to educate others. 

Perhaps there is even more room to be made in out-of-school life for the benefits of play. Something to think about as you read through articles and papers that refer to play as a key educational tool that helps students construct a vision of themselves and functional tools of creators in a broad sense. 

Hello and Checking-in!

Hello Fantastic Families,

As we reach the midpoint of our week of spring vacation I wish you many enjoyable hours with family. As an enticement for time spent well, I encourage you to try out a visit to our local tide pools this week. Afternoon tides should be very good. I’ve attached the local tide chart so you can plan your visit prudently.  My favorite local tide pools are just north of us at Tabletop Reef in Solana beach (101 North, exit into seaside park with large lot just after descending the hill into Cardiff. The tide pools are to the south of the parking lot. Alternatively, you can turn West on Solana Vista then park at the top of the coastal stairs, descend and head north a bit.) Tide pools can be slippery so you may want to wear water shoes of some type (not flip-flops), bring a towel, and a curious mind. Have fun!

As well, please be sure your child is reading wonderful books daily! Here’s a visit to the Roald Dahl website to explore with your young reader as well. 

I look forward to sharing our days at our fantastic school once again next week!