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)