Thursday, November 7, 2013

Reading and Language Arts

Next week we will read aloud Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes.  It is about two mice, Chester and Wilson, who are best friends. They share the same ways of doing things, until one day Lilly moves into the neighborhood. 

Comprehension Focus
-Students make inferences to understand characters
-Students informally explore text structure in narrative texts, including character and plot
-Students read independently

Social Development Focus
-Students take responsibility for their learning and behavior
-Students develop the group skill of explaining their thinking

Vocabulary Words
-prepare
-embarrass
-grip
-huddle

Reading Logs  Second graders are expected to read 20 minutes each night. Please help your child record their minutes in their November reading folder. Reading log folders should be returned to school at the end of the month after reading for 21 days. 

Spelling Look for your child's word sort to come home on Tuesday. Please keep the Weekly Spelling Activity Card in your child's green folder when they have completed the nightly activity. Students are being asked to choose a different activity from the Weekly Spelling Activity Card to complete each night (Mon-Thurs) to help them master their spelling words for the week. Once your child has completed the activity, please fill out the spelling homework sheet, indicating which activity they chose, initial it, and have them return it the following day. This will help them prepare for the assessment on Friday. 

Math We will finish Chapter 4, Number Concepts and Patterns, with a chapter test on Tuesday. Our next chapter is Exploring 2-Digit Addition. Students will use mental math to add on multiples of 10, and model 2-digit addition, with and without regrouping. 

Flash Cards  Students should be practicing their addition and subtraction facts with their flash cards. Weekly timed tests are given.

Here is a website where you can make fact worksheets   http://www.mathfactcafe.com/build/

Science  We are learning what causes sound and how sound is made. We did an investigation on how sound is made. Ask your child about it. 

Social Studies We will begin the unit Our Country Long Ago. Students will learn about the beginning and growth of our country. They will be introduced to the Native American groups, early settlers who came from Europe, and explorers who led the way for westward expansion. Next week we will be learning about the ways of life of three Native American groups. 

*****************************************************************Star Student of the Week  Owen was our star student of the week. When he is at school he enjoys math and recess. When he is at home he likes to read, play outside, and help his mom. When he grows up he would like to be a police officer. Owen is a star because he loves his family and he shares. Thanks for sharing Owen!

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Important Dates & Announcements

November Dates to Remember   

 8 - No School - PT Conferences

11 - Veteran's Day - No School

14 - Second Grade Concert @6:45pm, Lakeview

20 - Early Dismissal Day - 12pm
21 - Concert DVD Order form due

26 - Report Cards sent home

27-29 Thanksgiving Break - No School

December Dates to Remember

17 - Early Dismissal Day - 12pm
20 - Classroom Holiday Parties
23 - Holiday Break