Inquiry
It’s Written in the Stars – Observing the Night Sky:
This week the second graders begin a magical journey through outer space. In this unit we will explore patterns in the stars, the movement of the planets, seasons, telescopes and the phases of the moon. In this introductory week, we will focus on developing questions to be answered over the next few weeks. We will begin with observations of the night (and day) sky, as well as developing some possible explanations (hypothesis) for what we see.
Math
Time:
In the upcoming weeks, the Magical Minds will explore how the movement of the Earth and moon inform our concepts of time. We will build calendars, sundials and even our own clocks as we investigate the patterns within time. This week we focus on the question, “How do we know what time it is?” The Magical Minds will use what they know about time to create a calendar to keep track of the moon.
Reading
Nonfiction Text Elements:
During our Outer Space unit, the Magical Minds will eventually complete a research project, and this week we begin by investigating the difference between fiction and nonfiction. We will focus on identifying and using different text elements found in nonfiction books, such as a table of contents or an index.
Writing
Cultivating a Writing Practice:
The second graders have clearly grown into magical authors, creating funny, entertaining and quirky stories for our latest Author’s Chair. Soon these magical authors will be writing nonfiction books, but it is important they have time and support to continue to grow as storytellers. This week we help the second graders develop a writing practice that will give them the structure and joy they need to continue as successful authors.
Word Study
Compound Words:
Successful readers recognize smaller words within big words. They learn to separate words into meaningful chunks that they can piece together in order to make sense of a text. This week we look at words the combine to create new words, such as football, basketball, armband and headband. The Magical Minds will have a chance to create their own board game using the words they are studying.
Current Events Schedule (in alphabetical order)
Check out our collection of kid-friendly news resources.
The Magical Minds will pick up on Current Events on Tuesday, February 28th with Alexis.
Announcements
Field Trip (Thursday): We are going to the Exploratorium on Thursday, February 23rd. We will leave in the morning and return before the end of school. Please pack your child a portable lunch and help them dress in comfortable shoes and layers.
Sharing (Tuesdays): Each week one child shares a Passion Project. Passion Projects are MADE BY the Magical Minds and are about something they care about, something that is important to them. This week Kaya will share at Tuesday’s class meeting.
It’s Written in the Stars – Observing the Night Sky:
This week the second graders begin a magical journey through outer space. In this unit we will explore patterns in the stars, the movement of the planets, seasons, telescopes and the phases of the moon. In this introductory week, we will focus on developing questions to be answered over the next few weeks. We will begin with observations of the night (and day) sky, as well as developing some possible explanations (hypothesis) for what we see.
Math
Time:
In the upcoming weeks, the Magical Minds will explore how the movement of the Earth and moon inform our concepts of time. We will build calendars, sundials and even our own clocks as we investigate the patterns within time. This week we focus on the question, “How do we know what time it is?” The Magical Minds will use what they know about time to create a calendar to keep track of the moon.
Reading
Nonfiction Text Elements:
During our Outer Space unit, the Magical Minds will eventually complete a research project, and this week we begin by investigating the difference between fiction and nonfiction. We will focus on identifying and using different text elements found in nonfiction books, such as a table of contents or an index.
Writing
Cultivating a Writing Practice:
The second graders have clearly grown into magical authors, creating funny, entertaining and quirky stories for our latest Author’s Chair. Soon these magical authors will be writing nonfiction books, but it is important they have time and support to continue to grow as storytellers. This week we help the second graders develop a writing practice that will give them the structure and joy they need to continue as successful authors.
Word Study
Compound Words:
Successful readers recognize smaller words within big words. They learn to separate words into meaningful chunks that they can piece together in order to make sense of a text. This week we look at words the combine to create new words, such as football, basketball, armband and headband. The Magical Minds will have a chance to create their own board game using the words they are studying.
Current Events Schedule (in alphabetical order)
Check out our collection of kid-friendly news resources.
The Magical Minds will pick up on Current Events on Tuesday, February 28th with Alexis.
Announcements
Field Trip (Thursday): We are going to the Exploratorium on Thursday, February 23rd. We will leave in the morning and return before the end of school. Please pack your child a portable lunch and help them dress in comfortable shoes and layers.
Sharing (Tuesdays): Each week one child shares a Passion Project. Passion Projects are MADE BY the Magical Minds and are about something they care about, something that is important to them. This week Kaya will share at Tuesday’s class meeting.