I love that after making borax crystals at school, and salt crystals for homework several of the second graders begged to make sugar crystals. They are curious to know how the crystals will compare. Our classroom is brimming with curiosity. Perhaps we should start a crystal garden! Or better yet – a Question Patch. This week we begin to explore the Scientific Method, brainstorming a collection of ‘testable questions’ for future experiments. What are you wondering?
Inquiry
Thinking Like a Geologist:
We have spent a lot of time investigating what geologists study, but this week we begin to examine how geologists think. We will transition from our unit on rocks into our next unit of inquiry – Thinking Like a Scientist. As we inquire into the Scientific Method, we will focus on the concept of “testable questions.”
Math
Counters and The Number 25:
As your parents discovered at Back to School Night, we are practicing estimating the weight of rocks using scales and plastic bears. Your parents even had a chance to practice estimating how many place value blocks they used in their own building projects. This week you will continue to build your estimation skills, using a new math tool. What tool will it be? Bring your predictions to our Monday Class Meeting; it will be hiding in the WonderBox. We will also learn a new game that will challenges you to (1) make number combinations equaling 25, (2) skip count by 25’s and (3) understand the relationship between a quarter and a dollar. I call it Four Quarter Dash.
Reading
Reading is Thinking:
Now that you are choosing ‘just right’ books for ourselves, you are ready to learn some comprehension strategies. Educators have done a lot of research on what good readers do, and this week I will share with you the most important thing great readers do! They think while they read. We will talk about, and practice, turning our brains on while we read because research shows that when you activate your schema you understand books more, remember books more and therefore enjoy books more.
Writing
Brainstorming – The First Stage of the Writing Process:
How did Lois Lowry write Gooney Bird Greene? Where did her ideas come from? How did she get started? We have been discussing the art of brainstorming, and this week we investigate how it is the first step in the writing process. This week we inquire into the writing process and examine the steps authors take before publishing their work. You will continue to focus on collecting ideas, using free writing and lists.
CURRENT EVENTS (in reversed alphabetical order)
10/2 Tuesday – Dylan
10/3 Wednesday – Ben
10/4 Thursday – Yasmeen and Luci
The 3rd Graders will begin their presentations on Friday. The 2nd grade presentations will start again in November.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sharing: In second grade we take turns sharing important events, significant objects, special guests and personal creations. This is one of the ways we honor each other’s diverse experiences, cultivate meaningful conversation and celebrate community.
Week 1 Rotation:
Monday - Isa
Tuesday - Ben
Wednesday - Dylan
Thursday - Luci
Friday -Max
NOTE: Please use the Sharing Preparation Sheet to help you prepare and present
Inquiry
Thinking Like a Geologist:
We have spent a lot of time investigating what geologists study, but this week we begin to examine how geologists think. We will transition from our unit on rocks into our next unit of inquiry – Thinking Like a Scientist. As we inquire into the Scientific Method, we will focus on the concept of “testable questions.”
Math
Counters and The Number 25:
As your parents discovered at Back to School Night, we are practicing estimating the weight of rocks using scales and plastic bears. Your parents even had a chance to practice estimating how many place value blocks they used in their own building projects. This week you will continue to build your estimation skills, using a new math tool. What tool will it be? Bring your predictions to our Monday Class Meeting; it will be hiding in the WonderBox. We will also learn a new game that will challenges you to (1) make number combinations equaling 25, (2) skip count by 25’s and (3) understand the relationship between a quarter and a dollar. I call it Four Quarter Dash.
Reading
Reading is Thinking:
Now that you are choosing ‘just right’ books for ourselves, you are ready to learn some comprehension strategies. Educators have done a lot of research on what good readers do, and this week I will share with you the most important thing great readers do! They think while they read. We will talk about, and practice, turning our brains on while we read because research shows that when you activate your schema you understand books more, remember books more and therefore enjoy books more.
Writing
Brainstorming – The First Stage of the Writing Process:
How did Lois Lowry write Gooney Bird Greene? Where did her ideas come from? How did she get started? We have been discussing the art of brainstorming, and this week we investigate how it is the first step in the writing process. This week we inquire into the writing process and examine the steps authors take before publishing their work. You will continue to focus on collecting ideas, using free writing and lists.
CURRENT EVENTS (in reversed alphabetical order)
10/2 Tuesday – Dylan
10/3 Wednesday – Ben
10/4 Thursday – Yasmeen and Luci
The 3rd Graders will begin their presentations on Friday. The 2nd grade presentations will start again in November.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sharing: In second grade we take turns sharing important events, significant objects, special guests and personal creations. This is one of the ways we honor each other’s diverse experiences, cultivate meaningful conversation and celebrate community.
Week 1 Rotation:
Monday - Isa
Tuesday - Ben
Wednesday - Dylan
Thursday - Luci
Friday -Max
NOTE: Please use the Sharing Preparation Sheet to help you prepare and present