We left for the weekend wondering what is going to happen to our apples? Will they be mummified when we get back on Tuesday? Will the salt and sodium bicarbonate absorb all the liquid? Will they change color? I can’t wait to come back on Tuesday and observe the changes. Next week is all about making predictions and formulating hypotheses. It’s going to be a week of experiments and thinking like scientists!
Inquiry
Thinking Like a Scientist:
Last week we focused on formulating testable questions. This week we explore how to produce hypotheses, making predictions based on observable patterns (not random guessing). We will practice following written and oral instructions as we experiment with chemical reactions.
Math
Coins and Counting:
This week we will spend time practicing skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10’s and 100’s. We will learn two more math games that reinforce these concepts, which will be incorporated into our regular Math Station rotations. We will learn some skip counting songs, be sure to practice them at home, in the car, in the tub, or while waiting in line.
Reading
Reading is Thinking – Making Text-to-Text Connections:
What does it sound like when you activate your schema? Just ask a Magical Mind, they can tell you. During this month-long investigation into making connections, we will explore how we can turn our brains on to engage more fully with our books. This week we focus on connections between texts. As we begin our author study of Cynthia Rylant’s books, we will inquire into how her books are similar and different, hunting for connections as we read.
Writing
Letter Writing:
Last week we learned about the five stages of the Writing Process: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing. This week we use the writing process to write letters to friends and family to tell them all about the magic of second grade at Alta Vista. We will use our brainstorming techniques to plan for our letters. We will learn how to format letters to create quality rough drafts. If we have time we will also begin the magical process of revising our letters, adding details and descriptive language to bring our writing to life.
complete if you write your name and date and respond to the “Ticket Into Class.”
Monday
No School – JUST READ:
Find a comfy spot and read!
Tuesday
Addressing Letters:
Now that you have decided who to send your letter to, you will need to find their address. No - not their e-mail address. You will need to find their physical address because we will send these letters the old-fashioned way, through snail-mail. Ms. M will provide you with an envelope, which you must bring back to school addressed in the proper format. Don't know what the proper format is? Check out this website.
Wednesday
Reading is Thinking – Making Text-to-Text Connections:
Read for 15-20 minutes. Write down a connection you had while reading. Be sure to use the language we have been practicing: "The part about…reminded me of…"
Thursday
Math – Coin Battle:
This is a two person game. The goal is to collect all of your opponent’s coins. To start the game, each player has an equal number of random coins in a paper bag. On each round, each player pulls out ONE coin from their paper bag. The player with the highest valued coin wins and takes their opponent’s coin. This continues until one player wins ALL the coins. Ready for a challenge? Instead of drawing one coin, each player draws two (or three, or four) coins. Add up the value of your coins, and the person with the highest amount wins.
CURRENT EVENTS (in reversed alphabetical order)
The 3rd Graders will continue their presentations this week. 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.
Monday - Noah
Tuesday - Ellora
Wednesday - Zara
Thursday - Yasmeen & Enzio
Friday - Jaden and Amiya
NOTE: Please use the Sharing Preparation Sheet to help you prepare and present.
Inquiry
Thinking Like a Scientist:
Last week we focused on formulating testable questions. This week we explore how to produce hypotheses, making predictions based on observable patterns (not random guessing). We will practice following written and oral instructions as we experiment with chemical reactions.
Math
Coins and Counting:
This week we will spend time practicing skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10’s and 100’s. We will learn two more math games that reinforce these concepts, which will be incorporated into our regular Math Station rotations. We will learn some skip counting songs, be sure to practice them at home, in the car, in the tub, or while waiting in line.
Reading
Reading is Thinking – Making Text-to-Text Connections:
What does it sound like when you activate your schema? Just ask a Magical Mind, they can tell you. During this month-long investigation into making connections, we will explore how we can turn our brains on to engage more fully with our books. This week we focus on connections between texts. As we begin our author study of Cynthia Rylant’s books, we will inquire into how her books are similar and different, hunting for connections as we read.
Writing
Letter Writing:
Last week we learned about the five stages of the Writing Process: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing. This week we use the writing process to write letters to friends and family to tell them all about the magic of second grade at Alta Vista. We will use our brainstorming techniques to plan for our letters. We will learn how to format letters to create quality rough drafts. If we have time we will also begin the magical process of revising our letters, adding details and descriptive language to bring our writing to life.
complete if you write your name and date and respond to the “Ticket Into Class.”
Monday
No School – JUST READ:
Find a comfy spot and read!
Tuesday
Addressing Letters:
Now that you have decided who to send your letter to, you will need to find their address. No - not their e-mail address. You will need to find their physical address because we will send these letters the old-fashioned way, through snail-mail. Ms. M will provide you with an envelope, which you must bring back to school addressed in the proper format. Don't know what the proper format is? Check out this website.
Wednesday
Reading is Thinking – Making Text-to-Text Connections:
Read for 15-20 minutes. Write down a connection you had while reading. Be sure to use the language we have been practicing: "The part about…reminded me of…"
Thursday
Math – Coin Battle:
This is a two person game. The goal is to collect all of your opponent’s coins. To start the game, each player has an equal number of random coins in a paper bag. On each round, each player pulls out ONE coin from their paper bag. The player with the highest valued coin wins and takes their opponent’s coin. This continues until one player wins ALL the coins. Ready for a challenge? Instead of drawing one coin, each player draws two (or three, or four) coins. Add up the value of your coins, and the person with the highest amount wins.
CURRENT EVENTS (in reversed alphabetical order)
The 3rd Graders will continue their presentations this week. 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.
Monday - Noah
Tuesday - Ellora
Wednesday - Zara
Thursday - Yasmeen & Enzio
Friday - Jaden and Amiya
NOTE: Please use the Sharing Preparation Sheet to help you prepare and present.