This Week: January 23rd-27th

This week I took a lot of pictures so I'll let them show you what we have been up to instead of writing a long narrative.  Enjoy!

Chinese New Year Assembly

Lion Dance

It's The Year of the Dragon!

Calendar Update

Student observations of the calendar so far

Hard to see but we labeled each flag: 1/2 Red, Less Than 1/2 Red and More Than 1/2 Red

A student analyzed the similarities between flags 

Art Lesson #2

Our fabulous art teacher in action!

Students listening intently to the instructions.d

Adding lines and shapes to create a Miro inspired piece.

She is using the tip of her brush to create very thin black lines.  So cool!

Amazingly colorful circles 

These are some really focused artists.


Venn Diagram Partner Work

Comparing two cookies using a Venn diagram 

 

We know how to work together !

Adding ideas to the class diagram 

This Week: January 16th-20th

It's been another busy week in 2nd grade! Below is a quick update of what we have been up to.  
Don't forget to check the top tabs for the up to date calendar and homework assignments.  


Math
We just finished the third unit in our math program.  We will be completing our post assessments next week to find out how well we are doing with our addition and subtraction facts to 20.  
Next we will be exploring shapes, symmetry, and area.  


January Calendar
This month our calendar features flags from different countries all over the world.  It has created lots of interesting discussion throughout the month.  We have looked for the countries on the map and when we couldn't find them went to Google to search them out.  The kids have been loving it!  
I wondered for awhile what the math connection was with these calendar pieces?  Usually there is some kind of pattern to be identified.  The kids haven't figured it out yet.  What patterns do you see? I'll give you a hint, it has to do with the color red.

The January calendar so far

Our world map with pins for some of the countries on our calendar pieces.
 

Art Lesson # 1 

Thanks to the volunteer teacher and volunteer helpers that make our art program possible for our students! 

Take a look at everyone working hard in the art room. 

Inspiration for this lesson: Joan Miro

Waiting patiently to get started

Finally getting started 

Hard at work painting the solid color background 

Next week we will add lines, shapes and primary colors to create our Miro inspired masterpieces! 

Next week, I hope to have more pictures of art and some from the Chinese New Year assembly.  

Enjoy the weekend! 

Lindsay Cornet

This Week: January 9-13

This week we have been working hard!  We have a lot to do before report cards come out in the beginning of February.  Here is a quick update of what we have been working on in the different subject areas.


Math: We are still practicing our math facts to 20.  The goal by the end of second grade is to master these facts with automaticity.  We are learning strategies during our lessons and applying them during Work Places.  Work Places are sets of math games created to reinforce the skills in our daily lessons.  They typically change every two weeks and the students love them! Many of the games that come home in homework are similar to games from Work Places.  


Reading:  We are almost to the halfway point in our reading program.  There are a total of six units and next week we will be finishing unit three.  So you ask, what do we have left to cover?  
Quite a bit actually.  
In unit four, we will be working on the following:
Phonics 

• Diphthongs: ou, ow, oi, oy
• Irregular vowel patterns
• Decoding multisyllabic words 

Fluency 

• Reading aloud with expression
• Attending to punctuation

Vocabulary

• Using word structure to figure out meaning
• Using context clues to figure out meaning of unfamiliar words
• Understanding antonyms and synonyms  
• Using dictionaries to learn definitions

Comprehension

• Using graphic organizers to focus on text structure
• Recognizing text structure: story or information
• Generating questions 
• Summarizing 
• Comparing and contrasting
• Fact and opinion 
• Plot and plot structure 
• Themes 

Writing:  This week we started working on personal narratives.  For our purposes, personal narratives are stories about our lives.  It could be a small everyday happening or a life changing event.  So far, each student has created a list of personal narrative ideas, planned their story with illustrations, and completed a graphic organizer.  Next week, we will be using our graphic organizers to write our personal narratives.  Ask your kiddo what they chose to write about! 


Art: Don't forget, the parent led art program starts next week! Art for our class will be on Tuesday afternoons from 1:45-2:45 in the art room.  There is a link on the sidebar to the Volunteer Spot website where you can sign up to help out.  


Next week, I'll have some updates including science, the Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Awards and  hopefully some pictures from art.  


Have a great long weekend!


Lindsay Cornet 

Friday Math Games

On Fridays, when our math lessons for the week are complete, we often play math games.  In our class, "Math Games," are any games that require higher order thinking skills, problem solving and strategic thinking.   During this time, students engaged in a variety of board games, card games and games of strategy. Some games are designed for individuals and others for cooperative learning. The students look forward to choosing favorite games and trying new ones each week.  

Take a look at math games in action:

Mancala 

Rush Hour: a student favorite 

Izzi

Chess

A student focused on his Rush Hour strategy.

Blokus 

Triominos 

Welcome Second Grade Families & Students

Welcome to our new class blog! I hope this will become a great place to find out what's happening in room 12. This is my first attempt at blogging so bare with me as I learn all about it.
Mrs. Cornet