The children started our first chapter in math this week, which focuses on a review of basic addition and subtraction concepts. They have been learning strategies to add facts, including using doubles facts, counting on, and making a ten. We also added QR code scavenger hunt games into math centers to help practice these skills.
In reading, the children are continuing to practice reading for longer periods of time. They are also working on monitoring their reading to check for understanding.
Teams worked hard to finish designing their communities in social studies. Once students completed all of their buildings they planned the layout of their communities and added roads, parking lots, and other features. Next, they combined what they have been learning about complete sentences to write about each of the buildings they created. Students used their writing as a script for presenting their communities to the class. They did a fantastic job with their first presentation of the year!
We started our week by creating our class mission statement. First students rotated around the room to answer four questions about school and learning. Then, we combined everyone's ideas together to create our mission. The students did a great job!
The children also made individual goals for 2nd grade.
We also continued to practice team building with a Lego challenge. Partners worked together to build "Mr. Learnie" with a given number and type of Lego pieces. Once they met the first challenge, they were able to create a new structure of their choice.
In reading, we have been reviewing how to select a book that is "just right". The children have also started to build their reading stamina by trying to read a little longer each day. During writing, we have been focusing on writing complete sentences.
Our math time has been spent reviewing our basic addition facts. Students are doing this by learning math workshop routines for centers. They have been playing partner games, working on Freckle on the iPads, and more! We will begin the first lesson of Chapter 1 on Monday.
We are beginning our year with social studies. Our first unit is on communities. The students have learned that all communities have four types of places - places to live, work, play, and solve problems. They are now working in groups to design their own communities. This week was spent working on creating a variety of buildings representing the four types of places. Next week, they will put everything together into a large map of their community.
