Since January we have been busy becoming better readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists. Read on for more about what we've been doing.
Math
Our main focus in January and February is geometry. We have been making sure we know our 2-D shapes and the properties/attributes of each shape such as number of sides, angles and parallel sides. We have been creating polygons on geoboards, with pattern blocks, attribute blocks and tangrams. We have also explored 3D shapes and understanding symmetrical shapes and designs.
Here are some vocabulary words we have been exploring over this month:
point - a location in space, we show a point with a dot
line segment - a straight line with 2 end points
polygon - a closed shape, made with line segments that do not cross
parallel - lines that are equidistant and will never cross
vertex- a point where 2 sides meet (we will not call them corners any more!)
Reading
What is questioning? Why should we ask questions when we read? Questioning is the topic of many reading discussions we have been having. We are emphasizing how asking questions before, during and after reading helps us understand a text better. We have also been exploring the different ways we need to frame our thinking while reading fiction and nonfiction texts. Students have been working hard to understand Non-Fiction text Features. These include: diagrams, labels, captions, glossary, bold print, and more. It is important for the students to understand the purpose of using these text features in the context of reading and writing.
Writing
“All About” is what writing is all about this month. Each child is writing a book in which he/she is an expert. We have brainstormed ideas, investigated the features of “All About” books from the library and discussed components of nonfiction texts. After practicing the features, each child will create an “All About” book about a subject on which he/she is an expert. The next step in this unit will be tying in our Social Studies curriculum as each child will make an “All About” book on a Native American tribe that he or she will research in small groups.
WIN Time
During WIN time in January all second graders have been working on some social awareness skills and how to be a “social thinker.” We have been talking about behaviors in the context of “Expected” and “Unexpected.” Mrs. Pirone, the school counselor, has come into our classrooms to talk with us about how to have “Social Smarts.” We really like our lessons with her!
Science
We have started a unit called "Changes," during which we are exploring states of matter. We first brainstormed what we already know about solids, liquids and gases and talked about the meanings of the words. We will be exploring states of matter and changes in the world around us through experiments and connections to our own lives. There are many great experiments that we will perform during this exciting science unit. The winter Big Backyard Walk also fits in perfectly with this unit as we will observe changes in water (if we get any snow). Stay tuned for updates about our experiences and experiments!