Amphibians!

The students in 212 are becoming amphibian experts! We have talked about frogs, toads, and salamanders. Students have learned about the life cycles and characteristics of these amphibians through videos, lessons, observations, and centers. We even have visiting amphibians from the science center! Check out some photos of our amphibian unit in full bloom!

Conferences

You should have received your child's progress report on Wednesday this week.  Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns.  I have already met with some of you for conferences, but Monday is the big conference day.  Please try to be on time for your conference.  Unfortunately we only have 15 minute blocks, so we will try to stay on schedule and on time.  Thanks & See you then!

Symmetry

We spent that last two days in math discussing symmetry.  Today, the students made symmetrical designs from folding and cutting paper.  Each student made a symmetry poster with his or her designs.  They had to find the line of symmetry for each shape made.  I think they had a blast making the posters, so here are a few examples of their hard work.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend with your families.  Many students are very thankful to have you as their family and friends.  Enjoy the quality time with family.  I will be seeing most of you soon at conferences!  Please let me know if you still need a conference time or if you need another reminder.

Halloween parade

Here are a few pictures from the famous Francis Wyman Halloween Parade!

Monster Draw

Students made some great monsters for Halloween this week! By rolling a die, they found out how to construct their own monsters. Here are a few examples!

Museum Field Trip

Click here to view these pictures larger

The Magic Pot

In math this week, we read the book Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong. It is a story about a couple who find a magic pot. The magic pot doubles everything that is put inside it. We all enjoyed the story while learning to double numbers too!
As part of our doubling and story problem lessons, students made their own magic pot story problems. Here are a few examples! Look for a magic pot homework assignment next week:)

Confidentiality Meeting with Susan Astone

If you would ever like to volunteer at school or come on a field trip with us, you need to have a current CORI from central office AND you need to attend one of Mrs. Astone's confidentiality meetings.  She is having another meeting on Tuesday October 23, 2012.  The meeting will be at 8:30am if you would like to go.  
Please contact Julie Conley in the main office if you have any other questions.  She will be able to tell you if you have a current CORI and if you have attended a meeting and signed the necessary form.

Writing in Math

Students worked very hard to write their own addition story problems this week. Each child came up with a number sentence and then wrote a story problem to go with it. Everyone had a chance to share their problem with the class. The class tried solving each other's problems too! Here are just a few example of the great work!

Field Trip

Our class will be going to the Science Discovery Museum in Acton, Ma on October 23.  Please send back permission slips as soon as possible.  We are only accepting cash.  It is $16.00 for the trip.  We need chaperones to join us as well! Please come with us if you have filed a CORI and gone to a confidentiality meeting with Mrs. Astone.
Students should bring a lunch and separate snack for the trip.  We will not be back in time to buy lunch in the cafeteria.

Book Orders

Scholastic book orders went home earlier this week. Click on the tab above for online ordering information. Unfortunately, there are issues with online ordering through Safari (apple web browser.) please do not order from iPad, iPhone.
Orders are due by October 19th.

Pumpkin Science!

Mr. Musselman came to visit us today to talk PUMPKINS! We did many scientific investigations with just one pumpkin. We found out lots of interesting information. Ask your child about our pumpkin science investigation today!
•Did it sink or float?
•What are the parts of a pumpkin?
•What is inside the pumpkin?
•What do you need to make fire in a Jack-o-lantern?

Second Step

Mrs. Christiansen, our guidance counselor, came to teach her first Second Step lesson. The kids talked about reading people's feelings by looking at their facial expression.

Math Update

We have played our first math game of the year this week.  We played "Collect 25 Cents" today as a whole class and in small groups.  This game requires students to identify, count, and trade coins in order to get to twenty-five cents the fastest.  Most students are able to identify the coins, but now are working on counting money and trading for different coins.  Every student brought home game instructions.  They can teach you how to play! All you need are some coins and a number cube (die.)
This week we will also have our first "Pocket Day!"  We will try to estimate and count the number of pockets everyone is wearing.  This is a fun activity that many second graders look forward to and remember.  Our class will also learn "Plus 1 or 2 Bingo" this week.  Every second grader should be able to add 1 or 2 to a number with ease.  This game will help us to do that. 
I hope you are ready to play games and count pockets at home!!!

2nd grade book list

Here is one list (by level) that may help you to find a "Just Right" book for your second grader.
My reading class's "Just right" level should be I-K.  J is level most of them are reading with me currently, so K will be a challenge and anything lower than H will be too easy.
Leveled Book List

Open House/ Communication

  It was great to get to meet most of you at our Open House last week.  I hope you gained some insight into what we are doing here at school each day.  I feel like there were some parents/ families I didn't get to talk with.  I am very sorry for that! Please feel free to contact me and we can chat some other time.  
  I got many ideas and input from parents about homework, book lists, websites, and more!  My plan is to post some links and files in the upcoming weeks.  Please look for some suggested websites for reading and math practice at home.  Also, Under the Reading tab, I will have suggested reading lists for second graders.
  This blog is for you to use and I want it to be helpful and useful.  Please feel free to comment or email me with ideas to help me better communicate with you.
  I will be posting pictures of activities in school.  However, I want to get permission from everyone prior to posting any photos.  I will not post any photos without parental permission.  Please look for a permission slip in your child's folder soon.
 Hopefully this is the beginning of a wonderful blog!
  

Welcome!

Welcome to our class blog!  This is my first stab at blogging, so stick with me here and I should get the hang of it.  I thought this would be a great way to keep you informed with the goings on in our class.  Please leave a comment with any ideas or questions you have.  Let me know what you would like to see on my blog.