Back to School!

Wow! What a great first 2 weeks of grade 2! We have been very busy setting classroom routines and expectations and our class has done such an awesome job of settling into school.

In Math we have started exploring 2D shapes in our geometry unit. Students started by exploring how 2D shapes can be connected and joined to create larger, different shapes or even pictures. Studies have shown that understanding how pattern blocks work together and the process of manipulating shapes supports spatial awareness and improves both memory and number sense in later units. 

We will be continuing to build our vocabulary this week around 2D shapes as we compare and contrast different shapes using words like straight, curved, sides, and  corners.  It would be really helpful for you to have conversations with your child to identify and discuss shapes that they find in their everyday lives, ex. Triangles on a house, rectangles on windows, etc. and discuss how they know it’s that shape. You could say “How do you know that is a square?” which will push them to explain that the shape has 4 sides that are the same length and 4 corners etc.

In Language Arts students are building their stamina to do Read to Self in the classroom. We are practicing to stay in one spot the whole reading time, to focus on reading the words or pictures for 5-8 minutes, and to have noises off so that everyone can focus. As we are getting to know the students and where their strengths are in reading, we are trying to match learners with “Just Right/Good Fit” books. Ask your child about the 5 finger rule and how reading good fit books is like riding your bike!

Students were able to visit the Learning Commons this week for an orientation and  brought home a library book this week. We ask that the books be returned with their plastic bag and kept in the bag when not being read to help protect the books from damage. Our library exchange day will be on Wednesdays so students can return their books anytime before that day so that they can sign out new books. We are starting with just one for the first bit and students will work up to signing out 2 books each week. Home Reading will start in the next little bit so stay tuned for more info on that!

Upcoming Info:

• ·      Return your ADmazing coupon book orders when you can- Due date is Sept. 28 I believe
• ·      Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday Sept. 21  3:30-7:30 pm and Friday Sept. 22 from 8:00am -1:00 pm –you can book now on Conference Manager
• ·      No school on Friday Sept. 22 due to Parent Teacher Meetings and on Monday Sept. 25 for a Teacher Professional Learning Day.

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