Beginning Animal Research

The students took the first step in their research this week. They all chose an animal to study. We went to the Learning Center and Mrs. Duggan taught us how to find good primary sources that would help us gather the information that we will need to complete our animal research. We also began to explore online resources that they can access from the classroom blog: PebbleGo and World Book Online. Ask your child what animal they will be studying.

Reversible and Irreversible Changes

In Science, we began talking about reversible and irreversible changes in relation to liquids and solids. In doing so, we used lemonade. We observed that it was a liquid in the beginning. When it was placed in the freezer, it became a solid. After sitting in our warm classroom it became a liquid again. We concluded that this was a reversible change because the lemonade could go back and forth from a liquid to solid. 

Reminder: There is no school for students on Monday

Reminder: There is no school for students on Monday, January 21st. 

New Year - New Word Study Routines

We are starting off this new year learning new routines for word study. The students had the options of using iPads, the SMART Board, shaving cream or playing spelling basketball. Ask your child how they practiced spelling their words. 

Measuring In Math

We began unit four in math this week. This unit will focus on measuring. The students will explore a variety of tools that help them to use inches, feet and yards. They will learn to make conversions between inches and feet as well as estimate the length of a variety of objects and distances. 

Reading With Fluency

As we enter this next part of second grade, we are working on reading more fluently. Not only do we need to do this when we read aloud but also when we read in our heads. In doing so, we have discussed and practiced these skills:

• Reread aloud and in your head.
• Scoop words into longer phrases.
• Talk like the characters.
• Make your voice match the mood.
• Read with a "just-right" pace.

These are all skills that students can be practicing at home as well!

Which Candy Will Melt?

We started science with a scenario. We had to figure out which candy we would pack if we were going to camp in Florida. In doing so, we made predictions on whether or not chocolate chips, Life Savers and jelly beans would melt when placed in hot water. Ask your child about what the results were and which type of candy they would choose.