Creating Timelines

In Social Studies, our students are learning about people's lives "then and now."  Part of this involves leaning about timelines.  In class, we read the story of Johnny Appleseed and used a few resources to create a timeline of his life.

Now I would like students to apply this skill to their own lives.  In class, they will work to create their own personal timeline.  I would like them to include at least 5 events in their life so far. We brainstormed several ideas in class today, and students were asked to discuss this with their families at home tonight. They may need help coming up with some events that are important to them, or the dates when those events happened (this can be the full date, the month and the year, or just the year).  Some examples of events that we discussed in class today are:

• Day they were born
• Day a little brother or sister was born
• When they learned to do an important skill (swim, ride a bike, read, play piano, etc)
• Day they started school
• A favorite vacation
• When they moved to America or to Dublin, if not born here

Students will also illustrate their timeline.  They may use drawings, images from magazines or online, or personal photos to do this.  However, if they are bringing personal photos to school, I ask that they be duplicates or small color copies of the photos so that no originals get lost or damaged.

I look forward to learning more about our students and the important event in their lives!

Building Bridges

To kick off our reading unit, "Building Bridges," students were given a fun task to complete with their teammates.  With nothing but tape, straws, and their imagination, they set to work designing and building a bridge across their desks. It took some adjustment at first, agreeing on a plan and working together to complete it. But in the end, all the bridges were unique, and every team was proud of their accomplishment.

Here are some pictures of the process. Photos of teams with their finished product will be posted in class. 

Curriculum Updates and Assessment Results

It is important for parents to know what their kids are learning in school so that they can assist or guide them as necessary, or just have a conversation about school around the dinner table.  To see what we are currently learning in class, please check the "Current Units" tab on a regular basis.  I will update it with both our units of study, as well as upcoming test dates.  This information also goes home in our monthly paper newsletter.

When it comes to tests that your child takes, per school policy, we do not send those tests home.  However, you will receive a score sheet informing you of how you child performed on the test, and you can make an appointment with me to review the test, should you have any questions.  Thank you for your support of your child's education!

Back To School Night and the Begining of RTI

Thank you to everyone who came to Back To School Night!  We had quite a crowd, and hopefully you know a bit more about what your child can expect in 2nd grade.

A question was posed about extra P.E. minutes during hot days, or days of bad weather.  In those instances, we will do P.E. in the classroom.  Still send your child to school in running shoes and with a bottle of water, as they will need both whether we are outside or in.

On another note - we will begin our first round of Response To Intervention (RTI) the week of September 5th.  This will be a quick round, with a focus on addition strategies.  Children were given an assessment on Friday which will help determine their groups.  The assessment will not affect their math grade in any way - its purpose was to inform me of your child's strengths and/or weaknesses with addition.  If you have any questions about RTI, feel free to email me or send me a message on Class Dojo.

Welcome to 2nd Grade!

I am so excited to meet you and to work with your child this year.  During the school year, I will regularly post updates about what we are doing in class, upcoming events, units of study, and student work.  Since this blog is public, I will never post identifying information about your child or our school, and I ask that you keep your comments anonymous as well.  In this way, we can ensure that this site remains a safe resource for all students and their families.

If you have questions or concerns about your child or his/her education, please contact me on my school email, and I will get back to you within 24 hours.

Below is an updated supply list for the coning year:

Backpack (please, NO wheels)
2 packs Baby Wipes 
Crayola Crayons, 24 count 
Crayola Colored Markers, 10 count 
Crayola Colored Pencils, 24 count 
4 Erasers, Large, Pink Pearl Brand 
4 Folders, Plastic Pocket, (Red, Blue, Green and Yellow) with student name in top right hand corner. 
12 Glue Sticks (Elmer’s Disappearing Purple brand) – not liquid roll on 
1 pair headphones for computers in Ziploc bag with student name 
1 set of markers, Flair Brand, Colored Pack, Fine Point (not permanent) 
1 set of markers, Flair Brand, Black, Fine Point (not permanent) 
4 Spiral notebooks, WIDE RULED 
1 Roll Paper Towels 
1 soft pencil case 
4 boxes of 12 Pencils, #2 Lead, Dixon/Ticonderoga Brand, Sharpened 
1 pair Scissors, Fiskar Brand (out of package with name in permanent pen) 
1 pkg. Bandaids 
1 box Kleenex, 175 count (GIRLS ONLY) 
1 pkg. MULTI COLOR PACK Expo White Board Markers (GIRLS ONLY) 
1 qty. Gallon Size Ziploc Bags (GIRLS ONLY) 
1 roll of painter blue tape (GIRLS ONLY) 
1 package Papermate Felt MEDIUM point Flair Pens (BOYS ONLY) 
1 pad Post-It Notes, 3” squares (BOYS ONLY) 
1 pkg. BLACK Expo White Board Markers (BOYS ONLY) 
1 qty. Quart Size Ziploc Bags (BOYS ONLY)

Thank you!

Mrs. P