Hello families!
We read the books Paperboy by Dave Pilkey and A Chair for my Mother by Vera B. Williams this week. Both books are good examples of realistic fiction. We read the books to look for the features of realistic fiction and to discuss the idea of empathy. Using the carefully chosen words in the Paperboy we tried to imagine a cold, dark morning getting out of a snuggly, warm bed to go deliver papers while the rest of our family slept! We tried to imagine how we would feel if all the things we liked were destroyed in a house fire, like the characters in A Chair for my Mother.
We worked on our Realistic Fiction stories in writing. We practiced different ways to start our stories with action, talking or "setting a scene." Our writing has really taken off in this unit. Students are spending more time on one piece instead of writing many short pieces as we did in our Small Moments unit.
For phonics this week we worked on silent e, words ending in y, and onset/rime.
In math we are continuing on in Unit 3. We have been working on addition and subtraction strategies. We learned to play the game "Salute" to practice missing addends. We worked on subtraction number stories and more adding with double ten frames. The Unit 2 math test came home, please sign and return after reviewing with your child.
In science we furthered our exploration of air. We made parachutes and floated them while standing on our chairs. We observed air filling up the paper napkins. We also discussed that the air is on top and all around a parachute as it falls to the ground. We read the book Bubbles float, Bubbles pop! We learned the reasons bubbles pop. Mrs. Scheck handed out bubble gum after the experiment to try making bubbles at home.
Our first field trip note went home on Wednesday. Thank you to the many offers to chaperone our trip. I have enough chaperones for this trip. If you have not sent in money or permission slips, they are due by Friday, December 1st.
Next week is Thanksgiving, therefore there is no school on Thursday the 24th or Friday the 23rd.
Have a wonderful holiday with your child!
Conferences are December 14th. Please schedule to meet with me by logging onto Skyward. I am looking forward to share your child's success with you!
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Scheck
Friday, November 17, 2017
Friday, November 3, 2017
October 30-November 3
Hello families,
This week in room 105 we have been enjoying the beginning of a few science unit, wrapping up our Small Moments writing unit, nearing the end of math Unit 2 and working on word endings in phonics.
In reading this week we read the story Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door. In this story the squirrels and the birds team up to solve a problem together. A cat has moved in next door and he has been ambushing the squirrels and bothering the birds. We learned that characters solve many problems in books. Some common steps to problem solving we discovered were: meeting, planning, carrying out a plan and moving on.
In phonics we worked on suffixes -ed, -s, es. We learned the different ways to make a word plural. We sort the sounds -ed can make at the end of a word.
In writing we worked this week on editing a favorite small moment. We reviewed to put capitals at the start of sentences, periods (question marks, exclamation points) at the end of sentences, use quotation marks for talking, and how to take out or insert words. Our writing has improved so much! We will begin a new unit on Realistic Fiction at the end of next week.
In math we learned name collection boxes, how to play "name that number" and odd and even numbers, writing number models to express odd and even addends.
In science, we worked with air underwater. We predicted what would happen if we pushed a vial into the water and if the paper towel in the water would stay dry. We moved a plastic foam ball under water with the vial. So we've learned air moves things even under water!
We will continue our adventures in learning next week!
Mrs. Scheck
This week in room 105 we have been enjoying the beginning of a few science unit, wrapping up our Small Moments writing unit, nearing the end of math Unit 2 and working on word endings in phonics.
In reading this week we read the story Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door. In this story the squirrels and the birds team up to solve a problem together. A cat has moved in next door and he has been ambushing the squirrels and bothering the birds. We learned that characters solve many problems in books. Some common steps to problem solving we discovered were: meeting, planning, carrying out a plan and moving on.
In phonics we worked on suffixes -ed, -s, es. We learned the different ways to make a word plural. We sort the sounds -ed can make at the end of a word.
In writing we worked this week on editing a favorite small moment. We reviewed to put capitals at the start of sentences, periods (question marks, exclamation points) at the end of sentences, use quotation marks for talking, and how to take out or insert words. Our writing has improved so much! We will begin a new unit on Realistic Fiction at the end of next week.
In math we learned name collection boxes, how to play "name that number" and odd and even numbers, writing number models to express odd and even addends.
In science, we worked with air underwater. We predicted what would happen if we pushed a vial into the water and if the paper towel in the water would stay dry. We moved a plastic foam ball under water with the vial. So we've learned air moves things even under water!
We will continue our adventures in learning next week!
Mrs. Scheck
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Halloween Party!
Dear families,
We had so much fun at our Halloween party! Thank you for all the parents who were able to volunteer! Please enjoy the photos and thanks again for a wonderful party!
We had so much fun at our Halloween party! Thank you for all the parents who were able to volunteer! Please enjoy the photos and thanks again for a wonderful party!
Friday, October 27, 2017
Oct. 23-27
Hello families,
Just a few notes from this week...
In reading we read the story Those Darn Squirrels. We discussed the different view points in the story and wrote about them. We learned the vocabulary words: furious and delighted.
In writing, we used powerful and precise words in our small moments. We brainstormed synonyms for mad, happy and sad. We will meet with partners today and work on revising.
In math we have been working on addition and subtraction number stories.
We will begin science today! Our unit on Air and Weather will be fun. We will begin by exploring air. We will start observing and recording the weather.
Our Halloween party is on Tuesday. The parade begins at 10:45, hope to see you there!
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Scheck
Just a few notes from this week...
In reading we read the story Those Darn Squirrels. We discussed the different view points in the story and wrote about them. We learned the vocabulary words: furious and delighted.
In writing, we used powerful and precise words in our small moments. We brainstormed synonyms for mad, happy and sad. We will meet with partners today and work on revising.
In math we have been working on addition and subtraction number stories.
We will begin science today! Our unit on Air and Weather will be fun. We will begin by exploring air. We will start observing and recording the weather.
Our Halloween party is on Tuesday. The parade begins at 10:45, hope to see you there!
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Scheck
Thursday, October 19, 2017
October 16-20
Hello families!
We read Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise this week. In this story we discussed the character traits: bold and cautious. We learned the new vocabulary word detect (Mom can detect my homework from under my bed!). We also worked on predicting what would happen in this story based on prior knowledge about Mercy's actions in other stories we have read about her.
In writing this week we discussed and tried out several craft moves, similar to Jane Yolen in the book Owl Moon. We tried out using sound words, comparisons and repeating phrases to help our readers see, hear and feel what we were experiencing in our small moments. Next week we work toward revising our stories to share with other second graders here at Wixom.
In math this week we have been focusing on addition strategies. We have reviewed doubles facts, making ten, helper facts, and the turn around rule.
This week in Social Studies we discussed and wrote about Wants versus Needs. Needs are air, water, food, clothing and shelter. Wants are everything we would like to have, but do not need to survive. We also read the book City Green to discover more about urban communities. We have now completed Unit 1. We reviewed the study guide in order to prepare for the assessment. We will be taking the test for unit one on Friday, October 20th. Our next unit of Social Studies will be on maps.
Science kits have arrived... we are gearing up to begin science next week! We will be studying Air and Weather. Experiments will be conducted in class and we will be keeping notes and writing about what we observe in class.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Scheck
We read Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise this week. In this story we discussed the character traits: bold and cautious. We learned the new vocabulary word detect (Mom can detect my homework from under my bed!). We also worked on predicting what would happen in this story based on prior knowledge about Mercy's actions in other stories we have read about her.
In writing this week we discussed and tried out several craft moves, similar to Jane Yolen in the book Owl Moon. We tried out using sound words, comparisons and repeating phrases to help our readers see, hear and feel what we were experiencing in our small moments. Next week we work toward revising our stories to share with other second graders here at Wixom.
In math this week we have been focusing on addition strategies. We have reviewed doubles facts, making ten, helper facts, and the turn around rule.
This week in Social Studies we discussed and wrote about Wants versus Needs. Needs are air, water, food, clothing and shelter. Wants are everything we would like to have, but do not need to survive. We also read the book City Green to discover more about urban communities. We have now completed Unit 1. We reviewed the study guide in order to prepare for the assessment. We will be taking the test for unit one on Friday, October 20th. Our next unit of Social Studies will be on maps.
Science kits have arrived... we are gearing up to begin science next week! We will be studying Air and Weather. Experiments will be conducted in class and we will be keeping notes and writing about what we observe in class.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Scheck
Fun at the Color Run!
Friday, October 13, 2017
October 9-13
Hello families,
Second graders are moving right along in our class!
In reading this week we read the book Mercy Watson Fights Crime. In this book Mercy helps to stop a thief who tries to steal the Watson's toaster. We discussed the vocabulary word certain. We wrote about how Mercy was a problem solver in the story.
In writing this week I introduced a writing checklist that students are using to set goals for their writing. We have been writing small moments for a few weeks now. We will continue to go back and revise our pieces next week and examine how authors use craft moves.
In math we have begun Unit 2. We started working with groups of 10 and practiced exchanging money for 10's and 100's. We reviewed number stories and discussed addition strategies. The unit 1 math test came home with your child this week. Unit 1 reviewed all the concepts taught in First Grade. If you have not already done so, please look over your child's test with him or her. Sign and return the test to school.
In Social Studies, we made community circles that show "Where I'm At on the Map." The circles are on display outside our classroom. We read the book Me on the Map. We also learned three different types of communities. We read the book Little House. In the story Little House starts out in a rural community, then it turns into a suburban community, at the end the house is surrounded by an urban community. We watched a quick video explaining all three communities. Then we worked in groups to make lists of what we learned about the three different types of communities.
A study guide for our Unit 1 Social Studies test will go home on Monday. Your child will work on it at home and it is due on Thursday. We will review the study guide in class and have an assessment on Friday, Oct. 20th.
Our first Science unit will begin next week. We will be studying Air and Weather.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Scheck
Second graders are moving right along in our class!
In reading this week we read the book Mercy Watson Fights Crime. In this book Mercy helps to stop a thief who tries to steal the Watson's toaster. We discussed the vocabulary word certain. We wrote about how Mercy was a problem solver in the story.
In writing this week I introduced a writing checklist that students are using to set goals for their writing. We have been writing small moments for a few weeks now. We will continue to go back and revise our pieces next week and examine how authors use craft moves.
In math we have begun Unit 2. We started working with groups of 10 and practiced exchanging money for 10's and 100's. We reviewed number stories and discussed addition strategies. The unit 1 math test came home with your child this week. Unit 1 reviewed all the concepts taught in First Grade. If you have not already done so, please look over your child's test with him or her. Sign and return the test to school.
In Social Studies, we made community circles that show "Where I'm At on the Map." The circles are on display outside our classroom. We read the book Me on the Map. We also learned three different types of communities. We read the book Little House. In the story Little House starts out in a rural community, then it turns into a suburban community, at the end the house is surrounded by an urban community. We watched a quick video explaining all three communities. Then we worked in groups to make lists of what we learned about the three different types of communities.
A study guide for our Unit 1 Social Studies test will go home on Monday. Your child will work on it at home and it is due on Thursday. We will review the study guide in class and have an assessment on Friday, Oct. 20th.
Our first Science unit will begin next week. We will be studying Air and Weather.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Scheck
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Week of October 2-6
Hello wonderful families!
This week in Second grade we have been reading a chapter book called Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo. The main character is a pig that lives with people. Mercy gets herself into trouble one night when she tries to sleep in bed with her owners. We are reading the book and discussing reading strategies and retelling the story chapter by chapter, with details!
We have now completed I-Ready state mandated testing for reading and math. Students worked very hard on the tests. I can now begin reading groups. Some children may be bringing home books for at home practice. Please be sure to listen to your child read the book and have them return the book the next day.
Your child may have a some writing to do with the book or a word to practice, please work with him or her to complete this if necessary!
We have been working all week on compound words and how to make them without a space in the middle. We talked about how two words just can't be put together to make a compound word like duckpen. A compound has to make sense!
In math, we have reached the end of unit 1. The study guide went home yesterday and is due on Monday, Oct. 9th. Many study guides were already returned today! I will be reviewing concepts today and tomorrow, please spend time at home on anything that was difficult and let me know so I can help your child be successful at school on the test. A unit 2 math family letter will come home soon! Please keep the letter as it holds the answers the home links for that unit.
In social studies we are working on defining a community and exploring what a neighborhood is! We will be sending home an assignment next week for your child to learn his or her address and phone number. Please work on this at home, it is a good thing for every child to know!
In writing this week we have worked on making our small moments more detailed. We are working on showing feeling and thinking in our writing. We will begin revising a small moment soon to fancy it up!
Tomorrow is the Funky Fall Fund walk! We are looking forward to walking at 2:30 p.m. Your child will want to wear a white t-shirt that you do not mind them getting dirty!
The fall book order has arrived! Thank you for ordering books for your child, everyone in class received a free book and we were able to order many books for the class to read and use in school with the points that you helped up earn!
Have a wonderful day,
Mrs. Scheck
This week in Second grade we have been reading a chapter book called Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo. The main character is a pig that lives with people. Mercy gets herself into trouble one night when she tries to sleep in bed with her owners. We are reading the book and discussing reading strategies and retelling the story chapter by chapter, with details!
We have now completed I-Ready state mandated testing for reading and math. Students worked very hard on the tests. I can now begin reading groups. Some children may be bringing home books for at home practice. Please be sure to listen to your child read the book and have them return the book the next day.
Your child may have a some writing to do with the book or a word to practice, please work with him or her to complete this if necessary!
We have been working all week on compound words and how to make them without a space in the middle. We talked about how two words just can't be put together to make a compound word like duckpen. A compound has to make sense!
In math, we have reached the end of unit 1. The study guide went home yesterday and is due on Monday, Oct. 9th. Many study guides were already returned today! I will be reviewing concepts today and tomorrow, please spend time at home on anything that was difficult and let me know so I can help your child be successful at school on the test. A unit 2 math family letter will come home soon! Please keep the letter as it holds the answers the home links for that unit.
In social studies we are working on defining a community and exploring what a neighborhood is! We will be sending home an assignment next week for your child to learn his or her address and phone number. Please work on this at home, it is a good thing for every child to know!
In writing this week we have worked on making our small moments more detailed. We are working on showing feeling and thinking in our writing. We will begin revising a small moment soon to fancy it up!
Tomorrow is the Funky Fall Fund walk! We are looking forward to walking at 2:30 p.m. Your child will want to wear a white t-shirt that you do not mind them getting dirty!
The fall book order has arrived! Thank you for ordering books for your child, everyone in class received a free book and we were able to order many books for the class to read and use in school with the points that you helped up earn!
Have a wonderful day,
Mrs. Scheck
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