Plants

newsletter

2^nd Grade News

Dear Parents,

 

I'm really enjoying getting to know all of your children. They have all been extremely helpful, and they are working hard. It was also nice to meet many of you at parent teacher conferences. Please, feel free to drop by and say hello before or after school, and don't hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns.

 

And now, here's what's happening in the classroom:

Math

We worked on measurement concepts during my first week, and then began work in Unit 6 this past week. This unit focuses on students developing a strong understanding of the place value of ones, tens, and hundreds, and also on developing and refining their strategies for adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers.

Reading

There are several ongoing reading groups that meet several times a week. In each group we are working on decoding and comprehension skills, as well as writing in response to their reading and working on vocabulary.

Writing

We began work today on writing a report. Each student is choosing a topic that they already know a lot about to write about.

Word Study

Students continue to bring their words home to study each evening for a quiz each Friday. In addition, I am sending home one activity to complete at home each week. The completed activity is due on Thursday. Another good idea is to do a practice quiz at home on Thursday night.

Science

We are well into a unit on plant structure and growth. We have been observing and drawing bean seeds as they germinated and developed roots and shoots in clear cups. Last week we transplanted them into soil in pots, and are continuing to observe and draw the plants as well as measure them. We are also conducting seed germination experiments. As a whole class we tested out the question: Do seeds germinate best in a moist or dry environment? This week we will brainstorm other germinating conditions to test out, and pairs of students will set up and conduct their own experiments after vacation.

 

This should be an exciting “spirit week” leading up to April vacation. I hope you all have a great week!

 

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Tormey

Baby Raynor

Baby Raynor has arrived!
Everett Hugh Raynor
April 2nd @ 4:47 pm 7 lbs .04 oz 19.5 inches long! Everyone is happy and healthy.
A BIG thank you to all the Calais staff, students, and families for all their well wishes and generous gifts.
With love,
Mrs. Raynor, Mr. Raynor, and Everett

Measurement

The second graders exploring measurement concepts last week and getting to know Mrs. Tormey!