2nd Grade News
June 7, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
As you know, Ms. Robb is retiring. Second grade and Lakeview will miss her dearly! Best wishes to Ms. Robb and thanks for everything!
In Math, we have finished our final assessments. The students used a lot of math reasoning skills. They had to define even and odd numbers and write equations to express the total number of objects in an array. Continue to work on counting money, telling time and math facts over the summer. You can make it fun by using math in daily life situations. (i.e. Have your child count out coins at a store to pay for something.)
In Science, we created animals that carry and disperse seeds. We learned so much about the importance of bees and plant life cycles.
In Reading, we have wrapped up our book series. Remember to keep reading over the summer. The South Milwaukee Public Library has a lot of wonderful events happening there!
Thank you for your support this year. Have a wonderful summer!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
May 24, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we have been learning more about even and odd numbers. We have learned that even and odd numbers either make or do not make groups of two (partners) and two equal groups (teams). Students will construct arrays that represent cube buildings with a fixed number of “rooms” on each “floor.” Students will learn to think about the number of rooms when they know the number of floors.
In Science, we are creating man-made pollinators. Students are learning pollination is the process by which the pollen inside a flower is transferred to another flower by means of animals, insects or nature. This transfer of pollen allows the plant to produce seeds and reproduce.
In Reading, we continue to build our independent reading stamina. We are also continuing our book clubs. We have been thinking about, “Why did the author end the book this way?” and “What lessons am I supposed to learn?”
Have a nice holiday weekend!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
May 17, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we have finished up another unit. We focused on fact fluency within 20. We also learned how to add and subtract three digit numbers. Our last unit of the year is called Partners, Teams and Other Groups. It focuses on the foundations of multiplication.
In Science, we have been learning about the parts of a plant and their functions. The boys and girls had a lot of fun making their large-size plant models. Next week, we will continue to observe our plants and do an experiment about what plants need to survive.
In Reading, we have been working hard in our book clubs. We will look for special language in our books. We will think about what is going on in the story and ask ourselves, “What special meaning does the author want me to get?” Students are encouraged to reread for fluency and also to help them remember important details. Students should continue to stop and jot to help them remember important information from their stories.
We are having fun with our “ABC Blast Off into 3rd Grade” calendars. Please continue to check and sign your child’s daily planner. Thank you for your support. Have a great week!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
May 10, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
We have finished MAP and PALS testing.
In Math, students will represent and solve problems involving 3-digit numbers. Students will think about how the strategy of subtracting in parts works when a hundred needs to be broken into tens and/or ten needs to be broken into ones.
235 -158 =_____
235 -100 = 135
135 - 50 = 85
85 - 8 = 77
In Science, we put seeds in a baggie with a wet paper towel. We taped the baggies to our windows. We will watch and see what happens.
In Reading, we continue to work in our book clubs. We will be learning about the author’s craft. We will look at how an author paints pictures with words and how an author uses precise words. We will start to individually assess students in reading next week.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
May 3, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
We hope everyone had an enjoyable Spring Break with their families.
In Math, we are again working with the familiar place-value model (sticker station) for adding and subtracting larger numbers (we are working with groups of hundreds, tens and ones). At home, continue to work on counting coins and telling time if your child needs extra practice. Everyone should continue to practice their fact cards. The students will be assessed on if they are able to “Fluently add and subtract within 20.” The students will be given 20 problems and our goal is to solve each problem within a slow count of 3.
In Science, we read a story called “What if There Were No Bees?” The students learned a lot about bees and how important they are. They also had a lot of fun making a bee model. We will examine seeds, plant flowers and write down our observations.
In Reading, we will continue to work in our book clubs. Ask your child to tell you about the characters in his/her book club.
Watch for the “ABC Blast Off into 3rd Grade” calendar to come home in the next Tuesday folder. It is a fun way to celebrate our second grade accomplishments and prepare for third grade!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
April 18, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
Spring Break begins Friday, April 19 and goes until Monday, April 29th. When we return...
In Math, we will focus on developing efficient strategies for solving subtracting 2 digit numbers. These strategies include keeping the first number whole and subtracting the second one in parts AND adding up by keeping one number whole and adding the second one in parts. (For example: 41- 29 could be solved by using addition: 29 + 1=30, 30 + 10 = 40, 40 + 1= 41. Of course, we will still be striving to develop fluency with addition and subtraction facts to 20.
In Science, we will begin our final unit called Investigating the Needs of Plants. We begin by studying how bees are important to the survival of plants. We will also begin planting Brassica seeds.
In Reading- We will begin our final unit. This week each student will become part of a book club that is reading a book series. We will delve into paying attention to how characters behave and how their behavior influences plot.
We hope all second grade families have a safe and fun-filled Spring Break!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
April 12, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
Spring Break begins Friday. April 19 and goes until Monday, April 29th.
In Math, we are solving comparison problems using addition and subtraction. These problems can be confusing so it is best to ask your child,”What do we know ?” and “What do we need to find out?” along with “Will the answer be more or less than the initial number?”before trying to solve the problem. We will also be learning to subtract from 100 by playing games using the 100 chart and recording our moves with equations.
In Writing, we are finishing our Poetry Unit by finishing up our final copies. Once finished, we will celebrate our poems by reading them to our friends.
In Reading- We are finishing our unit on Reading Longer Books by working in Reading Clubs. These reading clubs focus on helping each member improve in one particular reading goal. Ask your child about his/her goal and how s/he is working to improve in that area.
We hope all second grade families have a safe and fun-filled Spring Break!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
April 5, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we are beginning our final unit on Addition and Subtraction. It is during this unit that the second graders will be tested on the fluency of all their addition and subtraction facts. We will continue to practice solving word problems that involve unknown changes and to practice using efficient strrategies to solve these problems
In Writing, we are looking more closely at editing our poems so that they can be read by others. We will be practicing correcting our spelling, ending punctuation, and line breaks this week.
In Reading- We began same book partnerships this week. We are learning how to plan our reading with a partner, as well as how stop and jot at the end of each chapter to summarize the important ideas.
Please encourage your child to follow the stop and jot routine with books they read at home. It helps develop comprehension.
Please watch for a green letter regarding our upcoming plant unit!
We will need these items for Science when we return from Spring Break! Thanks for those who have already let us know which items they can send!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
March 28, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
We hope you enjoyed the Spring concert as much as we did!!
In Math, we measured and measured this week! First with an inch-brick tool (the kids made the connection to a ruler :)) And then started measuring with inches and feet. We measured the length of our classroom! That took a while, but we talked a lot about accuracy- specifically, how are errors made when measuring...
In Writing, our poems are coming along nicely! The kids are learning to capture a feeling, see things like a poet and even make comparisons in poems.
In Reading- How are the “stop and jots” coming along? Ask your child to show you when they have used this strategy. We will be working in book clubs next week, learning how to keep track of what is happening in longer books and determine what is important to a storyline.
Please watch for a green letter regarding our upcoming plant unit!
See everyone back at school Tuesday...April 2nd! Where did the time go??
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
March 22, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
We hope you enjoyed the Spring concert as much as we did!!
In Math, we spent the first week of our Measurement unit measuring with non-standard units (shoes, paper clips and craft sticks). We discussed how using these units makes it difficult to get an accurate measurement and makes comparisons difficult. We will begin using rulers next. Practice measuring small, and then larger items at home with your child to be sure they are using the ruler properly.
In Writing, we have really worked hard at becoming poets! We’ve practiced seeing things like a poet-noticing the details and specific qualities of a topic. We have written several types of poems and have been editing and publishing some of them!
In Reading, we talk a lot about “stopping and jotting” on sticky notes while we read. This strategy can be used for several purposes: remembering what we have read, stopping to think about a character’s behavior and for asking questions about what we have read. Remind your child to utilize this strategy while reading at home.
Happy Spring Break to our Second graders and their families!!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
March 15, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
We are all looking forward to the spring concert on Tuesday! Everytime the kids hear one of “their” songs being played over the loudspeaker, they light up!
In Math, we are just starting our measurement unit. Attending to precision when measuring will be a focus during this unit and we will practice measuring with many differnt tools/units.To practice at home, have your child measure small objects with inches and centimeters and compare the numbers that they get.
In Writing, we just began a poetry unit. It’s difficult for the students to write in single words and phrases when we have spent so much time talking about writing complete sentences. Shifting gears this way can be challenging, but we are enjoying our first attempts at being poets!
In Reading, we are focusing on the skills needed for reading bigger books. As readers, children have powers that we will be “amping up” throughout this unit!
Please remember to check/sign your child’s planner each and every day to help them develop responsibility as a learner!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
March 8, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
It’s March and we are ready for spring! We know March is still a very cold and snowy month, so please continue to send appropriate snow gear with your child.
In Math, we have been learning to visualize, represent and solve comparison problems. We will continue to work on developing efficient strategies to solve 2 digit addition and subtraction story problems.
In Writing, we are wrapping up our opinion writing unit. We nominated books and characters for awards! Some fun examples of awards that were given out to books we have read were: “Most Creative,” “Most Adventurous,” “Funniest Character” and “Messiest Cat Award.” We wrote our opinions on why our books deserved the award.
In Reading, we are finishing up our character study. Then we will start a new unit on Book Clubs.
Please remember to turn in the February reading calendar if you have not already done so. Thanks! It was great to meet with everyone during Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
February 22, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we have been learning a lot of new games. We have played Close to 100, Guess My Number, and Plus or Minus 10 or 100. Ask your child which games he/she likes to play and why. Your child should be able to read and write 3 digit numbers. We will continue to work on identifying the value of each digit (i.e. In 469 = there are 4 hundreds, 6 tens, and 9 ones).
In Writing, we are learning to make our opinion letters stronger, longer and more convincing! We do this by introducing the book, writing our opinions, giving reasons and by stating evidence from the book.
In Reading, we continue to discuss the importance of “stop and jots” and we learned to ask questions about what we are reading. Does your child tell you about his/her favorite character and why he/she likes that character?
Please remember to fill out the February reading calendar. Calendars are due at the end of each month. We are looking forward to meeting with you during Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
February 15, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we are reviewing many important skills. We have been counting coins, telling time and working on fact fluency within 20. These are all great activities to work on at home too! Have your child practice counting coins, telling time (ask your child what time is it and then ask him/her what time will it be in an hour), practice addition and subtraction facts within 20. Students will learn to generate two-addend combinations of 10 and the related combinations of 100 and think about the relationship between them. Students will use their knowledge of place value and known combinations of sums of 100 (20+80, 25+75, 50+50).
In Writing, we have been writing lots of letters about characters and their stories. Students are learning to give examples from texts that support their opinions. Students are encouraged to include words like also, another, because, and for example in their letters.
In Reading, we have been learning how to reread to help us retell the story. Students have learned to identify the main characters by name, describe the setting and recall important events. We also reread to develop fluency and expression.
Have a wonderful week!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
February 8, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
Thank you students and parents - our field trip was a success!
The weather cooperated and the students learned a lot and had fun.
In Math, we finished our data unit. We are back to focusing on addition, subtraction and the number system. We have been learning new games. The games focus on adding and subtracting tens and ones and making combinations of coins that equal one dollar.
In Writing, we have started our opinion writing unit. We are writing letters based on our opinions about characters. It’s a fun unit, WRITING about READING!
In Reading, we are on a new unit that focuses on getting to know characters just like they are our friends. Readers will get to know characters and have a deeper understanding of books. It is important for your child to reread stories and “stop and jot” key ideas to really understand the story. We have been talking about characters and their feelings.
We will celebrate the 100th Day of school on Monday, February 11th.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
January 18, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we started our Data Unit. In this unit, the children collect, represent and interpret data of various types. We have made picture representations and bar graphs to help us “see” the data and make observations about it. Next week, we will be collecting and interpreting “tooth data” (looking at how many teeth people have lost).
In Science, we explored the use of heat in making a mixture sticky and found out that cornstarch+water+heat= a pretty sticky glue! Next week we will be planning ways to make our glues stronger by using multiple ingredients. We are enjoying being glue engineers!!
In Reading, we are continuing our Fairy Tales, Fables and Folk Tales unit. We “stopped and jotted” about how characters act and noticed magical elements of these stories that make them come alive!
We have enjoyed reading several different versions of some traditional fairy tales too!
Upcoming:
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
January 11, 2019
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we have been working very hard on solving unknown change and unknown start problems. These are very challenging for most students. We will be assessing this unit on Friday and then moving on to our data unit on Monday. Continue to practice those combinations that your child does not know easily.
We have really enjoyed digging into our new Science unit!! This week we wrote/tested our first glue recipe! It is amazing how the kids are making connections between the ingredients we are using and how it affects the glues that they are creating!
In Reading, we have started our Fairy Tales, Fables and Folk Tales unit. We are exploring the components of these stories-character feelings, magical elements, among others.
Upcoming:
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
December 14
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we are working on learning efficient strategies for adding and subtracting two-digit numbers. In subtraction, this includes keeping the first number whole and subtracting the second by place value. It is so important that students know their addition and subtraction facts in order to use them while solving these more complex problems. Please continue to help your child learn their math facts so they can recall them quickly.
We begin a new unit in Science about the Properties of Materials this week. We will start by conducting experiments to learn about different materials, writing our observations about different materials, and reading science texts.
In Reading, we will use the skills and strategies we have learned to read nonfiction Science books about the properties of materials.
In Writing we will write our final copies of our Information books and write reflections on our Science learning this week.
Keep encouraging your child to read every day. You might also try asking your second grader to tell you one new piece of learning they found interesting in school today.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
December 7
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we will use what we have learned about place value to add 2-digit numbers by combining groups of tens and ones that will result in more efficient strategies for adding these kinds of numbers. One of these strategies include breaking numbers apart by place value. An example of this is 43 + 15 can be rewritten as 40 + 3 + 10 + 5, then these numbers can be recombined as 40 + 10 = 50, 3 + 5 = 8, and 50 + 8 = 58. So 43 + 15 = 58.
In Reading, we will practice using the main idea and supporting details of a text to summarize content and figure out how one section of a text fits in with another.
In Writing we will revise our information writing by thinking about what our readers want to know about our topic and adding descriptions that help readers picture what is happening. Descriptions also help readers stay interested in our topic.
Please continue to check the daily planner and sign it each night. Also, remember to fill in the December Book It Calendar to get a free pizza coupon and work towards a free Admirals ticket.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
November 30
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Math, we have returned to thinking about addition and subtraction. We are learning to use a place value model to represent 2 digit numbers as tens and ones. We will use place value to represent 2 digit numbers as the sum of multiples of ten and some ones. We will use this to help us learn how to break apart 2 digit numbers in order to add them by place value.
In Reading, we are continuing our study of nonfiction texts. We are identifying main ideas and supporting details and using text structures such as headings, captions, definitions and timelines to help us understand important ideas.
In Writing we are writing informational pieces that teach others something we know how to do well. We are learning to write lots of details to make our information clear, and to write interesting introductions and conclusions that summarize.
Please continue to check the daily planner and sign it each night. Also, remember to fill in the November Book It Calendar to get a free pizza coupon and work towards a free Admirals ticket. The November calendar is due December 3rd.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
November 16
Here’s what’s happening in second grade during the next 2 weeks:
In Science, we will finish our study of how the Earth’s surface changes by creating a solution to a problem caused by wind or water. We will also evaluate which solutions worked best.
In Math, we will continue learning about fractions including fourths and thirds. We will work to understand that some fractions describe more than one equal part of the same whole (⅔, ¾ ).
In Reading, we will expand our study of nonfiction books. We will choose new nonfiction topics and apply what we have learned to improve our nonfiction reading skills while working on speaking and listening skills.
We will return to Writing by beginning a unit on nonfiction writing. We will learn how to write informational books by looking at mentor texts and learning how to organize information.
Please continue to check the daily planner and sign it each night. Also, remember to fill in the November Book It Calendar to get a free pizza coupon and work towards a free Admirals ticket. The November calendar is due November 30th.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
November 9
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Science, we learned that simple things like wind and water can make changes in the Earth’s surface. We also learned that catastrophic events such as earthquakes and volcanoes can make changes as well. Next week we will explain how wind and water cause changes and what those changes may be.
In Math, we will leave the study of quadrilaterals and rectangles and move onto learning about fractions. We will start by learning that fractions are equal parts of a whole. We will divide different shapes into halves and fourths and learn how to write fractions.
In Reading, we will continue to learn how to combine information we read across two or more books to learn about a topic. This involves thinking about what has been read and finding connections between the texts that help us learn more about a topic.
Please continue to check the daily planner and sign it each night. Also, remember to fill in the November Book It Calendar to get a free pizza coupon and work towards a free Admirals ticket.The end of the first trimester will be November 20th. Report cards will go home December 7th. Thanksgiving Break begins November 21st.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
November 2
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Science, we learned how maps show the location of landforms and water on Earth. We learned that map keys show meaning of symbols on a map, and the compass rose shows the cardinal directions. Next week we will investigate ways the Earth’s surface can change.
In Math, we learned that rectangles have 4 sides and 4 right angles. Next week we will construct and describe rectangles by using square tiles put into rows and explaining how many rows are needed and how many tiles are in each row.
In Reading, we have learned how to find keywords in a nonfiction text by looking at text boxes, glossaries, bold words, and pictures. We use the keywords to build our knowledge about a topic and talk about the topic like experts. Next week we will begin to combine information we read across two books to learn about a topic.
Please continue to check the daily planner and sign each night. Also if you want to learn more about how to help your child with math, there will be several Help sessions throughout the year. Please look for a flyer to be sent home with dates and locations.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
October 26
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Science, we learned about the Earth’s surface by creating a clay globe. Next week, we will learn about the kinds of land and water found on Earth (mountains, oceans, rivers, lakes, valleys, etc.).
In Math, we have started our Geometry unit. We have discussed the differences and similarities between 2-D and 3-D shapes. We will review the names of shapes and their attributes.
In Reading, we have started our Non-Fiction unit. We are learning to read to grow knowledge and ask questions. Readers need to ask, “What is this book (and this part) trying to teach me?” Next week, students will continue to enjoy listening to and discussing the non-fiction books, Tigers and Knights in Shining Armor. Ask your child what he/she learned from these books.
Please continue to check the daily planner and sign each night. Also remember to fill in the October Book It calendar to get a free pizza coupon and work towards a free Admirals ticket. Calendars are due October 31st. Thank you and have a great week!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
October 19
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Writing, we had a celebration of our work! We went through the writing process and published one of our favorite small moments. Starting next week we will focus on one of our Science units called Earth’s Surface. Students will be introduced to different forms of land and water. It will be exciting to work with maps and go on a video tour of some national parks!
In Math, we continue to work on solving addition and subtraction story problems. Next week we will take a final assessment on this unit. The goal is to not only have students solve the problem accurately, but SHOW how they solved the problem.
In Reading, we are wrapping up our unit on fiction. The students have learned how to build their reading stamina, how to find good fit books and use their reading strategies to solve unknown words. Next week we will start to become experts on non-fiction.
The second graders are very excited - our new planners came in!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
October 12
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Writing, we will continue to work on developing our Small Moment pieces. Next week we will publish our final drafts! We are proud of how the students are developing as writers.
In Math, we continue to focus on identifying and adding up coins. Next week we will introduce students to a set of steps for solving story problems. Students should visualize the problem, retell the problem, think about the known and unknown information in the problem. Students should ask themselves, “Will there be more or less at the end of the story?”
In Reading, we continue to work on picking just right books and building reading stamina. We are working on using more than one strategy when tackling an unknown word. i.e. Look through the whole word, look for a word inside a word, check the picture clues and think, “Would that word make sense?”
Please continue to check the daily planner and sign each night. Also remember to fill in the October Book It calendar to get a free pizza coupon and work towards a free Admirals ticket!
Go Brewers!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
October 5
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
It was great to talk with everyone during parent teacher conferences. We appreciate your support!
In Writing, we will continue to work on developing our Small Moment pieces. We are learning to add more details in our writing by using powerful words and by using our senses. i.e. What did we hear, see and/or feel?
In Math, we have been working on finding combinations of ten and working with doubles. i.e . If I know 6+6=12, then 12-6=6. We will learn a new game called Collect 50 Cents. We will focus on identifying and adding up coins. Your child has added subtraction fact cards to his/her bag. Please return the cards in the backpack to school the next day because we may use them at school during math workshop.
In Reading, we continue to work on picking just right books and building reading stamina. The students have been working on looking for powerful words in their books. Students are learning to think about how the “whole story clicks together” and if there is a lesson to be learned from the story.
Don’t forget to fill in the October Book It reading calendar. Happy Fall!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
September 28
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Writing, the children are learning a great deal about good beginnings, adding details and then editing pieces we have finished. Math, we played another game called “Five in a Row,” but this time we focused on subtraction facts. Important: Please practice your child’s blue combination cards each night-5-10 minutes is good! We will continue to add combinations as the year progresses.
In Reading, we continue to work on picking just right books and reading stamina. Please alert your child’s teacher if the books they take home are too hard/too easy, so she can monitor this more closely and be sure that book bags are returned daily. We will be starting reading interventions/groups next week.
Next week, we will be getting the first set of subtraction combination cards, so practice, practice!
Conferences: Wed, Oct 3, Thurs, Oct 4
No School: Fri, Oct 5
Reminders: Please be sure to check your child’s planner page each day and initial it after homework is completed. Any assigned homework should be returned the next day. Also, the planner is a good communication tool between home and school :)
Weather is changing, be sure to dress appropriately!
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
September 21
Here’s what’s happening in second grade:
In Writing, we have been working a great deal on writing personal narrative stories where we tell about something meaningful that happened to us. We are focusing telling stories bit by bit and with strong details. Talk with your child about ideas for their stories-write those ideas in their planner! In Math, we played a game called “Five in a Row,” which gave us an opportunity to practice our facts through 10+10.
In Reading, we are still stressing good book choices. We are seeing that when appropriate books are chosen, the children are engaged and practicing. Please alert your child’s teacher if the books they take home are too hard/too easy, so she can monitor this more closely.
Next week, we will be we will be sending home our first set of math fact cards which need to be practiced daily (Hint: when a child can give the answer after a slow count to 3, they know the fact.) Make this practice fun-turn it into a game, practice with siblings, etc.
Reminders: Please be sure to check your child’s planner page each day and initial it after homework is completed. Any assigned homework should be returned the next day. Also, the planner is a good communication tool between home and school :)
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us
2nd Grade News
September 14
We had a great two weeks in Second Grade at Lakeview!!
During the first two weeks, we learned many classroom/school routines and procedures. We learned about our school behavior focus areas: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Engaged. We started our first writing unit, with a review of what the children did as first grade writers. In Math, we talked a lot about our “Math Mindset.” That is, how we view ourselves as math students. We discussed the value of making mistakes and how those mistakes help our brains grow and help us develop stamina and persistence.
In Reading, we discussed the importance of making good book choices. We grow as readers when we can practice books at our level. If they are too easy, we get bored. If they are too difficult, we get frustrated and lose interest.
Next week, we will be continuing our first Math unit, which focuses on place value and introduces students to the many different materials we will use in math.
We hope to introduce the use of Student Planners as soon as they arrive. This will be an important communication tool about homework, student behavior, etc.
Reminders: If you have not sent an art smock or any of the supplies from the second grade list, please do so as soon as possible.
Jennifer Benn: jbenn@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Maria Busalacchi: mbusalacchi@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Laurie Robb: lrobb@sdsm.k12.wi.us