NWEA testing

This week, our 2nd graders took two NWEA assessments in both reading and math.  I couldn’t be more proud of these kids, for the effort that they put forth on these assessments.   These tests require students to have a certain set of computer and test-taking skills, which they have not yet had a chance to fully develop.  We will utilize these data points to inform instruction, but will also take into account that this is the first time they have experienced this kind of testing.  If you have any questions regarding your second graders experience or performance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Spelling

This week, your second grader will bring home their first spelling homework.  Remember, we will take a pretest at the beginning of the day, and their words will be highlighted at the bottom of the homework menu page.  This week, all students will have list A highlighted.  I haven’t had a chance to get to know this class well enough, as spellers, to send home modified lists.  If this feels like too much for your 2nd grader, please send me a note, and we will modify.  If it is feeling too easy, feel free to practice a few list B words.  In the upcoming weeks, I will be sending modified lists, please monitor their practice at home, and ALWAYS contact me if their lists seem too challenging or too easy.  As always, thanks for supporting your second graders’ learning, at home!

Reminder – I only ask for the following page to be signed and returned each week.  I do not need each of the activities to be handed in.  Thanks!

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Multiple Intelligences!

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This week, we talked about multiple intelligences.  This was introduced to the kids as “smarts”.  We talked about how there are certain things that feel easier, and we certainly have areas that feel a little more challenging.  The kids did a really great job recognizing what their strengths and weaknesses are, and making connections to their own lives.

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Reminders for This Week…

Picture Day!!  Tomorrow is picture day!!!  Hopefully we will have lots of smiles!  We will be visiting the gym in the morning, prior to recess, lunch and PE! 😉

Book Fair:  The book fair will be open during certain hours of the school day.  If yo are unable to attend the book fair during one of the Back to School nights, you are welcome to send money with your Second Grader, and we will make sure they have the opportunity to visit the book fair.

Back to School Night!!!  I can’t wait to meet the wonderful families of our second graders, on September 20th from 6:30-7)!  Hopefully you will have a chance to take a peek at our classroom, and to learn what your second grader will be experiencing this year.  This will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about this upcoming year.

 

Word Sorts

One of the activities we practice in the classroom is word sorts.  This is where students are able to recognize certain patterns in words.  Those patterns may consist of vowel sounds, or various spelling patters.  Students practice reading  the word, and sorting by different patterns.

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Computers!

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This week, we practiced logging into the school computers.  We will have many opportunities to use these computers throughout the year.  2nd grade students participate in NWEA testing in the month of September.  This was good practice, to make sure that all students were able to login, and navigate some of the computer.

Math Rotations

Last week we started to work on routines for math rotations.  Each week, our second graders will rotate through different math tasks, including: working with me, math games and some independent practice.  Last week, the kids impressed me with how well they practiced the routines of using iPads, and math games with manipulatives (math cards).  We continued to work on the app “Slide”, and played the game “Top-it” with number cards.  “Top-it” is similar to the card game “War”, where each player turns over the top card, and the player with the larger number takes both cards.  We will play this throughout the year; adding in addition and subtraction.  Students will eventually draw 2-3 cards, and flip them over.  They will either add or subtract the cards to find a sum or difference.  This would be a great game to practice home, either with a regular deck of cards, or number cards made from paper.

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