Our Timeline

Where Have We Been?

Mrs. Pelkey's class has just finished up learning some overarching themes in science, including the use of models, scale, and parts that make up a system.  We have also been following the scientific method as a way to answer questions we have about the world around us.

In social studies, we have been reviewing our Core Values, understanding rights and responsibilities, and learning what it means to be a good citizen.

In math, we have been working on ,comparing numbers, counting strategies, double checking, and showing how we solved a problem.  These are all skills that we will need to be good at throughout each grade.

Reading instruction has been focused on reading strategies like summarizing, predicting, and re-reading for clarification.  We have also been thinking a lot about the author's purpose, or message, for each text.  We are reviewing words with long and short vowel sounds, as well as words that are "surprise words" because they do not follow the "rules" of their spelling pattern, during Word Work activities. Writing Workshop had us thinking of ways to come up with ideas for writing, focusing on a topic, and adding details.

Where Are We Going?

For October we are going to take a look back into history to learn a little about Christopher Columbus.  We are then going to skip ahead on the time line and look at Pilgrim life.  Focusing on Pilgrims, we will be able to compare the life of a child in the early to mid-1600's to the life of children now. 

Our next science unit will carry us through November as we look at living things and different habitats.  Students will understand how plants and animals depend on each other and the environment in which they live.

In math, we have just begun to take a look at story problems and are sharing strategies for solving story problems.  We begin with visualizing what is actually happening in the story.  We need to figure out what we already know, and what we need to find out.  We have to decide if things are being put together (addition), taken apart (subtraction), or if we need to know "how many more" (still subtraction, or "counting up").

Here are some examples of strategies that we have shared in class so far:

 

Some Dates to Remember:

Tuesday, October 8: School Picture Day
Monday, October 14: No School - Columbus Day
Tuesday, October 15: No School - Inservice Day

What's Happening in Science and Math?

How are models like the real objects they represent?

That's the question that students in Mrs. Pelkey's second grade are working on right now.  By the end of September, students will be able to demonstrate how scientists use models to show the parts or movement of the object it represents.

Counting, Combinations, Clocks and Coins!

In math, we are continuing to make sense of the number system; with numbers less than 100.  We are working on two great math habits: double checking your work and showing how you figured out a problem using words, pictures, and/or numbers.  We continue to work on strategies for comparing two numbers (such as the difference between 37 and 19), and are beginning to work on being fluent with addition combinations of plus 1 or 2.

Students are really good at telling time to the hour on an analog clock, and are even becoming more automatic with using the proper vocabulary words (hour hand, minute hand).  We have begun a study on coins; first by making observations of each coin, then by learning the value for each coin and well as coin equivalencies (such as one dime is equal to ten pennies -  or two nickels - or one nickel and five pennies).  

Two math games that help to reinforce our math skills are Collect 25 Cents and Plus 1 or 2 BINGO.  Please ask your child to explain to you how these games are played.

Don't forget --

We are still NWEA testing.  Our testing time this week is Wednesday, September 18 8:45 - 9:45.  Please be sure your child has had plenty of rest and encouragement; and eats a healthy breakfast in preparation.

Testing, Testing...1,2,3

Testing, Testing

NWEA testing is starting the week of September 9.  This is a standardized test that your child will take on the computer.  It is divided into three sections: Math, Reading, and Language Usage.  One section is given each week for the next three weeks.  We can work together to make sure that your child has a positive test-taking experience.

The test dates for Mrs. Pelkey's class are:

Wednesday, September 11

Wednesday, September 18

Wednesday, September 25

* There are make-up times available for those who are absent or who need more time. *

Please make sure that your child gets a good night's rest, has a healthy breakfast, and arrives to school on time for the days of testing.  Encourage your child to do their best.

In the past, students have enjoyed receiving an encouraging note from their family on each day of the test.  If this is something that you would like to do, simply place the note in an envelope labeled for your child, and place it in his or her Home Folder the morning of the test.

1,2,3

If you are anything like me, sometimes you have the TV on, but you're not really watching it.  Maybe you're distracted with getting dinner on the table, throwing in another load of laundry, or letting the dog out.  And in.  And out.

So I vaguely remember hearing some lady on TV saying, "You only have to tell me 4 times!", but never really noticed what the commercial was for.  Imagine my excitement when I start to notice (on specially marked packages) 4 Box Tops for Education on one package! Have you seen these?!?

Collecting Box Tops is as easy as 1,2,3!

1. Snip.

2. Send in to school.

3. Earn cash for your child's school!

And we are in competition, families!  Each classroom competes with the others to see who collects the most Box Tops throughout the year.  Winning classrooms receive an extra cash bonus!  This money can go toward classroom books, materials for special projects, and other classroom supplies.  What an easy way to support Center Drive School!  

Pattern Blocks and Headphones

To begin the year in math, we are exploring the variety of math materials that we will be using all year long.  We are also beginning to think about good problem solving strategies.  Another math concept that we have started on is telling time on an analog clock.  Three of our new math vocabulary words are: digital, analog, and o'clock.  We have not only been practicing telling time to the hour, but we are also getting better at being able to explain what the hands on an analog clock look like when the time is on the hour (the minute hand is always pointing at the 12).  Explaining our thinking is an important part of learning; and we will be working on this throughout the entire year.  

Free Explore with Pattern Blocks

"Cover and Count" with Pattern Blocks

How many different ways can you fill each space?

 Please note on the right side of this blog page our Specials are listed.  Don't forget to wear (or bring) sneakers for P.E. on Mondays (beginning September 9).  Also, all students will need headphones for the Computer Lab.  Several of you have already sent a set in; and others still had headphones here at school from last year.  Please check with your child to see if they still need to bring a set in.  

** Thank you to all those who were able to make donations for our classroom!  We have cleaning wipes, pencils, tissues, crayons, and more! **

First Day and Magic Playdough

Who-oo knew we were such a cute bunch?!?  Our bulletin board owls look great, and we are receiving lots of compliments!

Our first day of school was a blur of excitement, as we began to learn classroom procedures and explore some of the materials in the room.  Lots of great learning happened today while students already began to use clever strategies as they figured things out.  They are coming home hot and tired today!

Early in the day, I gave students a ball of Magic Playdough (the secret ingredient is magic).  Magic Playdough starts off white; and comes with a poem promising that if the dough turns color, you will have a good year.  I am happy to announce that everyone's playdough changed color - an amazing year ahead!

** Get your child talking!  Ask them questions like "What was the best part of the day?", "What was challenging today?", "What surprised you today?", etc. ***

Don't forget to check your child's folder and take some time to go over the papers that have been sent home.  Many of those papers need to be filled out and returned.

Success and Paperwork

Success!

Open House was spectacular!  Our classroom had 100% participation - that says a lot for the families of Mrs. Pelkey's second grade!  I am so happy that I had a chance to see old friends and meet new friends Monday night.  Thank you all for your support!

Paperwork

The beginning of the school year means lots (and lots and lots) of papers coming home.  Please take the time to look these over, as they provide a ton of useful information - and some of the papers need to be filled out and returned to me.

In particular, please look for: a packet of papers from the office, a light green paper regarding communication for me, a yellow sheet that highlights what topics your child will cover this year (for you to keep), and an orange sheet that goes into more detail about topics covered for First Quarter in our classroom (also for you to keep).  

Please return all necessary papers to school as soon as you can.  Thank you!

Hoot! Hoot! Hooray!

The school year is fast approaching!  I have been very busy getting our classroom ready for your arrival.  If you are new to our classroom blog: Welcome!  Please be sure to check in regularly for classroom updates.  Better yet: Please enter your email address in the bar above, and hit "submit".  Then follow the directions in the pop-up box by "Feedburner".  By doing this, you will receive an email from Feedburner to activate your "membership".  Once activated, you will receive an email each time I update the blog.  Then there will be no guessing if there's anything new, and no forgetting to check in.  You can also "become a member" of my blog by clicking on the link on the right hand side of this page (scroll down a bit).  This action will not send you email updates, but it is nice for me to see who is visiting :)

I will be making contact with each family before the school year begins, just to check in.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns for me, please feel free to contact me at s.pelkey@cdsedu.org.  

Don't forget:  Open House is Monday, August 26 from 6:00 - 7:00.  I look forward to seeing you all there!