October 23, 2016
Dear Parents,
Fall days are here and cooler weather along with some very sweet new logo wear sweatshirts. I know we are beginning to sound like a broken record but please be sure to label your child’s belongings and check that the labeling doesn’t wash away.
Math
In math we are beginning our journey into adding and subtracting 2, 2-digit numbers within 100 without renaming. Second grade students will be learning many different strategies within the next few weeks. Last week our focus was using the Branch Method of addition and subtraction. Students really did a great job working through the process of decomposing the tens and ones and were very successful with the Branch Method.
This week students will be introduced to the Open Number Line. Again, it is really about being able to decompose the tens and ones place of a number and use a number line to add or subtract. While it is very different from the way that Miss Garcia and myself (and possibly you too!) learned to add and subtract multi-digit numbers, it will deepen your child’s understanding of adding and subtracting larger numbers.
Here is an example of Open Number Line. The equations is 52 + 31 = _______.
Start at 52. Decompose 31 into 3 groups of 10 and 1 group of 1. Add filling in the number line as you go.
52 + 10 = 62, 62 + 10 = 72, 72 + 10 = 82, and then 82 + 1 = 83
+ 10 +10 +10 +1
52 62 72 82 83
Here's the homework for this week.
Mon. Worksheet: Branch Subtraction
Tues. Worksheet - Open Number Line Addition (10’s only)
Wed. Worksheet - Open Number Line Addition (10’s and 1’s)
Thurs. Worksheet - Word Problem: solve with Open Number Line
Language
In Language, we continue to learn about verbs. We created a circle map that included many verbs. We also discussed the present and past tense of verbs, and used these tenses to interactively write a Tree Map. They used present and past tense verbs in their writing. Second graders are learning that there are irregular verbs that in order to form the past tense you may not just add “ed” but change the spelling of the word.
Present Tense Past Tense
We catch the fly ball. We caught the fly ball.
Writing
Opinion writing is the focus of our next writing assignment. Students have been using Community Circles to state their opinions and reasons through “Would You Rather” topics. This week we will use the acronym OREO (state your Opinion, give Reasons, Explain your reasons, restate your Opinion) to write an opinion piece on the best holiday.
Projects
We are still working on our scripts for the Tribes Agreements Reader’s Theater. This is very time consuming as the groups of students meet with their teacher to discuss their plan on write the script together. Miss Garcia and I are working with our last group. We are hoping to be able to send out a performance date this week, tentatively it will be either Wednesday, November 1st at 3:15 pm or Thursday, November 2nd at 3:30 pm. We will let you know the definite date and time this week.
Halloween Party 
On October 31st at 3:15 pm the 2nd grade classes will have their Halloween Party. Miss Garcia and myself would like to keep it simple with a craft and some light refreshments (preferably a few healthy items) since students will be enjoying plenty of sweet treats after Trick or Treating. If you would like to provide a snack please contact your child’s teacher via email and we can let you know our needs. Thanks in advance!
Reading News from Mrs Rowlett
2nd graders will be starting spelling this week. Each student will bring home a spelling list to practice at home during the week. 2nd graders will also be practicing these words during word work in our Daily 5 block. Thank you for supporting your child in their reading every night.
Here are a few picture of our shared writing with the first graders.
Have a Great Week!
Miss Garcia & Mrs Rowlett
