What's the MATTER?

To begin our study of science students first learned what a scientist is and what they do. Afterwards they got to try on some scientist tools such as a lab coat and goggles.

Then we began our study on Matter. Specifically our focus has been on solids and liquids. We learned that Solids have a definite shape and are made up of particles that are packed closely together. We also learned that a liquid can change shape and is made up of loose particles.

We then went on to look at mixtures. Each student made their own mixture and recorded their 'recipe'. Then the next day each student sorted a peer's mixture and had to figure out how many scoops of each thing they used. The kids were great at this!

We will have our test on matter next Wednesday, November 5th. A study guide will go home this Thursday, October 30th.

Weekly Update

October seems to be flying by and I cannot believe it is halfway over! This week we will be moving on with our studies on money, matter, and main idea. This week will also be different from 'normal' school weeks.

1. First, tomorrow is pajama day for our class. Students have been working hard and have earned it through their good behavior. If your child wants to wear slippers then please send them in with a spare set of shoes for recess time. 
2. The second change this week is that students will be taking a standardized test for the CogAt/GATE program. It will begin early in the morning on Wednesday October 22^nd . Please make sure your child is here at school on time all week.  CogAt/GATE testing will continue into next week, ending on Tuesday October 28^th. 
3. Lastly this week there will be no math or spelling homework. Originally we had spelling words planned for this week however, with the standardized testing happening this week and next week the 2^nd grade team has decided to push back our spelling words a couple weeks. That means that students will have no spelling words or test this week or next week. We will begin spelling again on November 3^rd. Your child can keep doing their reading log each night as homework. 

In addition to all of this field trip forms and money are due into school by October 24^th. Make sure you get it in to me by this date. If you need a new form please let me know and I will send a new one home with your child.

Class Documents

Here are some of the documents you may need this week. I sent home a paper copy of each but sometimes a digital copy is needed.

Class Newsletter for October 21st
Reading Log

What We Are Learning

Reading: This week we will compare & contrast two or more versions of the same story. 

Phonics: We will review phonogram cards and identify them in words as well as review previously taught spelling skills—no spelling list this week due to standardized testing.

Writing/Grammar: We will continue to write opinions about books we read as well as learn about reflexive pronouns.

 Math: We will continue to practice counting money this week.  We will have an assessment on this skill on Monday, Oct. 27.  Please continue to help your child practice all week even though there will be no official homework. 

Science : We will continue to work with matter. This week we will determine what happens to materials when we add heat.  Students will be assessed on Matter unit on Thursday, Oct. 30.  You will receive a study guide by the end of the week.

Homework 

Spelling

What's Going On in 2G This Week?

We are moving right along in the month of October with a busy week ahead. This week is Red Ribbon Week at SPANN and there is something fun scheduled for each day.

• Monday- “Life is a journey, travel drug free”. Wear as Much Red as Possible.
• Tuesday- “I mustache you to be drug free~” Grow a Silly Mustache.
• Wednesday-  “Give drugs the boot” Wear cowboy/cowgirl attire.
• Thursday-  “Slip away from drugs” Wear comfy slippers to school.
• Friday- “Use your head, don’t do drugs”. Crazy hat or hair day!

We also have our PTA concert on 10/14 at 6:00 pm. For the concert students should wear a red shirt and dark bottoms if possible. When you arrive at the school please drop your child off at their classroom between 6:10-6:15 pm. After the concert you will pick your child up at their classroom.


In other news GATE testing will begin next week on October 22nd. Please look for further information about this test. Try to get your child to school everyday so that they do not miss their test and encourage them to do their best.

Class Documents

Here are some documents you may need for this week. I send home a paper copy each week however sometimes a digital copy is needed. 

Class Newsletter for October 13

Reading Log

October Spelling Grid and Word List

Parent Conferences

Parent conferences are on October 20th. These conferences are for parents or guardians only. Unfortunately this means that children will not be able to attend. Please turn in your parent conference form with your preferred times. I will make every effort to give you the times you request however conference times are filing up. Once I have received your conference form I will send home a conference verification form where you can verify your conference time. I am also offering phone conferences to those who would prefer one.

What We Are Learning

Reading: This week we will be reading fables and folktales to find the central meaning and moral of the stories.
Phonics: Five words will be introduced each day. On Thursday we will review all the words in class together. Our spelling test will be on Friday.
Writing/Grammar: We will begin opinion writing this week as well as learning about reflexive pronouns and how to use them properly.
Math: We continue to learn about money.
Science: We will continue our exploration on Matter.

This Week's Homework

Spelling/Phonics For The Week

Spelling this week will focus on the phonemes ow, ar, ai, oa, oo, ow, ea, or, ck, ay, ee, and ch.

Quick Reminders

1. October 14th is the 2nd grade program at 6pm.
2. October 15th is early release day at 11am.
3. October 17th is PTA movie night. On this night the movie Rio 2 will be playing.
4. This week is Red Ribbon Week.
5. October 20th is Parent Teacher Conference day.
6. Send in your child's field trip permission slip and money as soon as possible. 

Have a great week!

Peek at Our Week

It is the first full week of October! This week a new spelling homework grid will go home. I created it to last for the whole month. There is a space you can initial for each of the four weeks in October. There are some new activities for kids to try and I included the spelling lists for the entire month. Kids do not need to study all the words at once. I am giving all the words we will be working on so that they are always in your child's folder. I put a copy of this new spelling menu in your child's folder today. I will also put a link to it in this post with our class newsletter. Another change this month is to the student reading log. We have been having some copier problems at school so over the weekend I made a new reading log in Microsoft Word. This version of our reading log is posted below. You can download it and have your child type in their reading log responses. Once finished the document can be e-mailed to me or you can print it out. They do not have to do it this way it is just another option and provides students with typing practice. As always everything we are doing is in this week's newsletter that went home. Click on the link below to grab this week's newsletter.

Class Newsletter October 6th 
Student Reading Log
October Spelling Menu

Quick Reminders

1. We go to library this Thursday at 8am.
2. PTA concert is October 14th at 6pm.
3. Next Early Release Day is October 15th. 
4. GATE testing begins October 21st.
5. Parent Conferences are on October 20th.
6. Field Trip Forms go home this Wednesday!

What We Are Learning This Week

Reading: We are learning how to state the main idea of an informational text. Students will receive whole group practice on this skill and independent practice. 
Writing: Complete our stories on a small moment spent with a special person.
Math: Complete first quarter benchmark test. During class time we will review concepts that students need extra practice on. Friday will begin our new unit on money.
Science: We will continue our exploration of matter, specifically solids and liquids. We will also be expanding our knowledge of solids and liquids to include mixtures and solutions. 

Our Homework This Week

Math benchmark testing begins Tuesday October 7th. Since students will be taking this test throughout the week they will not have math homework. 

Spelling/Phonics For The Week

Our spelling words this week focus on the phonemes ai, ng, ea, ee, or, oo, oe, oy, and wh. Five words will be introduced up until Wednesday. On Thursday we will play a review game of BINGO in the classroom and Friday students will take their spelling test. 

Have a wonderful week! Check back soon to see what we have been up to.