December 2017

Don't blink! You might miss December altogether!

I am surprised that today is December 2nd. We only have 17 schools this month, and it is the end of the 2nd quarter. This means that everything will be going really fast, as if they haven't been flying all year.

In math, we are deepening, refining and solidifying out addition and subtraction strategies with 2-digit numbers. We have worked on measurement using different types of tools, inches, feet, and centimeters in rulers, yardsticks and meter sticks have been a part of our measurement too. The report card measurement standard is that they can solve word problems with measurement involved. We are also checking to see if the kids can solve 2-step word problems. Next, we'll be learning how to tell time to the 5 minutes on an analog clock (the round kind with minute and hour hands).  All the kids seem to know how to read digit clocks, so they will be making analog clocks from digital time. Here are a few links to help with addition and subtraction.
Expanded Addition (Christmas Tree)
Number Line Addition
Base10 Subtraction

In Reading and Writing we have been working on informational topics. Each guided reading group has been reading non-fiction or factual books. Writing informational texts will continue into the 3rd quarter. Right now, the biggest challenge is not writing "I like" and opinion sentences. We will get to Opinion Writing in the 3rd quarter, but have to have Informational down pat, because the Opinion writing calls for facts to support their opinion. The best way to help with this at home is to have them writing about the special activities that you will be doing this next month.

Now that it is officially December, I can share with you our plans for the last few days of December. Our 2nd Grade team always does a Stocking Stuffer activity.  I will hang the stockings Monday and any day up until the 18th of December, your children can bring in items to put in the stockings.We ask that the children bring in small gifts and candy to help stuff the stockings that are hung in the classroom.  Just to be safe, please make sure that there are no nuts or peanut butter in the treats. Unfortunately we have some friends allergic to nuts, and Reese's Cups are a favorite of mine! I'm already getting my fillers to slide into the stockings. The Dollar Tree, Wal-mart, K-mart and Target always have cute little items that you can get many things for cheap prices. We have 15 children who are able to celebrate the holidays.

We will have our "Holiday" Celebration on Wednesday Dec. 20 at 10:30 in Library. So that all of our class members can participate, we will have a "Family Game Day" instead. I'll bring the games, all you need to do is show up and play with the children. Can you beat them at blokus? Are they better at boggle? How well do you play scrabble? Come and see!