Foux's Footprints

December 15th-18th

Writing

We all know that the Grinch has a heart that is just too small.  This week we are going to brainstorm some ways we could make his heart big and full of love.  Our writing will explain what we are going to do to make this happen.  We will use complete sentences and focus on appropriate usage of capital letters and punctuation.  

Reading

This week we will be reading the story Snowflake Bentley. We will learn about how Wilson Bentley became a photographer of snowflakes. We'll discuss his character traits, motivations, and the challenges he faced to become such a known photographer. I love sharing this story because I have the actual book of Wilson Bentley's snowflake pictures and they are amazing!

Spelling

We will continue to practice the spelling rule of the week each day.  On Fridays we will assess how well they know the spelling pattern.  If you would like additional "at home" practice there are some links on the blog under "websites".

The spelling list will come home on Monday and we will assess their knowledge of the spelling pattern on Friday.   

Math

We are wrapping up length this week with an assessment over everything we've learned. Then we will spend a few days putting our measurement skills to work by making some new murals for the hallway. Students will need to draw a boat that is one meter long or a flower that is 6 inches tall. It will be a great way to wrap up our semester of learning!

Science

This week in science we will discuss natural and manmade resources.  We'll learn that natural resources include rocks, soil, plants, water and air.  We'll discuss that manmade resources are made from natural resources.  Students will classify and explain the differences between natural and manmade resources.  Rocks come in many shapes and sizes.  We'll talk about their different physical properties and how they're different depending on their natural environment.  Students will Identify natural sources of freshwater and saltwater.  We will describe and compare the properties of freshwater and saltwater.  Lastly, we will discuss how we can take care of our natural resources.

Reminders

Class Winter Party- December 18th 1:30-2:30

Foux's Footprints

December 8-12

Writing

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a snow globe?  This week we will put on our imagination hats to tell a story about that.  We will use some facts and some of our own background knowledge about snow globes to create the stories.  We will include descriptive vocabulary to help explain the experience.  

Reading

This week we will continue to read nonfiction texts with our purpose being to understand that the author puts important events in order so that the reader will understand. We will read a book all about Abraham Lincoln and students will sequence the events of his life in an order that makes sense.

Spelling

We will continue to practice the spelling rule of the week each day.  On Fridays we will assess how well they know the spelling pattern.  If you would like additional "at home" practice there are some links on the blog under "learning links".

The spelling list will come home on Monday and we will assess their knowledge of the spelling pattern on Friday.   

Math

Measurement continues this week. We will learn about the difference between the customary and metric systems. We will practice estimating and checking our work with a ruler when we measure a friend! Halloween is visiting second grade again when we measure some spooky spiders, bats, and ghosts. At the end of the week we will review everything we've learned before assessing at the beginning of the following week.

Science

Science we will be fun as we observe and identify how magnets are used in everyday life.  We'll learn that some objects will stick to magnets, especially objects made with iron. Students will explore how magnets are used in many ways such as holding small objects to a refrigerator or lifting objects.  We'll learn that magnets are also used in common everyday objects like doorbells, phones, speakers, compasses, and devices with electric motors.  We'll discuss the physical property that allows an object to be attracted to a magnet.  At the end of the week, we will review and assess on force and motion to complete this unit.

Reminders

Class Winter Party- December 18th 1:30-2:30