Week 37

I can’t believe we only have a couple of weeks left of the school year!  I’m looking forward to making the most of our last few days!

Book Fair:
Our book fair’s hours are below:

·       Tuesday: 8:15 AM-12:30 PM

·       Wednesday:  8:15 AM-12:30 PM, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM

·       Thursday:  8:15 AM-12:30 PM, 1:30 PM-2:00 PM, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM

·       Friday:  8:15 AM-12:00 PM, 1:30 PM-2:00 PM

Christian Studies:
This week we’ll be finishing up our Christian Studies units.  We’ll talk about loving because Jesus loved us first.  We’ll talk about how Jesus showed love, and we’ll apply that to our lives.  Then we’ll talk about Jesus’ promise to make a new heaven and a new earth.  We’ll read some Bible passages about God’s promise and heaven, and the kids will use their imaginations to picture what they think heaven might be like.

Math:
This week in math we’ll review the mathematical concepts we’ve learned this year.  We’ll have a practice test today, then on Wednesday we’ll do our end of the year test.  We’ll spend the rest of the week doing some measurement practice with centimeters and meters.

Language Arts:
This week is our last phonics concept of the year!  We’ll be looking at silent letters and practicing words with silent letters.  Our final spelling test will be on Friday!

We’ll also be looking through some texts and using comprehension strategies to answer questions about what we’re reading.

Social Studies:
This week we’ll finish up our unit on cultures.  We’ll talk about ways people celebrate their cultures, and also how they share their cultures with others.  Our final unit is Why People Work, and we’ll discuss being a good citizen and contributing to society in a positive way.

Week 36

I can’t believe we’re approaching the end of the school year so quickly!  We have lots of learning ahead, and it’s been fun to see the kids become more mature and more capable in their work!

ALL LIBRARY BOOKS ARE DUE THIS WEEK!

Beyond Biographies:
Come on Thursday from 6:00-6:45 to the 3-5 graders’ Beyond Biographies living wax museum!  The 2^nd graders will be doing this event next year, so I encourage you to come check it out, if you’re able!

Move Up Day:
The 2nd graders will be visiting third grade on Wednesday afternoon to learn more about what next year will be like! 

Christian Studies:
As we continue learning about the early church, we will discuss Paul’s shipwreck and how God protected him and all who was traveling with him.  We’ll also talk about how our faith is shown through our works and the importance of showing God’s love to others.

Math:
This week in math we’re going back to addition and subtraction, practicing using equations to solve word problems.  This concept can be tricky for 2^nd graders, so the more practice we can get in, the better!

Language Arts:
This week our phonics concept is more r-controlled combinations that make surprising sounds.  We’ll practice identifying the combinations and I’ll be pulling words for the spelling test from the words we practice throughout the week.

Social Studies:
We’ll finish our unit on heroes and we’ll take the test on what makes a hero, as well as historical heroes.  Then we’ll start a new unit on cultures and some of the things that make up a culture.  We’ll discuss the importance of food and values in cultures, as well as how immigration impacts cultures.

Week 35

We have MAP testing this week!  Some of the kids are excited; some of the kids are nervous; some of the kids are indifferent.  However they come in feeling, I always remind the kids that it’s one test on one day.  I want them to do their best and take their time and check their work, but it’s not the end of the world.  There will be some things on the test they won’t know—that’s how the test is designed.  I encourage them to do the best that they can do today.  I’m excited to see their growth!

Early Dismissal on Friday:
We have an early release day on Friday, May 16 for a professional day.  Dismissal will be at 11:15 AM.

Christian Studies:
This week in Christian Studies we’ll continue looking at how God’s Word spread throughout the world during the days of the early church.  We’ll take a look at Paul’s missionary journeys.  Then we’ll discuss Paul at the Areopagus and his bold preaching, with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Math:
This week in math we’ll finish off our unit on fractions and partitioning rectangles into equal shares.  With our math MAP test on Thursday, we’ll give our brains a break.

Language Arts:
There will be no phonics concept this week due to MAP testing.  We will be doing some reading and answering questions about our reading, but with MAP testing, we’ve adjusted our schedule to give our brains more of a break on testing days.

Science:
Now that we’ve learned about different properties of solids and liquids, as well as ways in which to change them from one state to another, the students will choose a material to use to make a replica gemstone.  They’ll test it out and make the gemstone, then analyze how well their material worked.  They’ll also present their findings to the class.

Social Studies:
As we continue to talk about heroes, we’ll look at historical heroes who fought for women’s rights, Native American and farmworkers’ rights, and heroes who have used their discoveries to change the world.

Week 34

We have a fun week ahead!  We’re working on our Mothers’ Day projects and will finish those up this week!

Christian Studies:
This week in Christian Studies we’ll be looking at the early church and its growth.  We’ll first learn about the Jerusalem council and how they believed Gentiles didn’t have to follow the Law of Moses in order to be saved.  We’ll then talk about Barnabas and Paul in Antioch and their ministry there.

Math:
In math this week we’ll continue on with our fractions unit, identifying and describing equal shares.  Then we’ll draw equal shares.  After that, we’ll show and describe an equal share using fractions, and we’ll finish off the week showing equal shares in different ways.

Language Arts:
This week’s phonics concept is /oo/ spelled “oo” and “u” (like in the words stood, put, book).  We’ll practice several words with this concept, and our sentences will encompass concepts from throughout 2^nd grade.

Science:
This week in science we’ll test some solids and liquids and find a general pattern with them.  Then we’ll test out a few different “boo-boo packs” to find the best material for an ice pack when someone gets hurt.  We’ll discuss “melting” and “freezing” and demonstrate using wax pieces and hot water, then we’ll connect that learning to how necklaces are made.

Social Studies:
We’ll start our new unit on heroes this week.  We’ll start by identifying and defining “hero” and identify some people who can be considered heroes.