Art!

Last week the students learned about primary and secondary colors. They learned that the primary colors are red, yellow and blue and the secondary colors are purple, green and orange. They had fun learning that they can make secondary colors by mixing the primary colors. They actually got a chance to experiment blending the colors together to make new colors. They thought that was very neat!

We also discussed cool colors and warm colors. The warm colors are yellow, red and orange--like fire. The cool colors are purple, blue and green.  The students then did a project using the warm & cool colors. The students had to cut out leaves from paper the trace them on to a big watercolor paper. The students then traced the leaves with black crayon. Then we used watercolors! They had to use only warm colors for the leaves. For the background they had to use the cool colors. The students really  enjoyed this art  project.

Here's a picture:

We've also been working on some Halloween  projects! 

Reading update!

We are working on Author's Purpose! (Common Core Standard RI 2.6)

When reading with your child at home, try and determine the author's purpose.

Remember it is as easy as P.I.E. (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)

If the author is talking the reader into something and trying to make them believe it, they are PERSUADING.

If the author is teaching the reader something new, they are INFORMING.

If the author is trying to make the reader feel something--like silly, sad, or scared they are ENTERTAINING.

Here are some pictures from our room and an activity we just completed:

Scholastic Book Orders!

Mrs. Duffner & Mrs. Mueller both have book orders due soon!

Mrs. Mueller's  are due October 16th.

Mrs. Duffner's are due October 20th.

If you would like to order online using your debit/credit card here's how:

Go to: www.scholastic.com/readingclub


It will bring you to a screen that looks like this:

If you already have an account, log in. If not, click where it says "First Time Here? Parents"

It will then ask you for a code.

Mrs. Mueller's code is: H6G8P
Mrs. Duffner's code is: MC7FJ


Thanks!!!

Highlights--What are we working on?

Math:
In math we have been working on measurement. The students have been measuring using different measuring tools: Meter stick, measuring tape, ruler, thermometer, scale, measuring cup, and yard stick.

Last week during math, we went outside and took turns tracing each other on the playground with chalk. After our bodies were traced, the students were able to use the measuring tape to measure how long they were from head to toe. Then, they traced and measured their hands and feet using rulers. They had a blast with this! They love being able to use their newly learned measuring skills for real life activities.

Just this week, we introduced interactive journals. We will be using a spiral notebook for our Reading and Math interactive journal. The first activity we added to our interactive journal was one on estimating measurement. The students learned that they could estimate measurements using their body! (inch=knuckle, centimeter=fingertip, yard=large step, foot=forearm) The students enjoyed a sorting activity. On the following page, they completed a scavenger hunt. The students love doing measuring scavenger hunts.

Science:

We just finished up our chapter on Plants! click here to check out our lima bean experiment!
This week we started animals. The students worked in groups to classify animals into groups. The could sort their animal cards by where they live, color of fur, what they eat, etc. Then, they learned about the two main animal groups-- animals with backbones and animals without. After that, we discussed the different sub-animal groups-- mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, & insects. Then they worked in groups to classify the animals according to their correct animal group! In the next few weeks the students will assigned an animal project where they will have to make a poster on a specific animal. Our classroom will have some "visitors" as well! Our meal worms will  be arriving on Wednesday (10/15). We will be making observations for a few weeks to see how animals grow and change. We will be tying math and measurement into their experiment as well!

Social Studies:
We just finished our Unit on learning about "Where We Live".  The second graders created amazing dioramas focusing on urban, suburban and rural communities.  Way to go Second Graders on a job well done!!  We are currently exploring our next unit which focuses on "Our Earth".  Students have been working with maps and viewing different types of land forms found on Earth.

Reading:
Check out our Stellaluna project here: click here!

We are working hard on Common Core Standards RL2.5 and RL 2.6. First we read aloud "Friend Frog" (fiction) and we compared the two characters, field mouse and frog. Next, we read Frog and Toad All Year. The students used a chart to compare Frog and Toad to help review the two characters and their different perspectives. Currently, we are working with Fractured Fairy Tales. We are comparing and contrasting different points of view. The students are having a blast with these fairy tales! 

Our October bulletin boards:

Thanks for stopping by!

Mrs. Mueller and Mrs. Duffner are starting an online newsletter for 2nd grade to help us communicate even more effectively with our students' parents.

Good parent teacher communication is essential for a child's success in school. Recent studies indicate that the more actively involved a parent is in his/her child's school life, the more the child excels. When parents and teachers work together, a child has a team of adults who are committed to bringing out his best. So please continue to visit our online newsletter often. Stay current with what's going on in our classroom and be sure to talk about these happenings with your child. 

If you haven't done so already, please head on over to remind and sign up. Or you can follow the instructions below to get important updates from Mrs. Mueller & Mrs. Duffner!