Writing Workshop

As we were packing up to leave today, Tyler pulled me aside and said, "Mrs. Burstein, will we have Writing Workshop tomorrow?  I have a story I need to keep working on."  Yes . . . at 2:55, your children are still thinking about their academics -- WOW!  

My response to Tyler:  "We have Writing Workshop every day, so you'll be able to work on your story tomorrow."  Each afternoon in second grade, we are actively involved in the writing process. At this point in the school year, we are working to establish the key routines that will lead to successful writing all year long. Some of our recent lessons have included:

• Working with our Writing Partners to make a plan for the day's work.
• Using our Writer's Idea Logs to generate new stories.
• Adding words or pictures to our stories.
• Sketching "hard to draw" stories and then moving on with our words.
• Using our yellow "helper folders" to figure out challenging words.
• Safely accessing and using writing materials (new paper, sharp pencils, the stapler)

 When you come to Open House next week, you'll have a chance to see some samples of your child's writing.  I'm certain you'll be proud of this hard work!

Independent Reading

Wow!! When second graders get really engaged in Independent Reading, it is SO QUIET in our classroom. You'd be amazed to see the level of focus that your children can sustain when they have settled down with a great book!  This quiet atmosphere allows the children to really dig in to solid comprehension work later in the day. And, the quiet of Independent Reading provides some important time for teachers to hold individual reading conferences with the children.  Check out these fabulous readers: 

We're Getting Ready for Open House!

The SES Open House is scheduled for next Thursday, September 26th. We hope you will join us for a wonderful dinner sponsored by the PTO followed by teacher presentations in the classrooms.  In 2B, we have been getting ready for this special night by creating a mystery math project that we call "Glyphs."  You'll have to bring your best detective skills to uncover the clues to unlock these Glyphs.  

Here are some photos of second graders working on these Top Secret Glyphs:

Are you curious? Please join us on September 26th to learn more!

Welcome Back -- Hooray!

This afternoon the Fifith Graders returned from Nature's Classroom! We were so excited, we raced to the window to watch our fifth grade friends.  Hooray!

Math Vocabulary

One of the goals for Second Graders in Mathematics involves the use of appropriate math vocabulary. As second graders solve math problems, they will be expected to explain their answers using mathematical terms.  We have begun the year by reviewing some of the important math terms we learned in First Grade. These include: 

• add
• sum
• subtract
• difference
• plus
• minus 
• equal
• even 
• odd

We will add to our Math Vocabulary List throughout the year and new terms will be posted  on our Math Word Wall.  

Check out these second graders exploring Math Vocabulary:

Reading Partners in Action

Second graders have been working hard at establishing new routines during Reading Workshop.  One of our first routines involves Partner Reading. During this time, each pair of partners moves to their own quiet spot within the classroom, bringing along their individual reading bins.  There are many choices during Partner Reading including:

• Completing the daily reading log.
• Asking your partner for help with a challenging word or a challenging idea.
• Retelling your book --- or a chapter of your book -- to your partner.
• Taking turns reading aloud from the same book.
• Recommending a new book to your partner.
• Shopping for new books in our classroom library.

As the year progresses, we'll add more choices to Partner Reading.  For now, take a look at these great photos of second grade reading partners learning together!