Comparing Two Digit Numbers

Second graders have been hard at work during Math Time learning how to COMPARE two digit numbers. Check out some of the charts we created together during our Math Meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

On Monday, we reviewed the different math symbols we will use to compare 2 digit numbers.

We compared two digit numbers with different values in the tens place. We used cubes and the hundreds chart as math tools.

We compared two digit numbers with the same value in the tens place. We used cubes and the hundreds chart to show our work.

Today was the 33rd day of school. We created a web to record important math facts about the number 33. Can you answer our riddle?

I can . . read fables

Last week, we began studying a special type of fiction: fables.  As your second grader can tell you, a fable is a short fiction story that tells a lesson.  This lesson is called a moral.  In most fables, the main characters are animals who behave like humans. Some of the fables that we have watched and read include The Tortoise and the Hare, How the Zebra Got Its Stripes, The Camel and the Pig, The Leopard, Ram and Jackal, The Ant and the Grasshopper,  and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  After reading fables with their reading partners, the children worked in their Readers' Notebooks to record the title of the fable, the characters and the moral.  Some of the lessons we learned from these fables included:

• Slow and steady wins the race. 
• If you are impatient, you will not get your way.
• It's good to be big and it's also good to be small . . . we all come in different shapes and sizes,
• Tricking your friends can lead to trouble.
• Plan ahead so that you will be prepared.
• Dishonesty can have terrible consequences.

Can you guess which moral matches which fable? Your child can help you out. 

If you'd like to watch some short fables on-line, check out http://www.speakaboos.com/story/the-tortoise-and-the-hare/

And here are some photos of second graders enjoying fables with their reading partners:

Memories of Mr. Merritt

Last week, as we all worked together to comfort each other in the days after Mr. Merritt's death, the second graders decided to write special memory letters to to Kai and Taro (Mr. Merritt's three year-old twin sons).  We gathered all of our thoughts in a big brainstorm titled Mr. Merritt Memories.  Our memories included funny stories about Mr. Merritt splashing into the dunk tank and forgetting to turn off the PA system after making morning announcements as well as poignant memories of Mr. Merritt joining us at Morning Meeting and wishing us a "Great Sunderland Day!"  After our brainstorming session, each child worked diligently to write a thoughtful letter to Kai and Taro. These letters will be compiled into books for Kai and Taro to read when they get older. Here are some photos of our letter-writing:

Another lost tooth!

River lost a tooth on the last day of September! Here he is with a fabulous grin!

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!