Second-graders are off to a great start for the fourth six weeks. They have been working hard on reading with expression, reviewing basic math facts, and much more.
Students are learning about long vowel sounds and vowel pairs. They are engaged in expository texts, writing friendly letters, and can identify an author’s purpose. Students are reviewing two-digit addition and subtraction problems. They can draw and build three-digit numbers using base-ten blocks. They also know how to use these skills to answer multiple-step word problems.
In social studies, second grade is learning about innovators throughout history. They can identify innovators and their inventions, which include Amelia Earhart, Robert Fulton, and George Washington Carver. In science, students are learning about changes in the weather. They are able to use tools to measure the weather and are able to give a weather report.
Second-graders celebrated the 100th day of school. Upcoming events include Louie the Lightning Bug’s presentation and Valentine’s Day parties.
Fifth-graders are learning about the War of 1812. They have learned that the causes were continued impressment, the British were restricting our trade with other countries, and the British were occupying our forts.
The battles of the War of 1812 are remembered for the fierce battles at sea. They learned that the Constitution (Old Ironsides), which is harbored in Boston, is still a part of the U.S. Navy and the oldest ship it possesses. They learned that the events of the war were the battles at sea, the burning of the national capitol and the president’s house, Andrew Jackson (and his militiamen) fighting the British at New Orleans, how Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner as he was watching the British bombard Fort McHenry, and the Battle of Tippecanoe (which was fought between the Americans and the Native Americans, led by Tecumseh).
They have learned that the effects of the war were that national pride developed, Americans became patriotic, the United States gained status, the United States gained a national identity, and trade and manufacturing increased, and the U.S. gained peace with Britain.
All math teachers have worked with two-dimensional measurements involving area, perimeter, volume and conversions!.
In reading and language arts, students have learned to recognize persuasive text and the mediums for a writer to hook readers into agreeing with their point of view on a topic found in a written article, advertisement or brochure.
In their writing classes, the students wrote persuasive essays that attempted to convince the reader to take some kind of action or adopt a specific point of view that the writer is in favor of.
In science, students have been delving into heavy physics concepts investigating such actions as “energy transformations” (example: when a light bulb transforms chemical energy inside the bulb into light).
Social studies students wrapped up their study of the purpose of the European Union and then delved into Russia (20th century) as they peeled away the historical events of 1910-2010. Clarity about alternative governmental styles and viewpoints became more comprehensible as they reviewed the ideas and contributions of key historical leaders found during this time.
February is Heart Health Month. Movement is the best medicine.
Once upon a time, children ran around outside for exercise and enjoyment. Nowadays, they sit in front of a screen for entertainment, exercising only their eyes and finger muscles and get sicker and heavier.
Modern-day kids have a green-grass deficiency. What medicine do they need? The great outdoors.
A moving body is good for the heart and brain. Increased movement of the body promotes faster blood flow through the vessels, and improving blood flow to any organ, especially the heart and brain, is like watering and fertilizing a garden.
The sights and sounds of nature, the colors, movement and fresh air are just what the doctor ordered.
Feb. 12 – Progress reports
Feb. 13 – Intermediate spring pictures
Feb. 14 – Valentine Day parties