February 7, 2024
Hello Parents of Second Graders,
We are so sorry that it has been such a long time since our last blog update. We have enclosed a great deal of information in this blog to catch you up on what is happening in the classroom. Please enjoy and if you have any questions or concerns, Kelsey and myself are always available to meet or chat.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Monday, February 12th: Coffee With the Principals, 1:45-2:45 PM
- February Break is February 19-23
- Friday, March 1st: Last Friday workshop for grades 1-4
- Monday, March 4th: No School, Teacher In service
- Tuesday, March 5th: No School, Town Meeting Day
- Wednesday, March 6th: Delayed Start grades Pre-K-4
Thursday, March 14 - K-4 Pentangle 1 2 3 Andres 10am
Thursday, March 28, Show Your Stuff try-outs grades 1-4 from 3:00 - 5:30ish
Tuesday, April 2, Show Your Stuff dress rehearsal from 3:00 - 5:30ish
- Wednesday, April 3rd: Delayed Start grades PreK-4
Friday, April 5, Show Your Stuff Grades 1-4 from 12:30ish - 2:30ish
- April Break is April 8-12
In math we have been working on numbers within 1,000. Everyone has noticed patterns in our 1,000 charts and playing games to get a good grasp on place value. We have been adding and subtracting numbers within 1,000 using place value as well. There has been a lot of talk about different strategies to use when solving addition and subtration problems. It is so important that students understand that there is a bridge that connects the use of manipulatives, concrete solutions and abstract solutions. So while solving one problem abstractly and knowing the answer in your head may be easy, you may come across another problem that is not quite clear and it is o.k. to go back to using manipulatives so you have that deep understanding of how you can solve a different, more difficult problem for you. And lastly, we are really bringing to kids attention that it is so important to notice the numbers. For example, if you have 132 - 128 = ?, it is helpful for the students to notice that these numbers are so close and you can simply add up. However, if you have a problem such as 132 - 79, you may need a different strategy such as keeping one number whole and subtracting in parts. They get excited when learning new strategies and feeling challenged. Math has been fun.