Friday, January 20, 2023

Family Newsletter

 Dear Families,


Here is our week in review:



Social-Emotional Learning:

  • This week, the students participated in another restorative circle with Ms. Nicole, Mr. Matt and me.  We continued practicing empathy and understanding other people’s perspectives and feelings.  The students learned another game in which they could share their own preferences while also understanding other classmates’ different opinions about things.  We learned so much about each other.

  • The students filled our classroom buzzy jar again for being safe, kind and responsible.  This time we celebrated by making origami designs and structures.  The students are very creative!




Reading:

  • This week, we learned more about Martin Luther King Jr.  The students participated in different activities and had the opportunity to share their understanding with each other.  We read the book “Martin’s Big Words” by Doreen Rappaport.  We learned about his powerful message of freedom, equality and peace through pictures and words. One of our students even created a special greeting involving what we have learned about him.  Kids are truly amazing!


  • This week, Mr. Matt was the guest teacher for a couple of days so I could finish mid-year reading assessments.  As you may recall, ABS uses the Fountas and Pinnell assessment program, which assesses the students’ reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension.  It is a pleasure to read with the children and listen to their thoughtful analyses and insights.  They have all made terrific progress in reading across all domains.  Thank you for supporting daily reading routines at home and thank you for engaging in conversations about these books as well.  They love to read.  Many times, they cheer when it is time for the readers' workshop!  It is a very special time in our day.




Writing:

  • This week, the students continued to add more words to their opinion pieces/book recommendations.  They completed their introductions which contained various creative writing features and techniques, such as asking the reader questions and including specific examples from the books they are writing about.  The students also added their first and second reasons to justify their book choice.  While adding reasoned arguments, the students are also encouraged to adhere to appropriate English grammar conventions (for second grade).




Math:

  • This week, second grade mathematicians continued to work on expanding their addition and subtraction strategies.  In our daily Number Talks, the students shared how they can start tackling these equations/math problems by asking themselves “What do I already know about these numbers?”  Making sense before choosing a strategy to solve the problem helps young mathematicians develop a deeper understanding and trust in their own abilities to solve problems.  They are doing great.





News and Reminders:

  • It is getting cold outside.  Please make sure your child comes to school with weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor recess.  Hats, boots and snow pants are needed every day!  Thank you.

  • Please make sure your child has a water bottle every day as well.  Some children keep their water bottles at school for the entire week and take them home on Fridays for cleaning.  Thank you.




Have a great weekend,

Maria


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