To reinforce the geometry terms we are studying, I have taught the class some "karate-like" moves! Remind them to be very serious before they start to show you the following moves...
endpoint
line segment
line
parallel lines
angle
vertex
Next week we will add intersecting lines as well.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
"trash words"
We have created our class list of "trash words"- words we have thrown away and cannot use anymore in 2nd grade! Based on students' ideas we chose
small
pretty
fun
awesome
cool
big
like
We came up with many synonyms for these words, as well as other ways to change the sentence so more dazzling, sparkling words can be used!
small
pretty
fun
awesome
cool
big
like
We came up with many synonyms for these words, as well as other ways to change the sentence so more dazzling, sparkling words can be used!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Update on Partial Sums Algorithm
Update on Partial Sums Addition
After teaching the partial sums addition algorithm last week, students were told to use it as a requirement of our math curriculum series. They will be seeing it again in 3rd grade when they learn how to do 2 and 3 digit multiplication.
HOWEVER…
Yesterday in class I taught the students the traditional way of doing addition where they carry the tens or hundreds numbers to the top. They are allowed to choose either way do to their assignments, unless it specifically asks for the partial sums algorithm. We discussed this quite a bit yesterday before sending home their homework.
To “show work” the carrying way, they need to keep their marks above columns rather than erasing them. (For some reason, 2nd graders like to erase their work in math )
I know that this is a frustrating concept for students and parents alike, but please be patient with the process. It does have some merit in helping students pull apart place value.
Thank you!
Mrs. Eshbaugh
After teaching the partial sums addition algorithm last week, students were told to use it as a requirement of our math curriculum series. They will be seeing it again in 3rd grade when they learn how to do 2 and 3 digit multiplication.
HOWEVER…
Yesterday in class I taught the students the traditional way of doing addition where they carry the tens or hundreds numbers to the top. They are allowed to choose either way do to their assignments, unless it specifically asks for the partial sums algorithm. We discussed this quite a bit yesterday before sending home their homework.
To “show work” the carrying way, they need to keep their marks above columns rather than erasing them. (For some reason, 2nd graders like to erase their work in math )
I know that this is a frustrating concept for students and parents alike, but please be patient with the process. It does have some merit in helping students pull apart place value.
Thank you!
Mrs. Eshbaugh
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I hope that everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving break! From the stories I'm hearing in class, these kids truly enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday.
We are moving into colonial days! We will be comparing life in the past to our life to gain a better understanding of how technology, transportation, clothing, and communication have changed over time.
We'll also be reading books in the historical fiction genre to compliment our "days of the past" studies.
Just today we began discussing adjectives and how to use more descriptive words while speaking and writing. You may begin to hear your student (s) talk about "trash words." We will be compiling a list of over used words that they are throwing in the trash- i.e. words they won't be able to use in their writing. I will post that list when they have made the decision later this week.
Mr. Mancuso is spending his first stint of time in our classroom on Wednesdays until Winter Break. Last week he talked about bullies and the appropriate ways to handle bullying situations. I have conflict management slips that can be filled out for the students if they are having trouble with a peer. These are used as a referral for Mr. Mancuso- students involved in the situation will meet with him to resolve it. He spoke quite a bit about the "I statement" as well. Students are encouraged to say... "When you _____________, I feel __________ because _________." Please encourage this at home as well!
We are moving into colonial days! We will be comparing life in the past to our life to gain a better understanding of how technology, transportation, clothing, and communication have changed over time.
We'll also be reading books in the historical fiction genre to compliment our "days of the past" studies.
Just today we began discussing adjectives and how to use more descriptive words while speaking and writing. You may begin to hear your student (s) talk about "trash words." We will be compiling a list of over used words that they are throwing in the trash- i.e. words they won't be able to use in their writing. I will post that list when they have made the decision later this week.
Mr. Mancuso is spending his first stint of time in our classroom on Wednesdays until Winter Break. Last week he talked about bullies and the appropriate ways to handle bullying situations. I have conflict management slips that can be filled out for the students if they are having trouble with a peer. These are used as a referral for Mr. Mancuso- students involved in the situation will meet with him to resolve it. He spoke quite a bit about the "I statement" as well. Students are encouraged to say... "When you _____________, I feel __________ because _________." Please encourage this at home as well!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A few pictures from the last month
We had a special guest from the Natural History Museum come to speak about Ohio animals' adaptations. She brought furs, skulls, and jawbones with her for the students to see how each animal needs certain parts of their body to survive. Some key adaptations they discovered were the following; working thumbs, undercoat fur, different types of teeth for different types of meals, eyes on the front or side of head, and the size of beaks.
To show the different parts of the writing process, we did a "playdough experiment." The students thought about what to make with their play dough (pre-writing), made it (rough draft), changed, added to it, and removed things from it (revising and editing), and shared it with the class (publishing).
Fun with double arrow frames
We planted seeds that unfortunately still have not grown (with the exception of one :) )
Investigating leaves and plant parts that we picked up outside
To show the different parts of the writing process, we did a "playdough experiment." The students thought about what to make with their play dough (pre-writing), made it (rough draft), changed, added to it, and removed things from it (revising and editing), and shared it with the class (publishing).
Fun with double arrow frames
We planted seeds that unfortunately still have not grown (with the exception of one :) )
Investigating leaves and plant parts that we picked up outside
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Report cards
The first round of report cards are on their way home October 30.
The core subjects of math, reading, social studies, science, spelling, and writing will all recieve a letter- S (succeeding), DV (developing), or N (needs improvement). This is considered the overall "grade" for that subject. Underneath each of these subjects will be a short list of key skills from that subject. These are taken straight from the state of Ohio standards for 2nd grade. If your student is struggling with one of these key skills, there will be an asterisk next to it. It is possible to receive an "S" for a subject even if there is an asterisk underneath it.
Art, music, and gym have each been given one of the following letters; O (outstanding), S (satisfactory), or U (unsatisfactory).
I look forward to meeting with each of you at conferences in the next few weeks. Please feel free to bring any questions you may have so taht I can address them.
Happy Halloween!
The core subjects of math, reading, social studies, science, spelling, and writing will all recieve a letter- S (succeeding), DV (developing), or N (needs improvement). This is considered the overall "grade" for that subject. Underneath each of these subjects will be a short list of key skills from that subject. These are taken straight from the state of Ohio standards for 2nd grade. If your student is struggling with one of these key skills, there will be an asterisk next to it. It is possible to receive an "S" for a subject even if there is an asterisk underneath it.
Art, music, and gym have each been given one of the following letters; O (outstanding), S (satisfactory), or U (unsatisfactory).
I look forward to meeting with each of you at conferences in the next few weeks. Please feel free to bring any questions you may have so taht I can address them.
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Catching up!
Your second graders have been hard at work learning and practicing many things!
In reading, we have been focusing on the main idea and details of both fiction and non-fiction stories. We used a chocolate chip cookie as an analogy for this, as well as a chair, and a person wearing clothes. They should be able to explain to you how those three things help them remember what main idea and details are.
For math, we've been taking basic concepts a bit deeper such as; working more in-depth with clocks, working with bills and coins together, and double patterns in the same problems. Timed tests are now a weekly occurrence as you've seen the progress charts coming home on Fridays. Keep practicing those facts!
We did take a break from the normal spelling patterned lists this week. After the end of the first quarter, I checked in on students with an assessment to re-evaluate their spelling development. Some will be changing groups next week based on what their new needs are for spelling.
Ohio habitats and animals have been our obsession during science! We even had a guest speaker come to show us different furs, beaks, and skulls of Ohio animals to help us learn more about their adaptations. See if your student can explain the word "adaptation" and tell you the 4 main habitats in Ohio. They are becoming brilliant!
With Halloween approaching, the class is looking forward to their party on Friday afternoon. We've had a few "spooky" moments in class with students forgetting to raise hands, and even forgetting to pay attention. I'm sure that these "frights" will end as the excitement of the festivities passes. If you would please, give your little "goblins" a short reminder to be the best little "ghoul" they can be! I appreciate all of your involvement!
Be on the lookout for report cards on Friday afternoon! I will post an explanation of the marks closer to the time.
Thanks for your patience as I get caught up! Pictures of daily class activities are coming soon!
In reading, we have been focusing on the main idea and details of both fiction and non-fiction stories. We used a chocolate chip cookie as an analogy for this, as well as a chair, and a person wearing clothes. They should be able to explain to you how those three things help them remember what main idea and details are.
For math, we've been taking basic concepts a bit deeper such as; working more in-depth with clocks, working with bills and coins together, and double patterns in the same problems. Timed tests are now a weekly occurrence as you've seen the progress charts coming home on Fridays. Keep practicing those facts!
We did take a break from the normal spelling patterned lists this week. After the end of the first quarter, I checked in on students with an assessment to re-evaluate their spelling development. Some will be changing groups next week based on what their new needs are for spelling.
Ohio habitats and animals have been our obsession during science! We even had a guest speaker come to show us different furs, beaks, and skulls of Ohio animals to help us learn more about their adaptations. See if your student can explain the word "adaptation" and tell you the 4 main habitats in Ohio. They are becoming brilliant!
With Halloween approaching, the class is looking forward to their party on Friday afternoon. We've had a few "spooky" moments in class with students forgetting to raise hands, and even forgetting to pay attention. I'm sure that these "frights" will end as the excitement of the festivities passes. If you would please, give your little "goblins" a short reminder to be the best little "ghoul" they can be! I appreciate all of your involvement!
Be on the lookout for report cards on Friday afternoon! I will post an explanation of the marks closer to the time.
Thanks for your patience as I get caught up! Pictures of daily class activities are coming soon!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Fact POWER
As we keep moving in math, the students are starting to realize the importance of knowing their addition and subtraction facts quickly. Today they reviewed a few subtraction strategies- counting back and counting up. While the end goal is for students to figure know the basic facts without additional help (fingers, counters, number lines, etc.) right now as they learn them these tools can be very helpful.
Next week we will be starting addition and subtraction timed tests. These will be done once a week and are more for practice than actual testing. I encourage you to begin (if you are not already) practicing facts each evening to help prepare them! I will send home a letter explaining the procedures when we begin!
Next week we will be starting addition and subtraction timed tests. These will be done once a week and are more for practice than actual testing. I encourage you to begin (if you are not already) practicing facts each evening to help prepare them! I will send home a letter explaining the procedures when we begin!
Comprehension work
We are taking a time out from reading books during guided reading group time to give all of the students a lesson about comprehension. They have been (or will by the end of the week) learning about STAR reading. STAR stands for: See it in your mind's eye, Think about what's going to happen next, Ask fat questions, Relate it to your life. These are four key skills that will help the students make more meaning out of reading.
Here is the song we are singing to help them remember these important things to do while reading:
(Sung to "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain")
Oh, I want to get the meaning out of reading, (snap, snap)
Yes, I want to get the meaning out of reading, (snap, snap)
I will see it in my mind's eye,
Ask fat questions such as "why?"
Make predictions
And connections
All the while (snap, snap)
As you read at home, try to remind students to practice these skills each time they read so that they become natural!
Here is the song we are singing to help them remember these important things to do while reading:
(Sung to "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain")
Oh, I want to get the meaning out of reading, (snap, snap)
Yes, I want to get the meaning out of reading, (snap, snap)
I will see it in my mind's eye,
Ask fat questions such as "why?"
Make predictions
And connections
All the while (snap, snap)
As you read at home, try to remind students to practice these skills each time they read so that they become natural!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Bubbles everywhere!
This week we have been taking Gates tests, which requires the students to fill in a bubble for the correct answer. Now that we finished them (with smiles still on faces) we needed to blow those bubbles away and celebrate! So we ventured outside at the end of the day with our homemade bubble solution (1 c. water, 1 TBLS Caro Syrup, 2 TBLS dish soap) and pipe cleaner wands and blew bubbles!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
In the swing of things...
I think that we have all finally settled into our routines and daily patterns, and without any major shake up (like let's say a mouse running across the room) we are calm and learning many new things! :)
The students have been learning about fairy tales and tall tales in reading. We've enjoyed listening to many stories such as Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett, Hansel and Gretel, The Princess and the Pea, and The Bunyans. Be sure to ask them what characteristics a fairy tale and tall tale should include!
We've also been working hard on independent activities about sequencing and compound words. Each week, they will have the opportunity to go on the computer (at least once) and visit our website of the week and do some activities on a new school-wide program named Lexia. They are learning all of the navigational tools and becoming experts on getting signed onto computers on their own. Memorizing their lunch code would be extremely helpful for this!
We are still working hard on map skills and will be taking our (ta ta ta da) first quiz in 2nd grade next week! It will be about landforms and map skills such as using a compass rose and a map key. More information and a study sheet will come home early next week to help them prepare. (But don't let them get too nervous!)
Tomorrow (Friday) I will be sending home a half sheet of paper informing you of your student(s)' progress in math so far. It will tell you the number of points they have received on independent math work during Unit 1. Most of our work has been review, so I have noted on the sheet if there are some basic skills that need a tune-up at home. I have also put a percentage so that you have an easy way to understand the work they are producing. By no means am I giving grades, but I do want to keep you informed throughout the year in this way. Please cut off the bottom part of the page, sign and return it on Monday.
Enjoy the last part of September! We are off to a great start!
The students have been learning about fairy tales and tall tales in reading. We've enjoyed listening to many stories such as Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett, Hansel and Gretel, The Princess and the Pea, and The Bunyans. Be sure to ask them what characteristics a fairy tale and tall tale should include!
We've also been working hard on independent activities about sequencing and compound words. Each week, they will have the opportunity to go on the computer (at least once) and visit our website of the week and do some activities on a new school-wide program named Lexia. They are learning all of the navigational tools and becoming experts on getting signed onto computers on their own. Memorizing their lunch code would be extremely helpful for this!
We are still working hard on map skills and will be taking our (ta ta ta da) first quiz in 2nd grade next week! It will be about landforms and map skills such as using a compass rose and a map key. More information and a study sheet will come home early next week to help them prepare. (But don't let them get too nervous!)
Tomorrow (Friday) I will be sending home a half sheet of paper informing you of your student(s)' progress in math so far. It will tell you the number of points they have received on independent math work during Unit 1. Most of our work has been review, so I have noted on the sheet if there are some basic skills that need a tune-up at home. I have also put a percentage so that you have an easy way to understand the work they are producing. By no means am I giving grades, but I do want to keep you informed throughout the year in this way. Please cut off the bottom part of the page, sign and return it on Monday.
Enjoy the last part of September! We are off to a great start!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Every sentence...
This week we are beginning our grammar piece of 2nd grade. The students have learned a catchy little song to help them remember our 3 basic rules for a sentence. Here are the words, in case they have forgotten- make them sing it with you!
Every sentence starts with a capital,
Ends with a period,
Has spaces in between.
Every sentence has 3 rules you know...
Make sure you follow them! Yes ma'am!
We are starting our grammar with capitals and all of the appropriate places for them. When papers come home, you will see three little lines underneath a word if it was to be capitalized.
Next week, grammar homework will begin making its way home on Monday and Thursday nights. I cannot promise that we will keep up with 2 every week of the year, but at least count on the Monday night as a staple.
Every sentence starts with a capital,
Ends with a period,
Has spaces in between.
Every sentence has 3 rules you know...
Make sure you follow them! Yes ma'am!
We are starting our grammar with capitals and all of the appropriate places for them. When papers come home, you will see three little lines underneath a word if it was to be capitalized.
Next week, grammar homework will begin making its way home on Monday and Thursday nights. I cannot promise that we will keep up with 2 every week of the year, but at least count on the Monday night as a staple.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Taking off for travel around the world
Today we boarded the "Eshbaugh Airlines" and found out about our upcoming travels around the world. The students were introduced to the basic components of the globe and were excited to hear we'd be traveling to each continent during the school year to learn all about different cultures and countries.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Spelling has begun!
Today the students' first spelling list was sent home. An explanation of our spelling program was included in the blue packet that you received at Open House or the first day of school. Students will only be bringing home a list of 6 or 8 words. (This week they have 10 as it is the first week). These words fit into some type of common spelling pattern. (This week, we are focusing on short a sounds, and long a sounds using the a Consonant silent e pattern). The words are to be used as a comparison of sounds. On Friday, they will be taking the spelling test. To see if they have applied the pattern, I will be testing on 14 words. The additional words come from the sorts that we will be doing in school all week. Students will have opportunities everyday to work with these words and learn their spelling patterns. Please practice not only the words that are sent home, but also the patterns that they involve. Some ideas are to hunt for the pattern in a magazine or newspaper, or give your child additional words to spell that fit the pattern as practice.
Starting next week, I will divide the students into groups based on their developmental spelling level. We may have up to 5 different spelling lists in the class at one time- it just depends on what each student needs.
Enjoy your first week of spelling!
Starting next week, I will divide the students into groups based on their developmental spelling level. We may have up to 5 different spelling lists in the class at one time- it just depends on what each student needs.
Enjoy your first week of spelling!
I PICK
Last week students learned a quick way to help them pick out "good fit" books from the library.
I- I look at the book
P- Purpose: Why do I want to read the book?
I- Interest: Is the book about a topic I am interested in?
C- Comprehend: Do I understand what I am reading?
K- Know words: Can I read most of the words?
Please encourage your students to use this strategy at home and in the community libraries as well!
I- I look at the book
P- Purpose: Why do I want to read the book?
I- Interest: Is the book about a topic I am interested in?
C- Comprehend: Do I understand what I am reading?
K- Know words: Can I read most of the words?
Please encourage your students to use this strategy at home and in the community libraries as well!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
First day jitters!
We have made it most of the way through the first day of second grade! Your students were lucky enough today to go to all 3 specials- gym, music, and art. This gave the specials teachers a chance to get all students on board with procedures so that they can jump into teaching tomorrow!
In class today we went over many procedures and "what to do ifs...". They were loaded with information about how to behave and have a fantastic year. We will continue with modeling behaviors and procedures most of the first two weeks.
A few quick notes...
* We will be having snack in the mornings. I usually have a back-up in case your student forgets, but try to remember if you'd like them to have a snack. Also, we talked today about how we will not be sharing snacks in second grade. This cuts down on hurt feelings and the spread of germs.
* I will be putting together our volunteer calendar by the end of this week. From the volunteers that signed up at Open House, it appears that we will be alternating weeks so that everyone can be included. If you did not sign up at Open House, the following are the subjects, days and times available:
Reading parents (slightly different from what you did in 1st grade, but similar)- M, T, W, Th from 1:45-2:30
Spelling parents (a regimented introduction of spelling words to a small group)- M (could be Tuesday if we skip a Monday) 10:45-11:10.
Send me a note, email, or comment before Friday if any of these interest you.
* It is very warm in our room, even with fans on. Please feel free to send a water bottle with your student.
* A detailed explanation of homework will be coming home soon...
I think that is it! Your students all seem to be excited and ready for a great year. Thank you for all of your support.
In class today we went over many procedures and "what to do ifs...". They were loaded with information about how to behave and have a fantastic year. We will continue with modeling behaviors and procedures most of the first two weeks.
A few quick notes...
* We will be having snack in the mornings. I usually have a back-up in case your student forgets, but try to remember if you'd like them to have a snack. Also, we talked today about how we will not be sharing snacks in second grade. This cuts down on hurt feelings and the spread of germs.
* I will be putting together our volunteer calendar by the end of this week. From the volunteers that signed up at Open House, it appears that we will be alternating weeks so that everyone can be included. If you did not sign up at Open House, the following are the subjects, days and times available:
Reading parents (slightly different from what you did in 1st grade, but similar)- M, T, W, Th from 1:45-2:30
Spelling parents (a regimented introduction of spelling words to a small group)- M (could be Tuesday if we skip a Monday) 10:45-11:10.
Send me a note, email, or comment before Friday if any of these interest you.
* It is very warm in our room, even with fans on. Please feel free to send a water bottle with your student.
* A detailed explanation of homework will be coming home soon...
I think that is it! Your students all seem to be excited and ready for a great year. Thank you for all of your support.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Welcome to a brand new year!
We are counting down the days to the beginning of a new year. It was so nice to meet those of you who came to Open House. I am looking forward to partnering with you to create the best second grade year for your student!
Stay tuned for frequent updates and please feel free to leave any comments- I will read them before (or if) they are published on the site.
Stay tuned for frequent updates and please feel free to leave any comments- I will read them before (or if) they are published on the site.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
