January 13-17

Hi Parents,

Reading

This week in reading we will exploring cultural, historical and contemporary texts. With these expository pieces, students will understand the main idea and be able to distinguish it from the topic.

Writing

This week we will become familiar with different ways that authors use persuasive writing.  We will write a persuasive statement to support each of the books read.  We will focus on writing complete sentences with a subject and a predicate.  

Spelling

Our words this week have a suffix.  We will practice throughout the week and check for understanding on Friday.  

Math

We are beginning a new unit on fractions this week! We will start out with the basics, such as equal and unequal parts and halves before moving into fourths, eighths, etc. We will be playing a game called Equal and Unequal and making our own fraction candy pizzas!

To help make this week a success, we are in need of a few items. Please let me know if you can donate any of the following items:

• Box of graham crackers
• Can of chocolate frosting
• Bag of regular M&Ms
• Bag of white chocolate chips
• Bag of mini chocolate chips
• Bag of Reeses Pieces
• Dozen flour tortillas
• 4 bananas
• 4 lemons

When working with your child at home, please be aware that we only use the fraction words (one half) in second grade as opposed to ½. If you could help us stay consistent with this, that would be great!

Science:

We’re continuing our unit on natural resources this week.  Students will understand that people use a variety of Earth materials for different purposes because of their different properties.  All products that people use somehow come from the Earth.  We’ll identify cotton as a natural resource that people use and students will observe cotton and list their properties.  Students will learn what a renewable and nonrenewable resource is and know the difference between the two.  We’ll discuss the affects of what happens when we waste natural resources.  We’ll discuss why each natural resource is important and why we couldn’t live without it.  Students will have fun using their creativity to create a poster to advertise ways to take better care of our Earth.   

Reminders:

• Life Journals due Friday
• Spelling check on Friday
• Library day is Thursday
• No school on Monday, January 20th
• Multicultural Festival: January 22nd from 6-8pm