Week of April 18th: We did a lot of work with place value and 2-4 digits this week. Students had place value mats and numbers to use for practice making numbers. Friday we took our end of unit assessment. Monday we will start unit 11. Family notes went home tonight.
Week of April 11th: Monday we worked to count back change. We "bought" and "paid" for items then counted back the change. We worked hard on the counting up strategy. We practiced change again on Tuesday. Thursday students reviewed area by finding the area of their hand and foot in square centimeters. Friday we worked on representing three and four digit numbers.
Week of April 4th: This week we have been working on counting money with and without a calculator. Students are learning how to use the calculator to solve more difficult money problems. We have been working on the dollar cent notation (63 cents = $0.63) and how that looks in a calculator (.63). Students did some money comparisons using a poster with items from then and now. We reviewed greater than, less than, and equal to. Students played a new game called Pick a Coin. We reviewed area and ballpark estimates as well this week. Please remember, all homework is due the next day or it is consider late.
Week of March 28th: Tuesday we began Unit 10. We started by reviewing money and counting money. We found equivalent amounts and made different ways for amounts. I've been reminding the students, they should not be using 100 pennies for $1.00. They know other ways to use instead of the penny option. :) We talked about the dollar cent notation and the importance of the decimal point. We did an activity finding values for words. Each letter was assigned an amount. We figured out how much words were worth. We had our March Homework Hoopla today. In order to help prepare the students for Lincoln, homework is now due the next day. Otherwise it is considered late. This is how Lincoln handles their homework and we would like to help prepare them for that transition. So far, students have done a fantastic job being responsible and returning it the next day!!
Week of March 14th: We finished up lesson 9 this week. Next week students will have a measurement day to use all their knowledge from this unit. We will also do some Easter math activities.
Week of March 7th: Monday we learned about measuring units for long distances. Students learned about the mile and did some map work. We reviewed 2 digit addition and subtraction as well. Tuesday and Thursday we explored area and capacity. Students did some predictions and measurements to find the area in square inches and square centimeters. Our math time will be changing next week. We will flip flop math and science.
Week of February 29th: Monday we started unit 9. Students have been learning about measurement. They have learned about centimeters, inches, yards, feet, and meters. They have had many opportunities to measure items around the classroom. They should be able to measure to the nearest half inch. Friday we talked about perimeter.
Week of February 22nd: We finished up unit 8 this week. Students worked hard on fractions. I was very impressed! We will continue to review them as we go. We also reviewed two digit addition and subtraction this week. Addition is going well! Students were reminded to show their work or let me know how they solved the problems. We will do some extra practice with subtraction. Please look for the Unit 9 Family Letter on Monday.
Week of February 15th: Fraction week! We have been working hard on fractions all week. I've tried to make it fun and applicable to increase their understanding. Wednesday we had "pizzas" and practiced using fractions with the slices we ate and the slices remaining. We also used pattern blocks to find fractions of shapes. They really are doing well overall. Wednesday we also talked about equal sharing. So we used pennies and put them in equal groups to practice. Thursday we talked about fraction equivalents. We played a new fraction game with fraction cards. It was a busy three days in math!
Week of February 8th: Monday we shared our arm span data by putting them in a line plot. We then took that information and put it in a frequency table. Finally we used the same information to make a bar graph. We had some good discussion about the three different ways to represent our data. We found the minimum, maximum, range, mode, and median of our data as well. I introduced a new game called Soccer Spin. Students learned about probability and predicting with this game. We took the unit seven assessment. Wednesday we started unit 8. Wednesday and Thursday we worked on fractions and discussing equal parts. Friday we did some valentine math activities.
Week of February 1st: Our week started with a story about the Wubbles. The Wubbles double!! We used that story to talk about doubles and halves. We used the function machine (in and out) model to practice. Tuesday we did some groundhog fraction work. Students talked about weight. We reviewed the spring and balance scales. We discussed the bath scale. Wednesday students were able to practice measuring in inches and centimeters by measuring their partners arm spans and jumps. Friday we took our jumping data and talked about it. Students learned about the mode, maximum, minimum, median, and range. The did very well with all that information. You should ask them about it and see if they can tell you what it means!
Week of January 25th: Monday we started unit 7. We began by discussing and practicing skip counting. Students enjoyed using a calculator to skip count. We looked for patterns in our counting as well. Tuesday and Wednesday we worked on missing addends, making ten, and subtraction problems. I introduced a new game called Hit the Target. Kids did a great job with the new game! Thursday we did some 100 day math activities and well as played a little basketball addition. Ask your child about it! :) Friday we spent time creating and solving number stories.
Week of January 11th: Our week began by working on two digit subtraction. Students used tens and ones to help them with the process of subtracting two digits. Students played the number difference game to continue their subtraction practice. Wednesday through Friday we worked on multiplication readiness by talking about arrays. Students used rows and how many in each row to help them solve the problems. They did well. Many kids were excited about doing multiplication! :)
Week of January 4th: Monday we started unit six. We worked on strategies to add three or more numbers. We reviewed ballpark estimates and adding two digit numbers using partial sums. Tuesday we worked on solving comparison number stories. Wednesday we learned about everyone's favorite food by collecting data. Students then took that data and put it in a table and bar graph. Thursday we reviewed solving number stories by using different diagrams to help us. We had a lot of homework this week. Please remind your child to be responsible and return their homework. Our next Homework Hoopla party will be the end of the month.
Week of December 14th: We started our week by making 3D shapes out of straws and twisty ties. The kids had a blast making different kinds of pyramids. We discussed the similarities and differences of the shapes. Tuesday we learned about symmetry. Students found the line of symmetry with many paper shapes. Wednesday we finished up unit 5 with an assessment. Thursday and Friday students participated in math centers. They used a McDonald's menu to practice counting money, played some holiday games working on using doubles, sorted time flashcards, and practiced math facts with snowmen. Our Homework Hoopla was on Tuesday.
Week of December 7th: This week we learned about 2D shapes and their names. We learned about polygons and quadrangles. Students used geoboards to practice these new shapes. Thursday we used triangles and rectangles to make the shapes. We discussed their similarities and differences. We found objects around the room that represent the shapes. Friday we started learning about 3D shapes. We reviewed line segments as well. Homework Hoopla is on Tuesday, all math homework is due on Monday.
Week of December 1st: Tuesday we started Unit 5: 3D and 2D shapes. We began by sorting blocks by different attributes. Students tried to guess my rule and find the shapes that applied to my rule. Then they came up with their own rules with the blocks. We reviewed telling time. Students also learned about equal sharing. This will help us when we begin multiplication. Thursday we learned about line segments. Students learned how to name and draw line segments. Friday we took our learning about line segments and discussed the concept of parallel. Our next Homework Hoopla is on December 15th. Please help your child remember to be responsible by completing and returning their homework!
Week of November 16th: Our math week began by developing strategies for adding multidigit numbers mentally. Students are getting good at adding tens and a number with a ten. Students have practiced playing a game called Addition Spin where they practice adding 2 digit numbers. We reviewed solving number stories with the change diagram and total/part diagram. Students enjoyed exploring length and distances on Tuesday by using a tape measure to measure items in the room. We talked about a ruler, tape measure, inch, and centimeter. Thursday and Friday we worked on solving 2 digit addition problems using a couple different strategies. The kids have done a nice job learning the two strategies and trying to apply them to their problems. This can sometimes be a frustrating task for students. We will continue to work on the strategies and practice throughout the year.
Week of November 9th: We started unit 4 on Monday. Unit 4 focuses on addition and subtraction strategies and skills. We started by working on change to more number stories. Then we worked with parts and total number stories. We used both diagrams to help us solve the number stories. Wednesday we reviewed the thermometer and reading the temperature. We then used the change to more diagram to find temperature changes. Friday we worked on estimating. This is sometimes difficult for students as they want to always find the exact answer. We had several homework pages this week. Please help your student remember to be responsible by returning their homework.
Week of November 2nd: This week we finished up unit 3. Monday we worked on frames and arrows with two rules. This activity is helping to increase students' adding and subtracting skills. Tuesday and Thursday we worked on buying things and using exact coins as well as giving back change. This is a hard concept for many. If you have time to practice giving change by counting up, the extra practice would be beneficial. We will continue to review and practice the skill as well. Friday we took the unit 3 assessment.
Week of October 26th: Monday and Tuesday we worked on telling time with digital and analog clocks. Students drew hands on clocks as well as reading the time. Thursday we collecting data from our classmates and recorded it in several different graphs. We found pocket data and graphed it. Friday we did a Halloween logic puzzle. Tuesday was our Homework Hoopla to reward all those who have been responsible in completing and returning their homework. Please remember to encourage responsibility in your child!
Week of October 19th: Monday we reviewed unit two and took the unit assessment. Kids did very well on it. The main skill being assessed was adding and subtracting. I was very pleased. Tuesday we stared unit three by talking about place value. Students are using base ten blocks (cubes, longs, flats) to help them visually represent numbers. Most of them are doing well with that as well. I introduced a game called The Digit Game. Students draw two cards and make the larger number with them. The one who has the largest number wins the cards. Thursday and Friday we worked with money. Students showed the coins they would use to "buy" certain items. Our Homework Hoopla party is on Tuesday. Please help your child be responsible by completing and returning their homework.
Week of October 12th: Our week began reviewing frames and arrows. Working with frames and arrows helps improve fluency adding and subtracting. Students then worked on function machines using rules to add and subtract. A number went in, you apply the rule, and figure out what number comes out. Thursday we reviewed subtraction and using different strategies to help us be quick. Students played Name that Number a few times this week. A huge shout out to all the kids who are being RESPONSIBLE by completing and returning their homework! Way to go 2nd graders! We will finish up unit two on Monday. Please look for the unit three family letter to come home on Monday.
Week of October 5th: We started our week learning about a pan balance and spring scale. Students learned what each scale does and when we would use it. We reviewed odd and even numbers by participating in a domino sort activity in small groups. Thursday we worked on name collection boxes. Students do well with these. I introduced a new game called Name That Number. We enjoyed playing a few rounds of the Number Grid Game on the computer as a class this week.
Week of September 21st: Monday we reviewed unit 1 and took an end of unit assessment. Kids did pretty well on that. Unit 1 was a lot of review from first grade. Unit 2 started on Tuesday with story problems (number stories). We practiced writing and solving simple addition number stories. We reviewed missing numbers from the number grid. Wednesday we talked about adding using the +0 and +1 strategies. At this point, adding by 0 and 1 should be automatic. I introduced the game Beat the Calculator. They were pretty surprised they could beat the calculator! I had to convince them that was the goal! :) We worked on finding the distance between numbers on the number grid. Students used their doubles knowledge to solve some addition problems. Please make sure your child is completing and returning their homework as soon as possible.
Week of September 14th: Monday we learned about equivalent names for numbers. I related it to nicknames or names you go by. I told them I go by at least 7 different names (April, Mrs. Six, mom, #1) and just like numbers, there are different names for numbers. For example ten could be 6+4 or 90-80 or even X. We did some calculator work this week. Students enjoyed being able to use them several times. We did some activities were a number was "broken" and they had to find answers (or names for numbers) without using the broken number. We reviewing greater than, less than, and equal to. Thursday we merged science and math by talking more about the temperature and thermometers. Friday was game day! Students had the opportunity to play the four games we've learned so far. There were two homework assignments this week. Hopefully they have already been completed and returned!
Week of September 7th: Tuesday was our first game day. Students were able to play three games with a partner. We've learned Penny Plate, Addition Top It, and the Money Exchange game. The first two games work on improving our basic addition/subtraction facts while the last game works with counting bills and counting by 1's and 10's. The rest of the week we looked closely at the Number Grid and found patterns on it. Students worked in pairs to complete a class number scroll to 1,000. Whew! Thursday we worked hard on number grid puzzles. I was impressed! Kids did amazing on these! Friday I introduced another game called the Number Grid game. Students move on the number grid by 1's and 10's.
Week of August 31st: Monday we reviewed months, weeks, and days by talking about the calendar. We reviewed telling time as well. Students began taking Mad Minutes, which are one minute timed math tests on 20 basic math facts. They will take those twice a week. We talked about rules for playing games with partners. I introduced several games this week: Addition Top It, Money Exchange, and Penny Plate. Students reviewed dollars and counting by $1, $10, and $100. We grouped by ones and tens to exchange for higher bills. I introduced math boxes. Math boxes are six boxes in our math workbook that review math skills and introduce new concepts.
Week of August 24th:
Thursday we started lesson one in math. Family letters are coming home in folders tonight. These family letters are a great resource for parents. They let you know about important math vocabulary and terms we are using. There is also homework help on there. Please keep in a safe place for your reference. :) Lesson one was about learning some math routines and reviewing number lines and sequences. Friday we learned about tool kits and reviewed counting money.
We use the Everyday Math series. This is our forth year with this series and I think it's amazing what the kids will be learning in 2nd grade! You will be so impressed with your child!
