2B is Off to a GREAT Start!

2B is off to a GREAT start this week!  We are very busy getting to know each other and learning how to work together in lots of different ways.  

Each day in 2nd grade, we will do a read aloud that will generate discussions about various topics ranging from friendship and perseverance to academic topics like insects and writing strategies.  

On the first day, we read a book called First Day Jitters, which had a surprise ending reminding students that teachers get nervous on the first day of school too!

                                    

On the 2nd day, we read a book by the Olympic soccer player Mia Hamm called Winners Never Quit.  We learned about not giving up and embracing challenges just like the Eagle Way states.  Students especially loved sharing with partners about challenges they have faced in their lives.

On Wednesday, we also focused on the Eagle Way as part of our Social Studies unit on The Ideal Classroom. Students listened to a story about a naughty monster who didn't follow the rules. After listening to the story, we began to generate rules about how to behave in 2B and all around the school.  

Also, students participated in a lesson about how we need to THINK before we speak for many reasons.  We made the connection that our words can sometimes be like toothpaste coming out of the tube----words cannot be put back in our mouths (or the tube)!  Yes, we squeezed some toothpaste to demonstrate this.  We thought of ways that we need to be respectful and take turns sharing our ideas, but also choose our words to be helpful and inspiring to each other. 

  

One example of an investigation and inquiry lesson that the students have worked on so far this week is an instant challenge where table groups were given a box of the same materials and asked to create a tower, working together cooperatively.  We also reflected on the Eagle Way agreements that were necessary to be successful in this sort of investigation/challenge.

 Blue Group: Olivia, Pedro, Claire, and Marcos

                                                     

Green Group: Yasmin, Vitor, Ben & Neko 

Purple Group: Rodrigo, Rapha, Mia, & Jenna

                                   

   Yellow Group: Isabelle, Emilia & Michel

Red Group: Seunghyun, Nina, Felipe, Sakura

                                          

Some groupings have already changed since the first day.  

Students will have an opportunity to choose at least one of their group mates beginning next week based on who they can work with best.  

This is just SOME of what we have been up to this week in 2nd grade.  

We will continue to review, practice, and enhance our routines that will support us in reader's and writer's workshop, science, social studies, and math.

Have an excellent week!

Notes to KNOW: 

1)  The LS playground will have supervision every morning beginning on Thursday, August 9th from 7:45 until 8 am.  If students arrive during this time, they should come to 2B and unpack before going to the playground.

2) Please return any Reading World Cup packets and materials to 2B by Friday, August 10th.  Also, please return any books so that your child can check out new books on Friday. 

3) 2B Class Photos will be on Thursday, August 16th.