Writing About Reading

This week saw the boys and girls writing about reading more than ever before. They read from a variety of nonfiction sources - magazines, an online children's encyclopedia, books - and tried to distill the main ideas of these texts. They learned to do more than simply lift a line or two; they put their thoughts into their own words and then put those words to paper.

Asking them to do this work is a bit like throwing them into the deep water. It's tough. But being able to think and especially to write about text in this way has become the hallmark of proficient second-grade reading. Once children are fluent readers, they are mostly assessed on their ability to think deeply about what they read and to respond in writing. It's a skill that takes a lot of practice and children will get that this year and beyond. Bit by bit, writing will become an important way for them to process ideas and information from their reading and to share them with others.

In math this week, the boys and girls took the Unit 2 test and we began a new unit on measurement and geometry. For many children, this is the first time they are using rulers to measure in centimeters and inches, and it's exciting. In first grade, they used objects such as blocks or paper clips placed end to end as measuring tools. The ruler that your child brought home yesterday can be thought of as a homework ruler. We have other rulers to use at school. Also in math, we've begun using Moby Max. This online program begins with a placement test. Then, based on test results, it targets areas of student need. Math concepts are broken into small, achievable skills. Short teaching videos address the skills and practice problems with immediate feedback follow. So far, the boys and girls seem to like the program. We are using it for 15- to 20-minute sessions a couple of times a week. Instructions for how to get onto the program at home will be sent once we're sure we've ironed out any bugs.

Science lessons about the uses of earth materials continued with the boys and girls making beads from clay. With some tips and supplies from Mrs. Jubelirer, our class fired the beads we made in the school kiln and painted them. The process was lots of fun and the boys and girls seemed very proud of what they'd done. As we move on in science, we'll be making "homemade soil" with humus, pebbles and sand, and looking at how water in its various states affects the land.

Finally, please take a look at a letter that I am sending home today about a Secret Snowflake activity in our classroom. It's a gift exchange - but more, I hope. Today, each child secretly chose the name of another student who becomes his or her Secret Snowflake. Over the next week and a half, the boys and girls should make a special effort to be kind and respectful to their secret friends without spilling the beans. On Wed., Dec. 21 - the first official day of winter - Secret Snowflakes will be revealed and small gifts will be given. The purpose of the activity is to build friendships, instill a spirit of generosity and kindness, and add joy to our days.

Mark Your Calendars:

Fri., Dec. 9 - Report cards are sent home

Wed., Dec. 14 - Early release day for students

Thurs., Dec. 21 - Secret Snowflake gift exchange

Fri., Dec. 23 - First day of Winter Break

Tues., Jan. 3 - School resumes