2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

Our students are so excited to show you how they own their own learning. We will be posting their own blogfolios this week. We were very impressed with how they truly understood what a reflection is and how reflecting will help them develop next steps in order to move forward on their personalized learning journey. This was a strong team effort, thank-you Ms. Cleveland for making the math reflections happen and Madame Efi and Morah Dana for the French and Hebrew reflections. Please take time to share these blogs with your child. They are very proud!

                                                                   Why do we reflect?

Language Arts:

Writing-Our journal entries is where we have been reflecting on Winter. For example, how we feel about winter and if we could live anywhere else during our winter months where would we choose to live and why. Their writing reflections focused on writing conventions (capitals, spacing between words and correct use of punctuation), spelling (sounding out using appropriate phonemes or applying spelling rules introduced) and most importantly, does my writing make sense (did I leave out words).

   

Reading-End of the term DIBELS 8 assessments were completed and as such their own personal learning journey is adjusted as they continue to work on Boost Reading. After interviews I will be sending you a detailed e-mail on how to access Amplify. This will be optional homework.

What is Amplify reading?

Amplify is the new reading platform (the umbrella company) that the OJCS purchased licences for this year to use as a pilot project to enhance our current reading programs. We bought three programs for our school through Amplify, each explained below.

  1. mClass – DIBELS 8 assessment 
  2. Boost Reading 

Why did we choose Amplify? 

It is the platform that most closely aligns with the evidence-based body of research referred to as the ‘Science of Reading’. The Science of Reading research shows the need for students to have word recognition skills (such as phonemic awareness, decoding skills through phonics, and reading fluency) and language comprehension (including knowledge of vocabulary, morphology, and syntax) to read and comprehend text. 

mClass is the system that allows us to run the DIBELS 8 Assessment with all of our students in Grades K-3.

 

What is DIBELS?

DIBELS ® (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of literacy skills. They are designed to be short (one-minute) fluency measures that can be used to regularly detect risk and monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills. Depending on the grade – the DIBELS 8 assesses different skills, such as, (decoding, reading fluency and language comprehension). These results help us identify who is below, at or above grade level in each skill and then target instruction (i.e. with small groups, resource support, homework etc..) accordingly. This is an assessment that is completed in class with the teacher. 

 

  1. Boost Reading is the reading program licence we purchased for our students K-5. Boost Reading is a literacy acceleration and remediation program that uses adaptive technology to deliver personalized learning instruction for K–5 students. The engaging world of Boost Reading adapts to each unique reader. Boost Reading was authored by experts in literacy, cognitive science, learning, and instruction. It builds on well-established principles of effective instructional design and delivery, as well as new and cutting-edge research on how students learn to read.

 

Can my child use this program at home?

Yes please! Get your child set up to use Boost Reading at home by making sure they have a set of headphones and a quiet place to play. Boost Reading is personalized to your child’s needs, so you don’t need to and you should NOT assist them with their learning. Once they log in, they’re ready to start using the program. Some students will begin with a placement activity that helps the program match them to the best content. To ensure the most accurate placement, it’s important that students complete each activity independently. It’s always helpful to encourage your student/child to have fun and do their best!

What will I see as a parent on report cards?

K-5 students:

On the report card, teachers will share how a student is performing in various strands related to reading, including decoding, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. With data from the DIBELS assessment, the report cards will indicate whether the student is performing above grade, at grade or below grade level in each specific skill assessed. They will also share the next steps to target skills that are still developing. 

Library-During our library periods Ms. Brigitte has continued with our monthly novel study, this month we have started a chapter book by Daniel Pinkwater.

 

We also completed a workshop on how to create a really strong password. We discovered that a very long complicated password was NOT a great idea as we would never remember it.

     

Science:

This week we will be completing our unit on Movement and Simple Machines. We will be spending our time in the Makerspace working on a pulley challenge. This is where the magic happens: problem solving, learning to take failure in stride, persevering and being open to other peoples ideas.

 

Our next unit is Liquids, Solids and Gases. Our trip to the Science and Technology Museum was a blast and the workshop we participated in was an introduction to our new unit.

 

A boat that floats and holds a pirate and some treasure.

Math:

This month we are exploring  3D and 2D shapes as well as area and perimeter. In the photos below we are discovering how many edges, faces and vertices make up a cube, pyramid and rectangular prism.

                                           

 

                                 

 

 

 

 

Social Studies:

We had a lot of fun with this unit. Discovering all the unique birthday and tooth fairy traditions around the world. Did you know that according to a Turkish tradition if you plant your child’s tooth on the grounds of a hospital your child is very likely to become a doctor.  Sure is much less expensive than medical school!

Watch this fun video here.

2A, 2B, How To Support At Home

How Best To Support at Home

How Best To Support At Home

Here are a few videos, games, apps and anchor charts to help with supporting your child at home. Remember not all of the items posted are for everyone. We are all on our own learning journey.

Printing:

  • Click on this video to review the correct way to hold a pencil.

Handwriting Without Tears letter and number formation.McKenna, Mrs. / Handwriting Without Tears | Handwriting without tears, Writing without tears, Preschool writing

Letter placement anchor chart.

Writing:

A personal narrative video 1

A personal narrative video 2

A personal narrative video 3

A personal narrative video 4

A personal narrative video 5

Paper to print on.

Science:

Read science books on Epic. Code (tzu6283) Sorry but this option is only available for free during school hours.

Watch this Simple Machines video

Complete this scavenger hunt by finding simple machines in your home.

Math:

Extra support for Math below if needed:

  • Click on this video to see various addition strategies introduced in class.
  • Click on this video to see how to add double digits with regrouping.
  • Click on this video to see various subtraction strategies introduced in class. I have not used Touch Math.
  • Click on this video to see how to subtract double digits.
  • Click on this video to see what the students have learned about place value.
  • Use IXL to practise various skills. Remember to use starred items. Listening to this video will help you use IXL as it was intended.

Social Studies:

Inquiry based questions, learn more about them by watching this video.

 

2A, 2B, Reminders

Scholastic Book Fair

We are SO excited about the Scholastic Book Fair! The Book Fair is running from December 5-7. Please see the poster below for information about when our class is visiting the fair!

A few other important notes…

  • Parents can shop from 8:30-8:45 or 3:45-4:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the fair
  • There will be teacher / classroom wish lists, should you have any interest in purchasing a book for the class
  • If you have any preferences about how your child spends their money (i.e. no toys, a French book, 2 books only, etc.). Please write us an email to let us know prior to the book fair.
2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

Thank-you for your participation in our goal setting conferences. We feel our student’s first set of goals will help them be successful on their own personal learning journeys. We have been very busy this month, getting to know two new students from Israel. They are a wonderful addition to our classroom family. Below is just some of the learning taking place presently in Grade 2.

Goals:

The signed goal list is being added this week to our Go For The Goal! bulletin board. Next steps will be how to measure our success.

Language Arts:

Writing-This past month the focus of our journal entries have been reflecting on our Global Maker Day challenges, creating our goals and reaching out to the Israeli soldiers. The children were asked how we support Israel both in our Grade 2 classroom and as a school. We brainstormed ideas and then they were asked to choose from our list or come up with their own ideas and complete letters which will be brought directly to the soldiers. Below is the list and a sample of a few of the letters we are sending.

Reading-Amplify evaluations are completed and our students are now set to be on their own personal learning journey when they work on Amplify. Resource sessions are well under way with Ms. Honey and we work as a team to ensure academic growth. Reading homework is assigned by Ms. Honey each week, please remember to return your books in order to get the next one. For those students who meet or exceed the Grade 2 expectations for this point in the school year, they should be reading often just for the love of reading. Please note during our Language Arts blocks each child’s work has been personalized to ensure we have happy, engaged students. Small group time ensures time to practice our spelling, decoding skills as well as answering comprehension questions. Below is a photo of an activity we completed after reviewing and making observations of the FLoSZ rule. When /f/, /l/, /s/ and /z/ is heard after a short vowel at the end of a one-syllable word, it is doubled.

Library/Social Studies-During our library periods Ms. Brigitte has continued with our monthly novel study, this month we are listening to books written by William Steig. 

            

We also completed a workshop on how to be a good digital citizen. We really have a better understanding of what that means. Here is the video we watched and a great discussion followed.

Science:

This month our focus continues to be on Movement and Simple Machines. The students completed an experiment where they discovered where the fulcrum is located affects the amount of effort needed to move an object. This was a simple experiment involving a marker, ruler and a  ball of playdough. We also are working in pairs in the Makerspace to design a lever that is able to lift 100g safely and securely.

 

Math:

This month we are exploring graphs and becoming math ninja masters (becoming more fluent with the math facts to 20). We are diving deeper into the essential parts of a graph, comparing and making important observations and understanding its purpose. Lastly we are starting to work on double digit regrouping.  Resource sessions are well under way with Mrs. Cleveland and we work as a team to ensure academic growth. Math homework will be only assigned to those that need the practice, I will add IXL to the homework board next week with the understanding that this is not homework but an option for those that want one.

       

 

 

 

 

2A, 2B, French Studies, General Studies, Hebrew, How To Support At Home

Goal Setting Conferences

Attention Grade 2 Parents!

We are launching a new goal-setting initiative this year.  Please read the information below and let us know if you have any questions!

 

 

2A, 2B, General Studies

Global Maker Day 2023

Our students spent all morning planning, designing, collecting materials and creating one or more of the challenge designs presented to them. They chose whether to work on their own or in pairs and the collaboration, perseverance and ingenuity that took place in our Grade 2 classroom was beyond impressive. Here are just a few photos to help you visualize what a group of happy engaged children look like. What a special morning! A big thank-you to Josh Ray for organizing all of it. 

   

 

2A, 2B, General Studies

OJCS Global Maker Day

We are excited for Global Maker Day! Our classroom needs amazing materials and recycled goods… as much as your child can carry! Please send in popsicle sticks, cereal/cracker boxes, toilet paper tubes, paint stir sticks, popsicle sticks, and plastic tubs/lids (think yogurt containers, sour cream tubs – clean please!) to help with our creativity.

 
2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

It’s hard to believe how fast the month of September is flying by. We have been very busy this month, getting to know each other better, learning new routines, and brainstorming rules that will help make our classroom a safe and happy place to learn.

                                       

Learning Skills:

It is important that our Grade 2 students have a strong understanding of what work habits are and how these habits will help them grow as a learner. We are completing a booklet on Learning Skills, brainstorming ideas and then writing them down in our booklets.

         

 

Language Arts:

Writing-This past month the focus of our journal entries have been the Chagim. The children were asked what they were most excited about Rosh Hashanah and how they were going to make Yom Kippur meanful. We brainstormed ideas and then they were asked to complete an entry independently. If they did not know how to spell a word they underlined it and continued on. Once their journal was completed, I reviewed them with each child and I underlined the words that were in their dictionaries and then they were required to edit their work. Capitals and periods are the writing conventions we are focusing on whenever we complete a sentence. 

                 

Reading-Evaluations have started to see where your child is on their own personal learning journey. Resource sessions are well under way with Ms. Honey and we work as a team to ensure academic growth. You will be contacted this week by email if your child benefits from daily practice. For those students who meet or exceed the Grade 2 expectations for this point in the school year, they should be reading often just for the love of reading. Please note during our Language Arts blocks each child’s work has been personalized to ensure we have happy, engaged students.

Library/Social Studies-During our library periods Ms. Brigitte has begun our first novel study, books written by Patricia Polacco. Her books are a wonderful addition to our first Social Studies unit on Changing Family and Community Traditions. We are presently investigating some of the past and present traditions and celebrations within their own family to which they belong. For this week please have a conversation about a holiday tradition or artifact (e.g., Shabbat candle sticks or special holiday table cloth) that was passed down from generation to generation. They will be asked to share and draw a picture of this tradition or artifact next week. 

We also used Venn Diagrams to compare various New Year celebrations within our multicultural community. The students then worked in groups on an assigned New Year’s celebration and presented their project to the class.

   

Science:

This month our focus is on Movement and Simple Machines. The students completed an experiment where they discovered and saw evidence that Newton’s 1st law tells us that an object won’t change its motion unless acted upon by a force and Newton’s 2nd law tells us that heavier objects need a larger force to move them. Sorry no photos we were too busy having fun. We are also completing a rhyming book on how animals move.

Math:

Evaluations have started to see where your child is on their own personal learning journey. Resource sessions are well under way with Mrs. Cleveland and we work as a team to ensure academic growth. You will be contacted by email if your child benefits from the practice of a particular concept. Math homework will be only assigned to those that need the practice, this will start after the Chagim.