Hard to believe we are finished yet another term. Here is a quick peek of what we have accomplished in every subject. 

Language Arts:

Author Study-  This term we explored yet another collection of books. During our scheduled library period, Brigitte (our librarian) introduced a new author (Bruce Coville) and read a few chapters each week from Goblins in the Castle. The students couldn’t wait to go back to the library, as each chapter ended with a cliffhanger. We also brought many of his chapter books to our classroom to use during transition times and our literacy blocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Project- During our writing periods, the students used non-fiction books and online (kid friendly) websites to read, collect and categorize the information about the vertebrate of their choosing. They used keywords in the informational text to find what they needed, as well as, during their Google search. When unfamiliar vocabulary was introduced in a text, they were required to use a dictionary or a glossary to better understand it and authentically build their science vocabulary.

                           

Long Vowels- Each long vowel can be represented in many ways. The students continue to be word detectives and refer to our long vowel board when necessary. We periodically add words to this board on an as needed basis. It is quite something to see how well they are beginning to spell.

 

Workshop- Ms. Brigitte lead an excellent workshop on Giving Credit. The children then were able to add a bibliography to their research paper and explain why this step is important.

Reading Buddies and Drama- Once a month Grade 2 joined Grade 7 for Reading Buddies. The students worked on 4 different Reader’s Theatre plays under the guidance of the Grade 7s. We recently performed these plays for SK and JK.

 

Math:

Numbers/Algebra- Skip counting, multiplication, numbers represented in both word and expanded form are just some of what we have introduced or gone on to the next level within our numeracy blocks. The students have learned that multiplication can also be represented as a repeated addition.  Depending where they are in their learning journey, they are working on single or double digits. Grade 2 expectations are only an introduction to multiplication. If they are just figuring out that 2×2 is also known  as 2+2 or managing more, either way they are at their Just Right level. Remember the first step is demonstrating to me that they can independently complete the tasks assigned. A strong foundation is very important!

Time-  This term, we have reviewed and introduced some concepts, reading both analog and digital clocks to the hour, half hour and quarter hour. Understanding that there are 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute and 24 hours in a day and using this information to solve word problems is one of our goals. As well, we have been working on completing time patterns by the hour, half hour and quarter hour. Once again, those that have demonstrated a clear understanding of this skill move on to more.

Word Problems-  The students have worked on solving both time and beginning multiplication problems. There are two very important expectations that I reiterate each lesson, reread your problem before you start and always show your work.  My ultimate goal for them is to all love math and not be afraid to take risks.

 

Science:

In Science this term, our focus was on the study of Growth and Changes in Animals. The students have read passages on the various vertebrates and added to their background knowledge. They then compared them using Venn Diagrams. The students loved working on their animal research projects, which was a large part of our science unit this term.

 

Social Studies:

This term our students are beginning to have a better understanding of where they are located in relation to others around the world. They also created world maps with our 7 continents and 5 bodies of water. They love this song that helps them remember all the continents.

 

Special Visitors: 

We connected with an old friend this term as part of our French class. The students prepared questions in French to learn more about Ethan’s school/life experience in France. Next term we will try and connect again as we dive deeper into learning about countries and cities around the world. Thanks for organizing this Mme Effi!

We were so excited to visit online with Natalie Newman (she lives in the UK) , co-author of Lark The Shark and The Shark and Wanda the Whale. She wrote both books with her young son Henry. The children were so engaged as she went through every step of the process. They were truly inspired to write their own books, excited to see what evolves.

 

                                     

 

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @MorahAnnLynn

Dear Grade 2 Parents,

 

We are excited to launch student blogfolios this year in November. Please read the information below and sign the permission form at the bottom of this letter and send it back in their note tote before October 1, 2023

 

The Why of Student Blogfolios

 

A blogfolio allows students and teachers (“the learners”) to collect and demonstrate over time their goals, process, and growth towards these goals and other objectives. The ownership rests with the learner to present evidence of steps towards and accomplishments of their goals. (Langwitches.org) If we look towards our North Stars it sets the stage for students to own their learning. Sharing these blogfolios also encourages their classmates to celebrate successes and share new strategies moving forward (we are responsible for each other). These Blogfolios allow both the student and teacher to keep track of their progress, successes, and learning over time (throughout their academic career) in an organized way. Blogfolios capture the whole child in a way that standardized tests and summative tests cannot.

 

The What and Where of Student Blogfolios:

A blogfolio is a digital portfolio built on a blogging platform such as WordPress. The platform used by the OJCS for blogging is Edublogs. In their portfolios, the students will choose artifacts (work samples that provide evidence of learning, experiences, or goals). These artifacts can include text, video, audio, and images. Students can express themselves according to their strengths or learning styles. They will have many opportunities to reflect on their learning journeys and will independently (or with support when necessary) choose the next steps (future goals).

 

The Who (will have access to) of Student Blogfolios

 As a soft launch into student blogfolios, all students will each be given their blogs. We will begin adding artifacts to our blogs based on what we are doing in class. There are a few things you should know:

 

• Blogfolio URLs (addresses) will follow the formula: firstnamelastinitialojcs.edublogs.org (ex: ann-lynnrojcs.edublogs.org);

 

• All posts and comments will have to be approved by Morah Ann-Lynn, Morah Sigal, Morah Corinne, or Madame Effie before they get published;

 

• Students (with the consent of their parents) may choose to post pictures and videos of themselves and their work online;

 

• Personal information (address, last name, birthday, etc.) WILL NEVER be posted on the blogfolio;

 

• Students will be encouraged to comment on each other’s posts;

 

• Parents who choose to comment are asked to use their first name only, so as not to identify personal information about the child.

 

Understanding that this may feel new and uncomfortable to some of you and our students, there are a few privacy settings to choose from:

 

• Public Blogfolio – The URL will include the student’s first name and last initial. It will be public, meaning anyone would have access to seeing the content and comments (for example, our class blog is public.) This adds tremendous value to the work students are doing, in that their audience is greater than their teacher and peers, and they’ll see that others care to read what they say. For example, connecting directly with scientists, subject matter experts, authors, other students from around the world, etc.;

 

• Public Avatar Blogfolio– The URL is made up of an alias and students do not post their real name, picture, or video on their Blogfolio. However, the site is still public and anyone will be able to access the content and comment.
• Password Protected Blogfolio – The URL will include the student’s first name and last initial. Anyone who tries to access the blogfolio will be required to enter a password. Students and parents would control who knows the password.
• Private Blogfolio– The URL will include the student’s first name and last initial. Only people with an edublog account (parents would need to create one to have access) who have been granted permission to the blog will be able to view the content.

 

The When of Student Blogfolios

 

These blogfolios will not be posted until November.

 

Please ensure you have carefully read through all the information above. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. Please complete and return the attached permission form.

 

Sincerely,

 

          The Grade 2 Team

Grade 2 OJCS Blogfolios

 

I ______________________________, give permission for

 

_____________________________, to participate in the Grade 2 Blogfolio Program.

 

I give permission for the following blogfolio setting (please select one)

 

1. Public Blogfolio

 

1. Public Avatar Blogfolio. I would like my child’s avatar name to be:

 

___________________

 

1. Password Protected Blogfolio o Private Blogfolio

 

Parent/Guardian Name: _____________________________________________________

 

Signature: _______________________________________________________________