Category: General Studies

2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

arapoport

There has been so much energy, learning, and excitement in Room 112, and I’m thrilled to share all the wonderful things we’ve been working on together.

Math

During our math blocks, students are exploring and deepening their understanding of both 2D and 3D shapes. They will learn to recognize, name, describe, compare, and sort 3D shapes including cubes, rectangular prisms, spheres, cylinders, cones, and pyramids. Students will use new math vocabulary such as faces, edges, and vertices to describe each shape’s attributes and will identify these shapes in their everyday environment, such as balls, boxes, and cans. They will also learn the difference between 2D (flat) and 3D (solid) shapes.

In addition, students will work with 2D shapes including triangles, squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, hexagons, pentagons, rhombuses, and trapezoids. They will identify and name shapes in different orientations, describe them by the number of sides and corners, and determine whether sides are straight or curved. Through hands-on activities such as drawing, labeling, building structures, and sorting objects, students will classify shapes based on their properties and recognize 2D shapes in their environment, such as signs, windows, and books.

    This month in Math, students will also explore the concept of area. They will learn that area is the amount of space inside a shape and will use square tiles and grid paper to cover surfaces without gaps or overlaps. Students will count square units to find the area of rectangles, compare different shapes, and build their own shapes with a given area. They will also use math vocabulary such as area, rows, columns, and square units to explain their thinking. They will eventually connect area to repeated addition and multiplication (3 rows of 4 =12 square units).

Our students are continuing to strengthen their understanding of addition and subtraction facts up to 20. We are working toward developing quick recall of these facts, with the long-term goal of solving them efficiently without relying on fingers or number lines. Building this fluency helps students feel more confident and supports their success in more complex problem solving.

We are also continuing to practice double-digit addition and subtraction. These skills are being applied to word problems, where students are learning to carefully read, identify important information, and choose the correct operation. It has been wonderful to see their perseverance and growth as they develop stronger strategies and mathematical confidence!

Science

At the beginning of this term, students explored the exciting world of matter! Throughout the unit, they learned that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space, and that everything around us is made of matter. They investigated the three states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—and discovered that solids have a definite shape and volume, liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, and gases spread out to fill the space around them. Through hands-on experiments and observations, students explored how heating and cooling can cause matter to change states, such as melting, freezing, and evaporating. One of their favorite experiments was making ice cream floats, where they observed how a solid (ice cream) and a liquid (pop) interact to create fizzy bubbles filled with gas. Using scientific vocabulary like solid, liquid, gas, volume, melt, and freeze, students practiced sorting, comparing, predicting, and recording their observations as young scientists.

Social Studies

In Grade 2 Social Studies, students will explore the concept of global communities and what it means to be part of a community both locally and around the world. They will learn that communities are made up of people who live, work, and play together, and that everyone has roles and responsibilities that help the community function. Students will discover that communities are diverse, with people celebrating different cultures, languages, and traditions, and that all people need food, water, clothing, shelter, and safety, even though access to these can vary depending on where they live. They will explore how geography and the environment affect the types of food people eat, the kinds of recreation they enjoy, the clothing they wear, and the styles of houses they live in. As part of the unit, students will work in pairs on a project about a country of their choosing to learn more about how geography and environment shape daily life, including food, recreation, clothing, and shelter.

This is Grade 2’s favorite song to help remember the continents.

Language Arts

In writing, we’ve been focusing on procedural writing, using transitional words like first, next, then, and last. This helped us write our Innovation Day recipes step by step. Next, we’ll start story writing, adding details and descriptions to make our stories come alive!

This month, our librarian has shared engaging read-alouds celebrating both Black History Month and JDAIM. Our students look forward to these inspiring stories each week.
2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

arapoport

In The Know

Winter is here!
With the colder weather upon us, this is just a gentle reminder to please make sure your child has a pair of running shoes at school at all times, as well as labeled waterproof gloves, snow pants, and a warm hat. These items help ensure that students can enjoy outdoor recess comfortably and safely throughout the season. When we aren’t busy taking snow pants on and off, we have been hard at work in Grade 2! Thank-you for your participation in our goal setting/traditional conferences. We feel our student’s first set of goals will help them be successful on their own personal learning journeys. Below is just a small sample of the wonderful learning happening across all of our subjects.

Language Arts:

Writing–This past month, our journal writing has focused on learning how to create an opinion piece, complete with two strong reasons and a clear conclusion. In November, the children were also asked to write letters to veterans. These heartfelt letters were delivered to the hospital and home-visiting team to let these veterans know how much we appreciate their sacrifice and service.

Grammar:

The following spelling rules have been taught and anchor charts are posted in the classroom as a friendly reminder.

Writing Conventions – We have been working on understanding that a proper noun is always capitalized and that each sentence starts with a capital and ends with punctuation. Can they spot the error? They have been given many opportunities to spot the missing punctuation and capitalization of words in a sentence as they complete Read it, Fix it Write it.

Workshops:

Our first workshop we explored what it takes to be a great digital citizen. Ms. Brigitte had a follow up activity where we chose one thing we were going to work on when being on line.

Ms. Beswick lead wonderful activities to help students have the tools they need to foster great friendships and fun recesses for all. They all have new personal goals to work on.

Math:

Numbers/Algebra– Skip counting, place value are just some of what we have introduced or gone to the next level within our numeracy blocks.

A strong understanding of place value and number sense is essential as we move into more complex skills. We continue to review math facts to 20, with the goal of building confidence and accuracy without relying on fingers, number lines, or counters.

Over the past few weeks, we have been working on double-digit addition and subtraction with regrouping and borrowing. Most students have now demonstrated a solid understanding of this skill. For those still developing mastery, we will continue to offer review, practice, and support to help them feel confident and successful.

Word Problems:

The focus has been to understand that there are 4 steps necessary to solve a word problem. The emphasis has been reading for understanding and showing your work. One of our North Stars is we learn better together, so showing how we got our answer helps others see that there is more than one way to solve a problem.

Data and Graphs:

We are continuing to expand our understanding on how to collect and create various types of graphs (bar, pictographs and line plots). As well as identify the basic parts of a graph: labels, scales, titles and data. They are completing math activities that require answering  questions and using the data from a graph or table  in a calculation, as well as using the information in the graph to make an inference.

Science:

Our focus this term has been simple machines. Our Grade 2 students collaborated and worked in pairs to find examples of simple machines in and around their classroom and homes. They now have a stronger understanding of the parts of each simple machine and can explain what the load is and where the effort is applied.

Social Studies:

In Social Studies this term we have compared some significant traditions and celebrations among different cultures around the world. We are completing a unit of study (Changing Family and Community) based on Patricia Polacco’s books.

 

Ruach:

These past months were filled with holiday celebrations and special days. Here are a few photos to capture those moments.

Fieldtrip:

2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

arapoport

Hope everyone had a great Passover break and enjoying our long awaited spring like weather.  “Like spring flowers, our students are blooming—getting brighter, stronger, and more awesome every day.”Just our opinion, but we feel you will agree.

 

Language Arts:

On May 8th, all Grade 2 students will be performing a Reader’s Theatre at Hillel Lodge!
Reader’s Theatre is an enjoyable and engaging way for students to build oral reading fluency and expression. It allows them to connect with characters and story lines while developing confidence and enthusiasm for reading aloud.

Grammar:

The following rules have been taught and anchor charts are posted in the classroom as a friendly reminder.

 

Poetry: April is poetry month, we just started our unit on poetry and as usual our students did a great job creating Acrostic poems which are presently displayed  on their lockers. As we had a late start our poetry month will go right into May. Excited to see creativity in action.

Workshops:

This week we explored the library looking for fiction and non-fiction books. Ms. Brigitte demonstrated how to use the call numbers on the base of the library books to locate a book we want to read.

 

This past week Ms. Beswick lead a wonderful workshop to help students have the tools they need to foster great friendships and fun recesses for all. They all have new personal goals to work on.

                 

 

Math:   

 

Numbers:

We have been working on double-digit addition and subtraction with regrouping and borrowing. Most students have now demonstrated a strong understanding of this skill. For those who are still developing mastery, we will continue to provide opportunities for review and practice.

We have also introduced multiplication, and students are learning to represent multiplication facts using both visual groupings and repeated addition. Our next step will be division, as it is important for students to understand the relationship between multiplication and division. Throughout this process, students are continuing to apply these skills to solve word problems and strengthen their mathematical thinking.

Spacial Sense:

The students have explored both 2-D and 3-D shapes in their environment. They continue to work on expanding the mathematical vocabulary as they describe the properties of each shape. Each child has had the opportunity to sort and identify 2-D shapes by comparing sides, side lengths, angles and number of lines of symmetry.

Location of Movement: 

During math lessons our students have been using grids to locate the relative positions of several objects and describe the movements needed to get from one object to another.

Financial Literacy:

Our students have learned to identify different ways of representing the same amount of money up to Canadian 200¢ using various combinations of coins, and up to $200 using various combinations of $1 and $2 coins and $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. They apply this knowledge when solving word problems involving money.

 

Science:

We are presently well into our unit on Growth and Change in Animals. The students are learning about specific characteristics of each animal group and are able to use Venn Diagrams to compare the groups. This unit will be completed by an animal research project of their choosing.

                                                                             

Social Studies:

Our students are being introduced to the social studies inquiry process to investigate aspects of the interrelationship between the natural environment, including the climate, of selected communities and the ways in which people in those communities live.  they will also learn to analyse and construct simple maps to determine and illustrate patterns in the interrelationship between the location of some communities and human activities in those communities.

Ruach:

These past months were filled with holiday celebrations and special days. Here are a few photos and videos to capture those moments.

Fieldtrip:

Holidays:
Purim     

Passover

                  

April Fools Day

2A, 2B, French Studies, General Studies, Hebrew, Jewish Studies

Tu B’Shevat

ddoron

 

On Wednesday, our Grade 1 and 2 students came together to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees! It was a wonderful day of learning, discovery, and appreciation for nature.

The children enjoyed listening to stories about trees, learning how they grow and why they are so important. They also got their hands dirty planting seeds, a perfect way to connect with the holiday’s theme of renewal and growth. We thank Moreh Liad from SK for teaching us about planting and bringing us so many seeds to plant.

 

In the classroom, students worked on Hebrew and French activities related to Tu B’Shevat, strengthening their language skills while deepening their understanding of the holiday. They worked on puzzles, practiced unscrambling sentences and completed tree-themed word searches, making learning fun and engaging. In French, they explored the names of native trees in Canada, the parts of a tree, and different leaf colours.

 

They also took part in a fascinating discussion comparing trees in Israel and Canada at this time of year. While Canadian trees stand bare in the winter cold, many trees in Israel, like the almond tree (Shakdia),  are already beginning to bloom! The students reviewed their colours in French by learning what colour.

To end the celebration on a joyful note, the children gathered together to sing songs and do tree yoga an in honour of Tu B’Shevat. Their voices filled the room with warmth, reminding us all of the beauty and importance of nature.

 

 

Tu B’Shevat was a meaningful and engaging experience for our young learners, helping them deepen their appreciation for the environment and the world around them.  Ask your child about their favourite part of the celebration—we’d love to hear their thoughts!

2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

arapoport

In the Know

As we approach the end of the first term here is a snapshot of what we have been doing in every subject. 

Language Arts:

Novel Studies-Our Grade 2 students have begun working on their first Novel Study. There are two different Novel Study groups depending on where they are at in their learning journey. We are reading books by Judy Blume, Freckle Juice and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writing Conventions – We continue to work on understanding that a proper noun is always capitalized and that each sentence starts with a capital and ends with punctuation. Can they spot the error? They have been given many opportunities to spot the missing punctuation and capitalization of words in a sentence as they complete Read it, Fix it Write it.

Opinion Writing- The students have been working on being able to write an opinion piece, they reference the rubric provided in order to ensure they have done their personal best.

 

Opinion Piece Rubric (Grade 2)

Criteria 4 – Excellent 3 – Good 2 – Satisfactory 1 – Needs Improvement
Opinion Statement The opinion is clearly stated and easy to understand. The opinion is clear but may need some clarification. The opinion is stated but is unclear or not fully formed. There is no clear opinion, or it is hard to understand.
Supporting Reasons Provides 2 or more strong reasons to support the opinion. Provides 1 or 2 reasons that support the opinion. Gives 1 reason that partially supports the opinion. Does not provide reasons or the reasons do not support the opinion.
Organization Writing is well-organized with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Writing is organized with a beginning, middle, and end, but may be a bit unclear. Organization is present, but may be difficult to follow. Writing lacks organization and is hard to follow.
Details and Examples Includes specific details and examples to explain the opinion. Includes some details or examples to explain the opinion. Provides few details or examples, or they are unclear. No details or examples are given to explain the opinion.
Conclusion The piece ends with a strong, clear conclusion that wraps up the opinion. The piece ends with a conclusion, but it may be weak or unclear. There is a conclusion, but it does not tie up the opinion clearly. No clear conclusion is provided.
Grammar and Spelling Few or no errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Some errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling, but they do not make the piece hard to read. Some errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling that make the piece hard to read. Many errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling that make the piece difficult to read.

     

Our students continue to be introduced to the Structure Word Inquiry spelling rules. Familiarizing themselves with these spelling rules (posted on our boards) allows them to edit their own work. They are also encouraged to use their dictionaries for high frequency words such as (i.e,because, was and want).

  1. Catch the Perch Rule

Note:   /  / = sound letter makes        <  >   =  letter name

When should we use <ch> and when should we use <tch> at the end of a monosyllable word? If a /ch/ follows a short vowel use <tch>. If a /ch/ follows a consonant or a long vowel team use <ch>.

    2. FLoSZ RULE

The letters <f>, <l>, <s> and <z> double at the end of a one syllable word if they immediately follow a short vowel.

   3. Puck in the Rink Rule

If  /k/ follows a short vowel use <ck>. 

If /k/ sound follows a consonant or two vowels, use <k>.

  4. Huge Bar of Fudge Rule

If /j/ follows a short vowel use <dge>. If /j/ follows a consonant or a long vowel team use <ge>.

 

Author Study-Each month we explore yet another collection of books during our author study. The students have a scheduled library period where Brigitte (our librarian) introduces a new author and reads books from their collection. We then bring them to our classroom to use during transition times and our literacy blocks. This past month Ms Brigitte read books from the Read Aloud Picture Book Study (author William Steig).

 

Workshops-We participated in our first Grade 2 workshop entitled Digital Tracks. The students watched a video followed by a class discussion on how tracks always remain online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the link to the video on Digital Tracks

Science:

We have completed our unit on Movement and Simple Machines.  Our Grade 2 students did a great job working in pairs and designed a pulley able to lift water from the well (bucket). They then reflected on their experience and what they might do differently next time. The students did an excellent job completing several quizzes as artifacts of their knowledge.

We began our unit on Liquids, Solids and Gases by completing a workshop at the Science and Technology Museum. What a fun way to start a new unit.

     

Social Studies:

Our Grade 2 class compared birthday traditions and celebrations among diverse groups and can identify some of the reasons for changes in these traditions/celebrations. They are starting to become familiar with the social studies inquiry process as they investigated some of the past and present traditions and celebrations within their own family. Each child completed their Chanukah traditions project where they compared ways in which some traditions have been celebrated over multiple generations in their family.

Math:

Problem Solving-The focus has been working on 2 step problems. The emphasis has been reading for understanding and showing your work. One of our North Stars is we learn better together, so showing how we got our answer helps others see that there is more than one way to solve a problem.

Numbers:

We worked on balancing equations and math fact families. It is very important that the students understand the relationship within each family. This understanding helps with their math fact fluency. Some have been introduced to addition and subtraction double digits regrouping and borrowing. They continue to work on using these skills when solving 2-step word problems.

2A, 2B, General Studies, Homework

Amplify/Boost Reading

arapoport

 

                                                                                     Monday, January 20, 2025 

 

Dear Parents

 

We’re excited to share that your child is bringing home their login information for Boost Reading. This innovative online reading program aligns with the Amplify assessment program we use at school. Boost Reading is the licensed literacy acceleration and remediation program we’ve selected for our K-5 students, designed to enhance their learning experience.

 

This engaging program uses adaptive technology to provide personalized learning tailored to each student’s needs. Authored by experts in literacy, cognitive science, and instructional design, Boost Reading is built on proven teaching methods and incorporates the latest research on how students learn to read.

At school, your child will use Boost Reading about once a week in class.

 

We encourage students to continue their Boost Reading journey at home.  Starting today, Boost Reading will also be our regular reading homework once a week. Encourage your child to have fun and do their best, but please refrain from assisting them during this process. Your child must complete any activities independently for accurate personalisation. 

Boost Reading offers a fun and effective way to support your child’s literacy development. We look forward to seeing the progress they’ll make with this valuable tool!

 

Please click on this Amplify/Boost link then click on the scan button and use the QR code located in your child’s purple folder.

 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

Kind regards,

Morah Ann-Lynn  

 

 

 

2A, 2B, French Studies, General Studies, Reminders, Scholastic Books

Scholastic Book Fair

arapoport

 This is a great opportunity to encourage a love of reading, while also helping us receive new books for our OJCS classrooms and this year funds are being used for new PE equipment!  

1) Please bring money on your child’s class visit day.

Tuesday, December 3rd 10:05 2B

Wednesday, December 4th 9:25 2A

2) Family members can also pop into the book fair before and after school – 8:30 to 9 AM and 3:45-4:15 PM.

3) For more info and previews of the books, you can check out our website https://theojcs.ca/bookfair

There are flyers in their bags as well.

 

2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

arapoport

Curious about what your children have been doing here at the OJCS? Wonder no more. Here is a snapshot of what we have been doing in every subject. 

Language Arts:

Wordly Wise – The children have already completed three full lessons where they have been introduced to new vocabulary and read passages containing these words.  Once they have read these passages they are onto answering text based, opinion and inferencing questions which they must answer using complete sentences.

Writing Conventions – We have been working on understanding that a proper noun is always capitalized and that each sentence starts with a capital and ends with punctuation. Can they spot the error? They have been given many opportunities to spot the missing punctuation and capitalization of words in a sentence as they complete Read it, Fix it Write it.

Our students have been introduced (reintroduced) to three spelling rules. Familiarizing themselves with these spelling rules (posted on our boards) allows them to edit their own work. They are also encouraged to use their dictionaries for high frequency words such as (i.e,because, was and want). The posters below can be printed and used at home.

 

Author Study-Each month we explore yet another collection of books during our author study. The students have a scheduled library period where Brigitte (our librarian) introduces a new author and reads books from their collection. We then bring them to our classroom to use during transition times and our literacy blocks. This past month Ms Brigitte read books from the Read Aloud Picture Book Study (author Minh Le).

                                                                                           

Workshops-We participated in our first Grade 2 workshop entitled Digital Citizen. The students watched a video followed by a class discussion on how we stay safe while online.

Math:

Numbers/Algebra- Skip counting, growing and shrinking patterns, place value are just some of what we have introduced or gone to the next level within our numeracy blocks. The students have to have a strong sense of place value in order to be able to add and subtract double digits. Depending where they are in their learning journey, they are working on double digits with no regrouping or regrouping. Either way they are at their Just Right level. There are those that have moved on to more. Remember the first step is demonstrating to me that they can independently complete the tasks assigned before we move on to more. A strong foundation is very important!

Scoot (math place value game)

Data-We are continuing to expand our understanding on how to collect and create various types of graphs (bar and pictographs). As well as identify the basic parts of a graph: labels, scales, titles and data. They are completing math activities that require answering  questions and using the data from a graph or table  in a calculation, as well as using the information in the graph to make an inference.

Problem Solving-The focus has been to understand that there are 4 steps necessary to solve a word problem. The emphasis has been reading for understanding and showing your work. One of our North Stars is we learn better together, so showing how we got our answer helps others see that there is more than one way to solve a problem.

 

Science:

Our focus this term has been simple machines.  Our Grade 2 students will collaborate and work in pairs to explore the concept of design thinking where they have been presented with a challenge to design a pulley able to lift water from the well (bucket). Once their pulleys are completed they will reflect on their experience and what they might do differently next time.

Social Studies:

In Social Studies this term we have compared some significant traditions and celebrations among different cultures around the world. We are completing a unit of study (Changing Family and Community) based on Patricia Polacco’s books.

       

 

2A, 2B, French Studies, General Studies, Hebrew

Last Blog of the School Year

arapoport

Dear Parents,

It is hard to believe, but this is our last parent letter of the school year! It seems like just yesterday we were meeting your children on the first day of school. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your child this year!  

As we reflect on the past year, we feel such joy thinking about the fulfilling and enriching experiences we shared as a class. It was wonderful watching them learn new things, develop skills and make lots of new friends.  

This summer, we encourage you and your child to take some time to review things we learned in class. Here are links to the Hebrew, French and English learning opportunities for the summer months.

Thank-you for working with us throughout the year to help us in making this year a success. We also want to thank-you for the very generous gift, we were very touched.

Remember to take time to relax and enjoy each other. Have an amazing summer!

The Grade 2 Team

2A, 2B, General Studies

In The Know

arapoport

Generations Day was a huge success. Our students did an excellent job reciting their class poems about the IDF and creating notes of support for the soldiers in Israel. Our full Generations Day program can be located here. These notes went directly to the soldiers.  A big thank-you to the Gonen family for delivering them. Generations Day was also Tzvi’s  last day at the OJCS as he and his family will be returning to Israel. Tzvi you will be missed by your teachers and friends.

Language Arts:

Writing-These past months the focus of our writing blocks were on exploring and creating various styles of poetry (lists, cinquain, acrostic) and narratives. Our goal for our narratives is that they are rich in detail, have an introductory  sentence, sequential order to the events and a closing sentence.  

Library-Just before our move to KBI, Ms. Brigitte had finished reading The Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Pinkwater. The students had a great time completing a choice board where they choose two follow-up activities to demonstrate both their understanding of the novel and their ability to create an alternative ending to the story.

 

 

Science:

Innovation Day marked the end of our unit on Liquid, Solids and Gases. Here are a few picks and a video from that fun day.

 

    

We are presently working on our final unit, The Growth and Changes in Animals. We have examined the characteristics of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. This week we will explore  the characteristics of fish. Our students have become very good at comparing the different categories of animals using Venn Diagrams.

   

 

Social Studies:

This last project will help our students have a better understanding of the big beautiful world they are a part of. They will work together in pairs to understand and share that how close or far from the equator their country is will affect the types of homes they live in, the wildlife that lives there, etc… Can’t wait to see their finished projects. Photos will be added soon.