Dear Parents,
The arrival of Spring brings a wave of enthusiasm into our second grade classroom, as the children express their increasing self-confidence, independence and resourcefulness in their learning. As we enter the Springtime season, we celebrate the children, and their year-long academic accomplishments. With their earnest efforts and enthusiasm resulting in impressive learning projects, they have a great deal about which to be proud.
They are midway through the Polar Regions Unit, which seems to have totally captivated their attention. They are working on challenging writing projects, engaging in more complicated math curriculum, and preparing to return to the wetlands and their gardening activities. Perhaps, most importantly, they have forged a cohesive classroom community that reflects their diverse needs as learners, and as friends.
Social Studies
Our study of the Polar Regions has provided the opportunity for the children to compare and contrast geographical landscapes in the world that are vastly different from ours. As they have learned about the Innuit culture, collecting information about housing, clothing, and survival in the North Pole, they have gained great insights into the daily challenges this population confronts. They have also been gathering information about the animals that inhabit the Arctic Region and how those animals have adapted to living in such a harsh climate. They soon will study the several varieties of penguins that live in the Antarctica.
Science
Our study of the Polar Regions animals has led to fascinating discussions about animal adaptations, noting how these animals have such unique traits that enable them to survive in such a cold climate. As this study has followed our earlier research on wetlands animals and their adaptations to living in our local habitat, it will be exciting to resume our wetland visits and to re-discover evidence of Spring returning to a familiar landscape. As we look for emerging signs of Spring, we look forward to our sightings of coltsfoot, horse’s tail, red-winged blackbirds, downy woodpecker; and yellow-spotted salamanders…all harbingers of the arrival of Spring.
…When I was young in Vermont…….
Writing
At this point in the school year, we will be sharing our attention between narrative writing and opinion piece writing. Throughout the school year we have been gradually building the components of narrative writing with a focus on story elements, (setting, character, problem, resolution); beginning ,middle, and end; sequencing events in a story; and using details and description to create a more elaborate piece of writing. Using the prompt, “When I Was Young in Vermont”, each child has been writing a narrative compiling memories of growing up in Vermont. They are currently working on these and seeming to enjoy the reflective process of recalling their babyhood and early childhood years.
Opinion Piece writing is yet another Common Core requirement in which children learn to express their opinions about specific topics, books, curriculum ideas, etc. They write in response to a prompt that asks them to state their opinion and to provide thoughtful evidence about their belief. They are asked to use carefully crafted writing to support their opinions. They are currently writing opinion pieces based on a book called “Wings”; and “The Other Side”. These two thought-provoking books provide a rich opportunity for each child to express and support his ideas about specific literary prompts related to the books.
Math
