We're busy running, running, and running on the wheel of learning!

In reading, we're continuing to focus on informational text within our small guided groups. Students are specifically using questioning and KWL (Know, Want to Know, and Learn) charts to record their prior knowledge, questions, and findings about a particular topic.

As you know, students recently finished writing animal research reports and  will now continue their focus on informational text with a Living Wax Museum project. Specifically, students will select a biography of their choice from Pebble Go, collect facts, and write a speech in first person. Later in March, they will share their findings through a Living Wax Museum--complete with costume! (More info to follow later.)

As always, math keeps us very busy! We recently wrapped up 3-digit addition with regrouping. Students' practice through the use of base ten blocks and the computer program Mega Math provided a good foundation to practice the algorithm.

Now, students will be diving into 3-digit subtraction with regrouping--a much more difficult skill. If you hear your child mention "BBB," it's a strategy that we taught them--When the BIGGER number is on the BOTTOM, then BORROW. More base ten blocks and the internet site Virtual Manipulatives will assist students with understanding the process of multi-digit subtraction.

We've been exploring space in science . Students used different sized balls to represent the various star sizes and flashlights to help them comprehend that size and distance from the Earth affect stars' brightness. In addition to researching stars such as our Sun on Pebble Go, students have watched educational videos, including one on our Moon. As a model, students will use Oreos to represent the phases of the Moon--a fun and tasty activity!

Our next focus in social studies will be Jackie Robinson, and upcoming health discussions will center around dental health. Experiments with eggs (to represent teeth), a visit from a dental hygienist, a reader's theater about caring for your teeth, and a persuasive letter from the point of view of a tooth will lead to a deeper understanding of proper versus improper dental hygiene.

Phew...we have a lot to do in only months!! As the old adage goes, time flies when you're having fun! :)

With the roll out of the new Common Core Standards next school year, there will be an emphasis shift to nonfiction text. Therefore, we'd like to prep the students by practicing reading and comprehending nonfiction passages and would LOVE to own this resource in our classroom.

If you feel led to donate it to our classroom, we'd greatly appreciate your support. It can be purchased through Amazon or at the School Box. :)

Thank you in advance!

Thank you to all the parents who spent their time and/or money toward making our Valentine party a success. Students enjoyed making heart shaped flowers, reading their Valentines, describing a Hershey Kiss, eating yummy snacks, playing a story starter game, and defining love on a special heart.

We appreciate you--Christy, Wendi, Courtney, Leslie, Laura, Erin, Lori, Lisa, Amie, and Collette!

This is a reminder that we will be taking a field trip on Thursday to the Cobb Energy Center to see the ballet Snow White.

All students should wear their purple class t-shirts.

We will be gone from 10:00 a.m. til 1:00 p.m. and will not be eating lunch until we return to the school. Therefore, please make sure your child brings a hearty snack to eat prior to the trip.

Thank you!

Pull out those First in Math usernames and passwords because there is a new 2nd grade challenge!

All 2nd grade students who earn 400 stickers between February 1 and March 1 will be entered into a drawing to win 4 FREE tickets to a Hawks game!!!!!

If you misplaced your child's username and password info, please email Mrs. Smith and Brown.

Happy playing!

On Tuesday, February 14 and February 21, students MUST wear SOCKS with their TENNIS SHOES to P.E. Students will be taking off their shoes for a special activity.

In addition, students will participate in Jump Rope for Heart on Tuesday, February 21.