Learning about Simple Machines

In science we are learning about simple machines that make our lives easier. We are learning about levers, inclined planes, wedges, wheels and axles, pullies

and screws.   Although we are reading books about them and drawing charts, it helps our understanding when we see these machines in use.  Please help your child find these machines around your house and in their daily lives

Dancing with our right-brain artist Suba

Second graders are learning to dance with their whole bodies with instruction from Suba, our right-brain artist in residence.   We have learned how hands are very important in telling a story. 

Technology

Second graders have been learning how to use our school set of iPads on Fridays.  Mrs. Wilkerson visits our classroom to teach us how to use apps that will help us demonstrate what we are learning. 

OREO writing

Second graders have been learning to write opinion pieces by using the OREO system.  

O - state your opinion

R - give a reason for your opinion

E - give some examples

O - restate your opinion

This is a graphic organizer that helps students to support their opinions in their writing.  Ask your child what they have been writing about in class.  

Learning about the temperate rainforest biome we live in.

After learning about the four layers of the temperate rainforest we live in, students work cooperatively on posters.  They are also learning that cooperating with a group is not always easy. Students need to listen to each other's ideas and make group decisions.

Welcome to the new year! 2014-2015

Welcome to our new group of second graders and their families!  Students are working hard at learning classroom procedures and routines to help our classrooms thrive. Ask your child about whole body listening and ways that they help our school by showing respect and responsibility. 

In math we are learning about growing patterns, making and reading graphs, and measurement. During reading students are practicing choosing books that are good for them with the IPICK system.  They are also building their stamina for reading silently and reading with partners.   During our Daily 5 language time students will:

Read to self

Read with someone

Listen to reading

Do word work

Work on writing

We have been practicing writing summaries of stories.  On Friday September 12th your child will bring home our first homework.   They will need to read at home and choose one of the books they read to write a summary about. Hopefully they will be successful after all of our practice in school.  Another part of our homework will be to practice spelling words.   Sometimes your child will bring home a Home Connection math paper with fun but important learning practice.  These can be done when you have time, but they will help your child succeed in math.  Older siblings can do the activities with them, as many times the learning is presented as a fun game.   

Our science focus is learning about the temperate rain forest we live in. One of the first things we learned was about the biomes of our world.  Asked your child what a biome is.  We learn and practice every day.  Talking with your child about these things will help cement the concepts in their minds as well as develop their academic language.

One last thing.   We are greatly in need of some parent volunteers who could help with material preparation.  Please contact us if you can find the time to help.  Thank you!

Mrs. Gorman 503 844 1140 ex 5560

Mrs. Schlegel 503 844 1140 ex 5561

Simple Machines

The second graders have finished their science unit studying simple machines. They learned to find six simple machines that surround us every day and identify how they help us. We all drew charts with pictures of each simple machine and added labels and information about the machines.  Ask your child to find and explain how some simple machines help you get things done around your home. We studied ramps and wedges, pullies, springs, screws, levers, wheels and gears. Look for tests to come home and discuss them with your child to him or her retain their knowledge.

Zoo Trip

First and second graders went to the Portland Zoo on May 9th.  The weather cooperated and we had a great time. We headed off to the Great Northwest area first to observe all the animals we studied during our Temperate Rainforest Unit. After that our parent chaperoned groups spread out to visit the rest of the zoo animals. Groups tried to complete a scavenger hunt as they traveled and observed all the animals from around the world.  

Thank you to all the parent volunteers who made our trip possible. For many of our students this was their first time at the zoo.  

Our poster.

The second grade has been learning ways to problem solve over the past two weeks. We have learned how to calm down, identify the problem and think of solutions.  We will be using our problem solving strategies every day to solve problems as they come up.

What's happening in second grade?

Welcome to our new 2nd grade blog! We hope to keep you posted on what we are learning and doing in our 2nd grade classrooms at Free Orchards Elementary School. This year is full of new learning for both students and teachers. This is our first year doing the Daily Five. The five areas of Daily Five are:

1. Read to Self
2. Read to Someone
3. Listen to Reading
4. Work on Writing
5. Word Work/Spelling

Student are  developing independence and building stamina in both reading and writing. They know this means staying with the job at hand and not getting distracted or giving up. They have learned the IPick system of choosing books that are appropriate for them. Please help your child succeed by reading to them and with them often. Discussing what they are reading helps improve their comprehension.

Our content study this quarter involves learning more about community workers as well as civics, government and economics. Our focus in math is adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers, learning the different properties of geometric shapes, and solving story problems especially ones involving money.

More to come...