Leaves - a poem by the 2nd Grade

Leaves
by the 2nd Grade

Leaves change color.
When leaves fall off the tree, they die and turn into good soil.
Leaves fall at different times.
Sometimes the leaves are still colors when they fall.
Leaves are different kinds and different shapes.
Leaves change color.

9/28/12

My apologies for not posting last week - the comings and goings of our schedule has me out of my routine.  I hope to post at least once a week, with timely updates or information posts in between, going forward.  The children are handling the schedule very well, considering the irregularity of our days in school.  Plus, just for fun, we were out of our classroom earlier this week as they worked to fix our furnace.  The class rose to the occasion and managed themselves very well as we conducted our lessons in the music room.  Thankfully, the issue is resolved and we are back on track.

We are working very hard to understand what makes a complete sentence.  Learning about subjects and predicates (the naming parts and the action parts!,) as well as remembering to begin with capitals and end with punctuation are a big focus in second grade.  Thank you in advance for reminding them of these things as they work on homework.  We are talking about fall and using all of our senses to notice the changes of the season.  Reading non-fiction as well as poetry, and also writing our own poetry have been terrific.

We are finishing with our Methods of Science learning - they had a terrific time last week using droppers and water to hypothesize how many drops of water could fit on the top of a penny!  Next week we will begin our  study of the Earth, the Moon and the Solar System.  Can't wait!

A topic that we covered last week and will continue to discuss through the year is respect for each other.  We read a book called "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" which talks about how treating each other kindly fills people's buckets, but being unkind or bullying empties people's buckets.  They are so insightful during these discussions - now let's put our thoughts into action.  I was thrilled the other day when a student came up to me and told me how another child was kind to him and filled his bucket - that filled mine for sure!

With the two days off, there is no homework or Spelling test for next week.  Enjoy the long weekend and please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

9/14/12 Update

Here's the update for this week...we took our first Math test and they did a terrific job!  They came to me very well prepared - I'll be sure to thank Miss Tanenbaum.  Keep reviewing those basic facts whenever you get a chance.  Most everyone is still in need of some practice identifying coins and telling time.

In Language Arts, we've been working on sequencing, alphabetical order and the required parts of sentences.  We are emphasizing capitalization and punctuation, as well as discussing subjects and predicates. We've also written some poetry - such charming writers!

Our schedule is finally settling in after a few tweaks here and there.  Please remember the children have Phys. Ed. on Mondays and Tuesdays, so they will need to have appropriate shoes on those days.  They also had their first trip to the Library this week.  They will have Library visits twice a month...I will try to remind you when it's their turn again, so they can bring their books back and check out new ones.

We've had a flurry of children complete their Star Charts this week - such excitement!  They can receive stars when they are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.  The privileges they can choose have quite the motivator...sitting in the teacher's chair all day - priceless.

There is no homework next week and no Spelling test.  I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and look forward to hearing about how everyone has celebrated when we get back next Wednesday.  As always, please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

9/9/11 Update

I hope everyone has enjoyed the weekend - so glad it cooled off a little!  The children continue to do a great job figuring out 2nd grade...not only did we earn an extra recess as a group based on all their good choices, we also had our first student complete a "star chart," which is a record of individual good choices.  I'm very proud of them and I'm hoping their efforts continue.

We will finish our review chapter in Math this week and will end with an assessment that shows me what they remember from 1st grade.  This information allows me to do a better job of seeing who needs extra practice and who can stretch their learning with some extensions.  Be sure to take those little opportunities throughout the day to practice basic facts, addition and subtraction, telling time and using money.  Every bit helps!

So far, so good!  I'm having a great time with your children - thanks again for sharing them with me.  Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Smile! It's Picture Day!

Remember Wednesday, September 5 is Picture Day!  Be sure to wash your faces, brush your hair and smile your biggest smiles.

Parents...I'll do my best to be sure our photos are taken before lunch!