Welcome to Math Class
9/30/2018
In the Lower School at PNA we utilize Bridges in Mathematics in leveled classes for math instruction. The Bridges math curriculum "focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems." -Math Learning Center "Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful." - Math Learning CenterMath class in the second grade classroom is a mix of playfulness combined with critical thinking and mathematical reasoning. There is an expectation for hard work and collaboration with room for kids to learn the way they do best...by doing.
"Egg-stravaganza"
9/22/2018
The highly anticipated and always challenging annual 2nd grade egg drop happened this past week! After much designing and creating, re-designing and re-creating, the students tested out their egg drop contraptions in round one. Some survived and some did not but students were given the chance to refine their designs, create a completely different design or take on a challenge, such as only using 5 balloons and tape in round 2. This project is an oldie but a goodie! It allows for creativity and critical thinking. Students are actively engaged in the design and testing processes. They work within a few set parameters but have a lot of freedom to test out their ideas. Possibly the most important aspect is that of growth mindset. Students learn that not everything will always go as planned. They work on overcoming frustration to persevere through challenges that arise. And through it all, they learn that it's ok to make mistakes as they are another chance to try again. 2018 Annual 2nd Grade Egg Drop is in the books!
Good Morning!
9/15/2018
Such simple words but yet, so powerful! At PNA, we start each morning with a morning meeting as part of the Responsive Classroom approach that we utilize in our classrooms. Morning meetings are an integral part of our day as they build a strong sense of community and set the tone for a positive and inclusive day. There are four parts to a morning meeting: a greeting, sharing, a group activity and a morning message. Each day students read the morning message. This message is written in a friendly letter format and either reviews something that we have previously talked about or sets the groundwork for that day's events. The next component of morning meeting is a greet. Students greet each other by name in as they say good morning. This happens in a variety of ways. Currently the favorite greet is saying hello in different languages using this great book, "Hello World".
The group game or activity might arguably be the favorite of most students during morning meeting. By playing and working together, students are developing important communication and sportsmanship skills. They are engaging with one another in activities that encourage critical thinking, creativity and just pure simple joy. In the examples above, the students are playing "Burning Hot River of Lava" in which they have to work as a team to safely cross the "lava river". By greeting each and every student, to allowing them to share their voices, to coming together as a group to enjoy a bit of playful interaction each morning, we are setting the students up for a successful day where they are included and recognized as valuable members of our learning community.
2nd Grade Readers
9/8/2018
Learning to read is a journey, where students begin with the ABCs and end up ideally as a lifelong reader who finds joy in losing themselves in a book. As with any journey, there are stumbles and bumps along the way. As second grader readers, the students are practicing different strategies and skills to make their travels go a bit more smoothly. One of the strategies in practice during class this week was "giving books a sneak peek." As readers, we know that out of the millions of books out there, not every book is for us. By giving books sneak peeks, students can begin to think critically about a book before they even read the first page. They are thinking about the content of the book and whether or not if fits their current needs...pleasure reading, research, etc. Students are also looking to make sure that the book isn't too easy or too hard, but just right for their current reading abilities. There are three ways to give a book a sneak peek...
1. Look at the title and front cover. Does this look like something of interest to you? 2. Look at the blurb on the back cover. Are you still interested? 3. Open to the table of contents or the first page. Have you found a book for you? It's a Balancing Act...
9/1/2018
The first couple of weeks of school are always a balancing act. There must be time for students to meet and greet new and old friends and catch up on summer adventures. Time is needed to explore their new space and see what second grade holds in store. Students also need time to reflect on their own personal goals for the year. Students each created their own hopes and dreams for the year and folded them up into origami swans. Students had to practice patience and perseverance in their folding, but at the end, all students were successful! Time was also spent on how the group as a whole can help everyone meet their goals. Students worked collaboratively to discuss, defend, explain and finally create the class guidelines all of the second graders have agreed to follow. Students are figuring out how we all fit together and how we can all successfully meet the expectations of second grade.
All of these valuable components are coming together as part of the Responsive Classroom approach to starting our school year off on a positive note. |
Marcella HitchcockMs. Hitchcock teaches second grade, is a mom of two, an avid reader, lifelong learner, and a seeker of sunshine! Archives
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