Bean Counters

We have started our next math unit on place value and measurement using the theme of Jack and the Beanstalk. Our first challenge was to estimate how many magic beans there were in a large ziploc bag that was halfway full.  Our next challenge was to figure out an efficient way to count all of these beans.  After a discussion, our decision was to put the beans into groups of ten.  As you will see, we found out that we had many groups of ten.  We revised our estimates and then decided to group ten  small cups of 10 beans into a bigger cup of 100.  Then we had so many 100 cups that we grouped ten 100 cups into a large 1000 container.  Finally, we found out how many beans we had.

Bert the Beet

You may have heard your child talk about our intereting vegetable friend who visited our classroom, Bert the Beet.  He inspired fun, creative writing.  We look forward to our Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, October 7th at 8 a.m., in which you can read what we wrote about Bert.

Math Tools

In math we are using the tools pictured below: a number line, a number string, and a number rack.  As you can see, these math tools visually show sets of 5 by contrasting red and white colors.  These tools help the children reach a goal of 2nd grade math, becoming fluent at calculating addition and subtraction problems.  The visual representation helps the children break numbers into smaller numbers (decompose numbers), an important strategy that helps children with calculating.

Here is how a child might make the number 8 on the number rack.  Instead of counting each bead, he/she knows that he/she can push 5 red beads on top to the left and then 3 more beads on the bottom to make 8.

Then if he/she is figuring out 8 +5, he/she can push over 5 more beads.  Now there are 10 beads on top and 3 on bottom, so he/she can quickly see that there are 10+3 beads which equals 13.

Here is how the same problem, 8+5, might be calculated with the number string.  We encourage the children to push over the 8 beads with one push, seeing the 5 red and then adding on 3 more (instead of counting each bead individually).

To add 5 more, those beads are pushed over. Then it is easier to see that you can take the 2 white beads from those 5, add them to the 8 beads to make 10.  Then 10+3=13.

Problem Solving

We used our math tools to model and understand problems.  Our next step in problem solving was to justify our thinking through the use of drawings, words and numbers. We shared our thinking and learned strategies with each other.

SCS Dance Party

Our whole school had a dance party at the end of the day on Friday to celebrate our efforts at building a safe, responsible and respectful school community. (Please excuse the blury photos . .the iPad could not catch the fun, fast dancing.)

Surprise for our Buddies

A lesson learned: giving is just as much fun as receiving.  We made cards for our 4th grade buddies, taped a treat on the cards, snuck into their classroom while they were at art and hid our cards around the room.  The 4th grade students appreciated their surprise and the effort that the 2nd grade students put into making the cards.

Hands On Nature: Sun and Shadows

Last week we learned about how important the sun is for all living things. It provides warmth, energy and light. It even helps us keep track of the time! When light from the sun (or a flashlight) is blocked by something, a shadow forms. We had fun tracing our shadows on the sidewalk. We waited several minutes and retraced them. We were amazed to see that our shadow had moved! Or had they? Understanding that the sun stays still and the earth is moving is a pretty challenging thing to grasp!

Author Study

We have read and examined the books of Laura Numeroff, author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.  We are writing books in this author's style.  We can't wait to share them with you.

I Spy Kaleidoscope

We studied I Spy books and then made a poster of our team name with a similar style.  The next time you are in our kiva, try to spy the face of your child in our Kaleidoscope letters.

4th Grade Buddies

We have new buddies from the Wonder Team, our neighbors in our kiva.  We have gotten together with them to use the app Pic Collage to make electronic posters about ourselves.  The 2nd grade students used this app last year and could show their 4th grade buddies what to do.