Second Grade at Shaker Lane - Room 202

Shop Online: scholastic.com/readingclub One-Time Class Activation Code: DXDDG Encouraging reading is one of the most important things we can do to help your child succeed. It can be tough finding the right books to keep them interested, which is why I am so excited that our class will be participating in Scholastic Reading Club this school year. I am sending home several reading club fliers today. Orders are due MONDAY November 3. You child can also order from dozens of other fliers by logging in online. You can also order by returning one of the paper order forms and check written out to Scholastic. We will place an order in November and early in December too so if you want to order books for holiday gifts you have two chances. There are science books, chapter books, picture books, $1 deals and more!  Scroll down for a list of my favorites! With Scholastic Reading Club:  - Every book you buy earns FREE Books for our classroom library  - You can choose from handpicked,

It's time! I have started to put together a volunteer schedule. So far I have only the first part of the fall up but I will be posting additional slots. For now, please choose one or two slots to sign up for. In the next few weeks I will add a lot more slots and you can sign up for more. Look at the sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084daaa92ea3f49-volunteering1

We are showing HEART during our first community meeting! We're singing our Shaker Lane School song and reviewing the HEART program!  

In our Everyday Math program, unit 2 has students working on addition number  stories. The other day, students wrote their own number stories and illustrated them.  We emphasized the importance of including a math question at the end of the number story and using a question mark. it was neat to see how students chose numbers for this activity that were appropriate for them all the way from 4-1000!

We trued some new math apps today! Sushi Monster was a hit! Ask your child if there is an app they enjoyed and would like to  have at home.

We had fun playing addition  top it today! Some students challenged themselves by using three  addends instead of two. Others made double digit numbers to add with! Ask your child which way they played!

Fall conferences are now available for sign up on S ign up Genius here or here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084daaa92ea3f49-sign I put fall in quotes because December seems late to me, and more like winter! Please look at the slots and see if any work for you. I also added some slots in November in mornings and after school. If none work or if you have any other trouble, let me know. Thanks!

I saw this on Pinterest and love it! It may give you some good ideas if you want to help your child with math.

Now that explaining your mathematical thinking is included in the 2nd grade common core state standards and  it is included frequently in our new edition of Everyday Math some questions have arisen. Explaining your mathematical thinking verbally and coherently in writing is a developing skills for second graders. It comes gradually and is not like a light bulb getting switched on. Rest assured we are working on it in class together and students have the chance for independent practice. It is just the beginning of the year so we need not be anxious and worry that students need to be great at it right now. The second grade standards are standards to meet by the end  of second grade. I think some mathematics sites have some really good information for parents. One of my favorites is this Scholastic post. Click here. Several of my favorite sections I will quote below but head over for the full post. "Learning how to use  language  and mathematical thinking benefits children i

Wondering about Xtra Math? If your child attended our school last year, they did Xtra math in school. This year we will be using Xtra math 2-3 times a month in school but I would ask you have your child try to do it twice a week at home. Occasionally I will assign homework on Xtra Math and your child will need to log in and do it that night to get homework credit.  You will notice that working on math facts is just a small portion of our math program and we spend most time working on math concepts and skills and math vocabulary. A big focus is also working on the Common Core State Standards Standards of Mathematical Practice, such as explaining your mathematical thinking (ie. How do you know the number 73 is larger than the number 48?) We strive for balance so that students leave second grade with a good base in all areas of mathematics. Wondering "What is Xtra Math?" Here is what the website says: XtraMath helps students transition from counting or calculating the basic