Dear Families,

It is with an open heart that I wish you all a Happy New Year!!  It was an absolute highlight for me seeing your child's bright, enthusiastic, and warm smile on Monday!  I am delighted to be reunited to continue our journey of learning and growing :) I do hope you are able to access our blog weekly as I will continue to provide detailed evidence of what your child is doing at school so that you too can help reinforce these concepts at home.  Together we CAN and WILL make a DIFFERENCE.

Math Learning:

On Monday, I introduced our new unit in mathematics called “Linear Measurement.”  I hope you were able to read over the 'math note' I sent home with your child :) In it there are suggested activities you can do with them to help reinforce concepts taught at school. 

Measuring Objects:  

This week, students worked in pairs to create a cut out of their foot print.  They were then asked to measure the length of their footprint using various 'non-standard' measuring tools (E.g., snap-cubes, paper clips, 1’s blocks) to measure the lengths of their foot.  Once they completed this, we consolidated (shared) our thinking and compared the lengths.  They had a lot of fun with this!  Please take a moment to ask your child what measuring tools they used and the length of their foot.  In Grade 2, we will also be using 'standard' measuring tools such as cm rulers to measure objects.  Below I have posted the specific Learning Goal & Success Criteria associated with this new strand of mathematics.

                                               

Consolidating our learning as a whole class

Using our Ipad to project student work for sharing

Daily Physical Activity (D.P.A.):
As many of you are aware, students engage in Yoga and Brain Gym exercises everyday as a strategy to exercise and calm our minds and bodies to activate effective learning.  The Helper of the Day leads these exercises with such pride, and it is a joy to see my students actively engage and benefit from these activities.

In addition to these activities, we also participate in D.P.A. exercises to get our bodies moving and grooving.  As a teacher, I strongly believe in creating healthy and active minds and bodies which helps students learn effectively as children (and adults) need to get UP and MOVING so the wigglies, and squigglies get an opportunity to shine and get out of our systems!  We have been using the GoNoodle website which is a fun and engaging site with a variety of exercises, stretching, and calming activities.  Check us out in D.P.A. action below!  

Recount Writing:
On Monday, your child had the opportunity to write a recount about one special event they experienced from their holiday.  During guided writing this week, I spent time to conference with my students to provide feedback to help improve their writing.  This weekend, each student has brought home their notebook to share this piece of writing with you.  Please take a moment to celebrate their progress.  Below I have posted a picture of the Learning Goal & Success Criteria associated with this writing form.  These are essential components to be included :)  Enjoy!

Science:

Our learning in science has focused on Solids, Liquids, and Gases.  On Wednesday, we did an experiment using two liquids (dish soap and water) to create air bubbles using pipe cleaners.  Students partnered themselves and shaped their own pipe cleaner, it was neat to see the variations (E.g., hearts, circles, ovals)!  Indeed, it was a FUN and ENGAGING experiment!  Many cheered when their peer successfully created a bubble!  In our class, we are consistently reinforcing character so all members feel a sense of comfort and belonging :)  Ask you child about the properties of a liquid, solid, and gas.  

Experiment!

We loved experimenting with liquids!!

Website of the Week:

On Wednesday, Mr. Parker shared a website with your child.  If you didn't get an opportunity to check it out earlier in the week, I have posted the link below for you to try it out this weekend!

www.incredibox.com 

Quote:

“Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place!”

(Thank you Mrs. Roth for this thought-provoking and meaningful quote!)

See you with a smile next Friday for a new post!

Namaste,

Miss Gill