January Newsletter

Jumping January News for Mrs. Hedberg’s Class

 

Reading:

This week we started our new reading unit.  The genre is expository text.  Expository text gives information.  It tells people something.  It uses facts about real events or people.  It presents information in a clear way, and gives events in the order in which they happen.  Our new reading theme is “Look Again”. The students will be learning a lot of information about animal camouflage.  If you have any books at home about our new theme please bring them in to share with the class.  Students are invited to visit the Animal camouflage link found on on the Mill Creek Website under student. Have fun exploring this site at home too! This reading unit also fits with one of the second grade science standards ( 2.S.3.2.1 Identify four basic needs of all living things (food, shelter, water, space). Students will be given the assignment of making an animal diorama at home. Watch for information to come home in this week's Friday folder. We will have a special guest come and visit our classroom from Deer Flat Wildlife refuge during this unit.
Math:
We have just begun Topic 9 Subtracting Two-Digit Numbers. Students will be learning various models to subtract two-and one-digit number, some traditional and some not.  Students will draw on prior knowledge of number sense and place value.  There is more than one way to subtract two-digit numbers.  For example they have been breaking apart numbers using place value: Find 52-14:   (50+2)
                             -(10+4)
                             ______
Since they can not subtract 4 from 2 in the set of whole numbers, they need to regroup. The traditional algorithm for subtraction is difficult for most children to master. Please when working with your child at home ask them to explain how they need to regroup 1 ten as 10 ones, if necessary. Be sure they indicate this regrouping in the algorithm. During this unit students will learn how to use addition to check subtraction. This reinforces the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction.  Please remember that I provide two sides of math homework, the Practice side (on grade level) and an Enrichment side(above grade level). Your child should only be doing the level that can be done for independent practice at home.  If you find your child struggles with either please contact me and I will provide a Reteach page if needed. I believe in diffentiating homework to meet the needs of my independent learners. Homework should by no means be a burden to parents.

Character: This month we will focus on Honor for our Character Education lesson.  Students will learn that honor is living with a sense of respect for what you believe is right. It is living by the virtues, showing great respect for yourself, other people, and the rules you live by. When you are honorable, you don’t have to feel ashamed of who you are or what you are doing. You are worthy of respect. You set a good example.

I would like to say thank you for all the cards, small gifts, and goodies that came in over the holidays. I usually write personal thank you notes unfortunately, I misplaced my thank you list so please forgive me for the generic thank you!! 

Sincerely, Mrs. Hedberg