Introducing...

 Introducing... the kids of Room 211...

Anik

August

Charlotte

Clara

Eli

Emma

Fin

Gloria

Irene

Jacob

John

Kristel

Luka

Marlo

Melissa

Mia

Nathan

Oliver

And their fearless leader,

Mr. Cressman

P.S.  Simon and Zoah... we're excited to have you join our class.   We can't wait to meet you.  We'll insert your portraits here soon.  

Learning about Numbers

In class, we are busy learning about numbers in math.  We have discovered that our numbers system (the Base Ten Numbers System) revolves around the number 10.  We are becoming more comfortable with place value in 2 digit and (more recently) 3 digit numbers.  We are comparing numbers and ordering numbers.  

I used hungry alligators to help kids with comparing numbers.  As you can see, the mouths of the alligators closely resemble the greater than > and less than < math symbols.  

I'm also encouraging kids to use math words to describe their understanding.  So when someone tells me that 47 > 38, I ask, "how do you know?  Can you use math words to explain it?"  "Oh, 47 has more tens than 38. Got it."

To make it more engaging, I've am also trying to make math meaningful. For example, instead of just ordering random numbers, we're ordering Lego Movies based on how many minutes they are or books based on how many pages they have or ordering kids based on how many centimeters tall they are.  

Learning About Matter in Science

We started our first science unit this week... learning about the properties of Matter.  Today we learned that everything in our world is made of matter.  We also learned that there are 3 states of matter - Solids, Liquids and Gases. (And yes, the connection between gases and farts was immediately made and the giggles were uncontrollable.  Haha.)  We also discovered that all matter, even gases, have mass and all matter takes up space.  We will soon dive deeper into what makes matter a solid or a liquid or a gas.  Throughout the unit, I will endeavour to provide lots of hands-on experiences so kids can understand the BIG ideas of matter.

Paper Airplane Fun

In class, we are learning how to write 'procedures' - Telling someone the steps about how to do something. We will engage in writing many procedures over the next several weeks. For example, we made paper airplanes in class last week and then worked together to write this procedure...

Paper Airplane Fun

Do you know how to make a paper airplane?  I will teach you how to make the best paper airplane ever.  You’re going to have so much fun making paper airplanes.  So, let’s get started.

Steps:

1. First, fold the paper in half.  Then open it up again.

2. Then, fold the corners down to make it look like a house.

3. Next, fold the corners down again.  I will look like a ‘tent’.

4. Now, fold the ‘tent’ in half.

5. Finally, you’re ready to fold the wings.   

 

You did it!  You made a great paper airplane.  There’s just one thing left to do…  let it FLY!  I hope you have lots of fun with your new paper airplane! 

Procedures are organized in a special way.  They begin with a title and opening paragraph which are designed to grab the reader's attention and introduce the writing.  This if followed by the step-by-step instructions that clearly tell the reader what to do.  And then the writing wraps up with a closing paragraph to give the reader something to think about.  

You can help at home by sharing procedures like recipes and game instructions with your second grader. 

 

Photo Day

Have you heard?  Thursday, September 23 is Photo Day at Jackman. That should give kids plenty of time to practice their smiles! 😀 FYI, there will only be individual pictures taken this year, no class photos. 

Save the Date

Save the date!  I will be hosting Curriculum Night for the parents of 211 kids on Tuesday, September 28.  That's just two weeks away.  

At curriculum night, I will meet with parents (virtually) to share my plans for the class this year and highlights of the 2nd grade curriculum.  

I will host 2 ZOOM sessions, one at 4:30pm and another at 6:30pm. Choose which session suits you best.  A Zoom link will be shared closer to the time.  

Looking forward to meeting with you.

Class Rules

We've got 5 rules for our class, affectionately called, "How to Be Cool at School".  Have a look...

Our Weekly Schedule

Are you curious about what a week in room 211 looks like?  Take a peek at our weekly schedule.  Please understand that this is a draft schedule that may need to change as needed.

Please note the following: 

Dance will be taught by Mr. Katsuras, 

Gym will be taught by Ms. Archibald, 

and Music will be taught by Mr. Cappel.  

And yes, that means that everything else will be taught by... ME. 😃

Lunch and Snacks

Lunch - At Jackman, we encourage parents to pack a 'waste-free' lunch for kids who eat lunch at school. Foods and drinks should be packed in reusable containers... with little or no garbage! Try to reduce the use of disposable packaging and single serving containers.  

Many kids will stay at school for lunch. These kids will be eating in our classroom. They will stay indoors for 40 minutes and then go outdoors to enjoy some 40 minutes of outdoor recess playtime. And if you're thinking what I'm thinking, 40 minutes is a VERY long time for a 2nd grader to sit and eat lunch. So, if possible, send a small, independent lunch activity to school with your child during. Here are some ideas... a sketch book for drawing/doodling, a journal for writing or a kid-friendly activity book (word searches, mazes, colouring book, etc.).  Independent activities... great. Toys... not so much.

Snacks - The kids in room 211 are encouraged to eat a small snack mid morning. Kids will be given time to eat in class before going outdoors to play during morning recess. Homemade snacks in reusable containers are best. Fresh fruit and veggies make great snacks too. Try to reduce store-bought, packaged snacks, as these create lots of garbage.  

Jackman is a proud Platinum EcoSchool and waste reduction is always on our minds.

Blog

Welcome to my class blog.  It's a great way for me to communicated with you about what's going on with 2nd graders in room 211.  I will make announcements about class and school events.  I will share summaries and photos of lessons and learning activities.   I will also suggest ways you can support your child's learning at home.  It's an easy way to stay connected to your child's class.

Go ahead, bookmark this blog on your computer and check for posts often. Better yet, stay connected by choosing to 'follow by email'. You can find this subscription link on the top of the blog page.  Just enter your email in the box. Then you’ll be set. You will get an email alert every time I post a new message.  It's an easy way to stay 'in the loop'.  So, what are you waiting for?  Sign up today.