Blog #18- November 1st, 2019 ☮

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Grade 2- Blog #18- October 21st- November 1st, 2019

LOOKING BACK
In UOI last week, finished our summative exploration projects... then jumped right in to our next unit! We shared everything we already knew about peace and conflict, including the different words, phrases and symbols that symbolize peace. We used some quiet time to paint about peace, and also brainstormed all the ways to be a "peacemaker" in your life. We used this knowledge to write a book together: All About Being a Peacemaker. We then moved on to conflicts.
Students sort pictures based on "quality of life"
High quality vs low quality of life


Thinking hard about where to sort them!
This week, we watched videos, listened to stories, read books, and discussed our own experiences to reflect on the different types of conflicts that exist at home, in school, in the community, the country and the world. Students kept track of these examples in flip-books that they created. When finished, students then looked at the patterns of these examples, and decided on six different causes of conflict that occur around the world!They got into groups and presented this information to the class.
In math last week, students began a new mini-unit about pattern and function by examining even and odd numbers. They determined the criteria that make a number even or odd, and investigated using counting manipulatives.

Investigating even and odd numbers



This week, students dug deep into their hundreds charts to look for patterns. They skip-counted by 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 10s, and more, marking each number to keep track of the pattern. They used this information to help them fill in a multiplication chart.

For English last week, students shared their knowledge of opinions, facts, and incorrect information. We practiced identifying different statements, and then wrote our first opinion letter together, explaining to Mr. Ulu why kids should get more park time (and one letter to explain why kids should get less park time, since we couldn't agree!).

This week, students wrote their own opinion letters about various topics, including their favorite season, the best holiday, and if kids should get more or less homework. They made sure to use a box plan to help plan their opinion letter, and they also made sure to include transition words to move from one part of their writing to another. Finally, they practiced using a clear and interesting topic sentence to introduce their letter!

VIP OF THE WEEK
Last week our VIP was Yua! She brought in some nice photos from her trip to Australia, some of her favorite books from home, and even showed us a cool magic trick that she had learned!


This week, Bo was our VIP. He brought an amazing poster to teach us all about his family, his interests and his favorite vacations. He also shared a couple of his favorite Godzilla items, including comics, figures, and a stop-motion video he made about Godzilla!



LOOKING AHEAD
Next week in UOI, we will start to think about how people respond to conflict. We will identify the many ways you can respond, and then begin to dig deeper into each choice, looking at the impact they make on the quality of life. 

For math, we will begin our pathway towards multiplication. We will use arrays, repeated addition and equal groups drawings to help answer multiplication problems!

In English, students will continue building their opinion writing skills, especially around elaboration. They will learn about different ways to elaborate on their details.

LOOK OUT
(Announcements and Important Dates)
*Monday, November 4- NO SCHOOL- National Holiday
*Thursday, November 14th- Parents' Morning, 9:00-9:40am

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