In math, we've been looking at the concepts form and function: What is multiplication? How does it work? We've used manipulatives such as counters and dice to help us understand the connection between multiplication and repeated addition. Most students have developed a solid understanding of how to show multiplication in different ways, including arrays, repeated addition, and 'groups of' objects. Students played dice games to created arrays. We also went on an array hunt around the room and wrote multiplication sentences. Next week, students will continue with some multiplication games, to consolidate their understanding. We also spent some time exploring division. Many students made the connection to fractions and equal grouping. We got up and moved ourselves around into different groups, exploring possible combinations. Some students noticed that certain numbers divided equally and others had some left over, which made uneven groups.
On Friday, students worked independently to complete the word problem: A class of 25 students is going on a field trip to a science museum. They plan to visit the exhibits in small groups of 2, 3 or 4 students, along with a chaperone (grown up). What is the fewest (smallest) number of chaperones (grown ups) they will need? During unit of inquiry and literacy, students have been working hard to take their research notes and turn these into complete sentences. We looked at different types of informational writing, including many unit related books. Students decided it's best to start with a description of their ecosystem and then give facts, including details, about the animals, habitats and plants. Along with their informational writing, students have been creating a large picture of their ecosystem, with labels and arrows showing the interconnectedness. Next week, we will begin to look more closely at interdependence and imbalance, focusing on the concepts of change and causation. Students will also work on developing their presentation skills before presenting their findings to the class. Many students brought in books for the book swap, which is very exciting! Friday was the last day to do so, as they will be sorted on Monday. On Tuesday, students will receive tickets based on the number and types of books they brought in for the swap. After lunch, students who brought in books will head to the MPR to swap their tickets for books. Events/Reminders:
Have a wonderful and relaxed weekend, Ms. Luttrell
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We shared our math thinking from the previous week, regarding multiplication and division. Students also worked with partners to look up the words multiply/multiplication and divide/division. We then continued exploring these ideas in order to develop a better understanding of these concept. We looked at arrays and repeated addition this week. Students also played math games using dice to practice doubling and halving. We will continue looking at the relationship between repeated addition and multiplication next week. Some students also realised it didn't matter if we were making an array with 5 rows of 3 or 3 rows of 5. The words 'commutative property' were introduced as well. "We played some math games. It was fun. We also watched Brain Pop videos." - Odemar "This week we started looking at arrays. An Array is a group of things that are sorted. We also watched Brain Pop videos and played a game about arrays." - Marin "Today we learned math. In math, we did math games and we learn what an array is." - Alik "I like math because math is good and help." - Valencia "I liked learning about animals habitats." - Advay We continued working on independence during Daily 5. Some students had difficulty remembering what their job was during each task, so we spent a few days reviewing and practicing what each entailed. Students received a new word list, and will have this same list for next week. One more list will be sent home before the end of the school year. Some students have been working on slide shows and stories using the Chromebooks during 'Work on Writing.' A few students are putting together their own presentations to share with the class, too. We look forward to viewing this in the next few weeks. During UOI, students finished researching and met with their group to compile and organise their research data. We also watched a few Brain Pop videos about habitats and ecosystems. Next week, groups will create a drawing of their ecosystem and work on a presentation to share this information with the class. We also began talking about the balance in ecosystems and what happens to cause imbalances. Please remember that swimming is on Tuesday. Next week, students are encouraged to bring books for the book swap. There will be a box in the classroom where they can be placed. The following Tuesday, 31 June, students will visit the MPR to choose a new book. As a reminder, all Grade 2 classes will celebrate their year together in the MPR on Wednesday, June 8th at 1pm. Students will participate in some organised large group games, as well as small group board games. Students may also bring additional board games to play (if it's okay with Mum and Dad). Attached is a link for a sign-up sheet to bring healthy snacks for students. Please write in your name/child's name in the cell beside the chosen contribution. Parents are more than welcome to join in this fun afternoon! Have a great weekend, Ms Luttrell We finished up fractions this week and started exploring our ideas about multiplication and division. We will be investigating theses concepts until the end of the year. It was interesting to watch and listen to students as they worked on the following tasks: 1. Think about the words multiply and multiplication. Draw how you think this might look. 2. Think about the words division and divide. Draw how you think this might look. 3. When might we multiply and divide? Draw or write your ideas. Our warm up this morning was: Not counting today, we have 4 more weeks of school. The last day of school is a Thursday. How many school days do we have left? Almost everyone figured out we have 19 school days left, but there were many different approaches used - multiplication, repeated addition, pictures, adding to groups of ten or nearly 10 and then adding those together, etc. Students have been busy researching using Brain Pop Jr., some other websites and books checked out from the library. They are in groups of two or three, and have started recording information about certain habitats and ecosystems. We will finish up our research next week, meet with group members and compile and organise information. In the upcoming weeks, we will begin to look at decomposers, producers and consumers and the impact they have on each other. Students will be working on presentation skills throughout this unit, and be presenting their final thoughts and summative projects related to their research in a few weeks. Many students have changed their reading goals this week, and continue to identify a strategy to work on during Read to Self. Some students have chosen to work in partners to write stories, and they are developing some very creative ideas about characters and problems. We also spent some time adding pictures to our paper portfolios and reflecting on some of our unit 5 and math work recently. Upcoming Events:
Have a great weekend! Ms. Luttrell We had a somewhat short week, without school on Monday. Tuesday was a busy day with music class in the morning and swimming in the middle of the day.
We continued to explore poetry, and looked at Haikus. In groups, students figured out the pattern to these types of poems and began to create their own. Some found it tricky to make sense using only three lines with five, then seven and five syllables again. We will continue exploring different types of poetry next week. Students were also given a writing prompt, using a picture of three penguins. Most of these stories have been completed, and students used a writing checklist to look at the 6 traits (ideas, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, conventions and organization) when revising and editing. We used some games online to help consolidate our understanding of fractions this week. We will have a few days of fraction work next week, which will lead into division and multiplication. Many students are already making the connection between fractions and division. As we jumped into this next unit, we explored what living things are and what all living things need. There were some interesting debates on whether or not a rock was alive. We also discussed fruit, and many students came to the conclusion that while fruit is on a tree, it is living. Once picked, it isn't alive anymore and eventually will die or rot. We also explored habitats this week and watched a Magic School Bus episode to help in our understanding. On Thursday, as we were just about to go outside for a living things scavenger hunt, it began to pour. This will take place next week when the sun is shining again. On Friday, we visited the McRitchie Reservoir and explored this ecosystem, looking at different organisms and their habitats. We saw birds, insects, butterflies, monkeys, a monitor lizard and a turtle. Students recorded their observations and at the end of the day, completed a field trip reflection on their online portfolios. What a fun way to end the week! Have a relaxing weekend. Ms. Luttrell |
AuthorWe are 7 and 8 year old students who live in Singapore. Our teacher, Ms. Luttrell, will be helping us write blog posts throughout the year! Archives
June 2016
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