How many strategies can you use to add two numbers together? That is what we are currently exploring in second grade. Many people utilize the traditional method of addition, which we briefly touched on today (for those kids who already employ this method), where the ones column is added, tens are regrouped to the tens column, then the tens are added together. Many kids in the class understand how to use this and that is wonderful. However, it is beneficial to be able to understand different methods for solving a problem. This skill will translate to greater conceptual understanding, in math and in life! Help your child as much as you can with the methods they are least competent with.
Let's take the following problem as an example:
46 + 29
MOST USED METHOD ---->Counting Up:
Always start with the higher number (46). Count up nine by ones (from the number 46): 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. Now count up by tens two times (from 55): 65, 75. The sum is 75.
The most logical method done with less errors: Combining Groups(also knows as Partial Sums Algorithm):
First, group and add the tens (40+20 = 60).
Second, group and add the ones (6+9 = 15)
Finally, add those sums together (60+15 = 75). The sum is 75.
Adjust and Compensate:
Think about how the numbers could be added easily. You know that 29 is one away from 30. 30 is easily added to another number. Well, 46 + 29 is one less than 46 + 30. If you know that 46 + 30 = 76 and take one away,the sum is 75.
Similarly, if you know that 46 is 4 less from 50 and 29 is four more than 25 and 50 + 25 = 75. The sum is 75.
The way "We as parents" learned: Traditional Method:
Add the digits in the ones column (6+9 = 15), write the 5 in the ones place in the sum and carry the ten over to the tens column, add the digits in the tens column (4+2+1 = 7) and add to the tens place in the sum. The sum is 75.
If your child knows that you only employ one standard method when doing addition and want to learn new ways to add numbers quickly, let them try to teach you a method from the list above that they are learning. If a child can work through the method by teaching someone else, complete learning will have taken place and application of that concept will happen more readily!
In addition (pun intended), we are working on estimating sums. These are called "ballpark estimates." This requires the kids to look at a problem like 46 +29 and find a ballpark estimate that allows them to determine what the actual, exact answer will be close to. 46 is closer to 50. 29 is closer to 30. I can easily add 50+30 = 80. My actual, exact answer will be close to 80. The problem with estimating like this is that sometimes the kids put so much energy into finding the ballpark estimate, they think they are done with the problem. They will just carry the estimate over to the exact answer. The purpose of learning to estimate (and they will do this for the next three years in math, at least) is to compare your real answer to your estimate to make sure you are close. The estimate should be done quickly so more time can be spent on the exact answer.
AND THAT IS HOW WE ARE MAD ABOUT ADDING!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Challenges
A new week brings new challenges. In the home folder, you will find a letter about a new reading incentive. The students are VERY EXCITED about the reward we will earn together for this program. Be sure to remind your kids to keep track of minutes read on the white calendar. Most of the class has been doing an excellent job writing their titles down (in their own handwriting!!) on the homework sheets, so this should be a simple addition and I hope not stressful at all. Most parents have also been doing a great job at signing the homework sheet every night. I cannot begin to tell you how much you will appreciate developing these good work habits NOW with your child. If you are finding that you are needing to remind your child of what is expected of him or her each night, sit down and talk about your expectations. The only change for you as the parent is to initial the weekend minutes so your child can earn the maximum gift sheets for the minutes read. If minutes are recorded on a weekend day, they will not be counted if there are no initials on the day.
Another challenge for tomorrow is to find out what Roman Numeral is used to represent the number 50. We talked about this earlier in the year, but some kids were getting a little confused trying to remember it today. Some kids are confident they know, but should check to be sure. That will be our secret letter tomorrow.
Our challenge for the week is to figure out how many days we have been in school so far this year. This will require going onto Young's website, click on the left link titled, "Online Calendar" and count the number of days from the start of the school year to this Friday (minus days off and the weekend days).
We are starting to take Accelerated Reader tests in 2G. Today, the kids took a test over a book they had read to them called, Dear Mrs. LaRue (yes, that should be underlined but the blog isn't allowing it right now). This is a program we have where the kids read a book (either assigned to them or a book they have chosen to read) and take a test checking their comprehension of the book. Students will need to fill out a little slip of paper to let me know they are ready to take a new test on a RECENTLY READ BOOK. Many times, kids think they can take tests on books they read last year or a few months ago. Taking Accelerated Reader tests should be done soon after reading the book so that the material is still accessible. Students earn points for these tests if they pass them. All students in 2G will have a goal of 10 points to try and reach by the end of the second quarter (this is the Friday after we get back from Winter Break). Most picture books that are around the second grade reading level are worth 1/2 point. Some books will be read to the kids. Also, they will be able to earn points taking the test for the read aloud book, The BFG, when we finish that story (which should be soon!). That type of chapter book is worth MULTIPLE points. The longer the book and the higher the reading level, the more points the test is worth.
We will also be challenging ourselves with new word sort activities this week, so check the homework sheet carefully and have your child explain it to you. Being able to teach someone else how to do something is extremely important.
The word wall words this week are words that have proven to be a great challenge for the majority of the class in their independent writing. Please take the time to go over these, as well as MATH FACT CARDS, nightly for at least 5 minutes!!
Are you up to the challenges??
Another challenge for tomorrow is to find out what Roman Numeral is used to represent the number 50. We talked about this earlier in the year, but some kids were getting a little confused trying to remember it today. Some kids are confident they know, but should check to be sure. That will be our secret letter tomorrow.
Our challenge for the week is to figure out how many days we have been in school so far this year. This will require going onto Young's website, click on the left link titled, "Online Calendar" and count the number of days from the start of the school year to this Friday (minus days off and the weekend days).
We are starting to take Accelerated Reader tests in 2G. Today, the kids took a test over a book they had read to them called, Dear Mrs. LaRue (yes, that should be underlined but the blog isn't allowing it right now). This is a program we have where the kids read a book (either assigned to them or a book they have chosen to read) and take a test checking their comprehension of the book. Students will need to fill out a little slip of paper to let me know they are ready to take a new test on a RECENTLY READ BOOK. Many times, kids think they can take tests on books they read last year or a few months ago. Taking Accelerated Reader tests should be done soon after reading the book so that the material is still accessible. Students earn points for these tests if they pass them. All students in 2G will have a goal of 10 points to try and reach by the end of the second quarter (this is the Friday after we get back from Winter Break). Most picture books that are around the second grade reading level are worth 1/2 point. Some books will be read to the kids. Also, they will be able to earn points taking the test for the read aloud book, The BFG, when we finish that story (which should be soon!). That type of chapter book is worth MULTIPLE points. The longer the book and the higher the reading level, the more points the test is worth.
We will also be challenging ourselves with new word sort activities this week, so check the homework sheet carefully and have your child explain it to you. Being able to teach someone else how to do something is extremely important.
The word wall words this week are words that have proven to be a great challenge for the majority of the class in their independent writing. Please take the time to go over these, as well as MATH FACT CARDS, nightly for at least 5 minutes!!
Are you up to the challenges??
Monday, November 21, 2011
Being Thankful
Hi everyone! Today, we spent a good deal of time talking and writing about what we are thankful for. We even created a turkey to show the things we are thankful for. Here is mine:
This is an activity that Kenna did while she was in second grade and I pull it out every year to look at. The kids are grateful for A LOT of things, some of them just couldn't stop writing about what they are thankful for...the list goes on and on!
It is a short week, but we are still working hard. Today, we did some exploration about using farenheit and celcius thermometers. We also read from our social studies text about the Pilgrims and their important voyage to America for religious freedoms. We learned about the importance of the Native American groups, who helped the English learn to survive here in America. In writing, we worked on how to include more descriptive words in our writing with a puzzle activity. I don't know how we are able to fit so much in our day, but we do. We are SO EFFICIENT!!
IMPORTANT!! PICTURE RETAKE DAY IS NOT TOMORROW - IT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO NEXT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30. If you wish to have your picture retake, bring back all of the original picture package you ordered on or before the 30th. Thanks!
This is an activity that Kenna did while she was in second grade and I pull it out every year to look at. The kids are grateful for A LOT of things, some of them just couldn't stop writing about what they are thankful for...the list goes on and on!
It is a short week, but we are still working hard. Today, we did some exploration about using farenheit and celcius thermometers. We also read from our social studies text about the Pilgrims and their important voyage to America for religious freedoms. We learned about the importance of the Native American groups, who helped the English learn to survive here in America. In writing, we worked on how to include more descriptive words in our writing with a puzzle activity. I don't know how we are able to fit so much in our day, but we do. We are SO EFFICIENT!!
IMPORTANT!! PICTURE RETAKE DAY IS NOT TOMORROW - IT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO NEXT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30. If you wish to have your picture retake, bring back all of the original picture package you ordered on or before the 30th. Thanks!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Listen to Books Online
I have added a section for sites you can visit to read books online. I am not sure if there are chapter books anywhere, but you'll find a great selection of children's book to help increase vocabulary and word recognition and work on fluency and comprehension! If a password is needed, you can use the ones I have included. I hope you enjoy the sites. Find a story to share with a parent or sibling!
See you Monday!!
See you Monday!!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
EXCITEMENT!!
Our Star Student activity is moving right along. One of the benefits of being the Star Student is that you get to share a favorite book with the class. You can even have a parent come in to share it with you. Here is our Star from this past week, M.P. and her mom! They shared the book, Parts. It is a funny book and gave us some laughs!
Here is some exciting news! Look at this picture I just took!
What is this? This is a picture I took of my blog page where I can track how many hits my blog site has gotten over the past few years. Today, it hit 10,000 hits! Kenna was the one who put it over. When I logged on this afternoon, it was at 9,999, so she ran to my phone to click on the blog icon and it showed 10,000!! That means you and your parents (and some of your grandparents!!) are using the site for all the information I have on it. So, in honor of that monumentous event, the secret word for the day is ten thousand (ok, it is two words!). Tomorrow, we will talk about how much ten thousand is!! Keep visiting!!
Here is some exciting news! Look at this picture I just took!
What is this? This is a picture I took of my blog page where I can track how many hits my blog site has gotten over the past few years. Today, it hit 10,000 hits! Kenna was the one who put it over. When I logged on this afternoon, it was at 9,999, so she ran to my phone to click on the blog icon and it showed 10,000!! That means you and your parents (and some of your grandparents!!) are using the site for all the information I have on it. So, in honor of that monumentous event, the secret word for the day is ten thousand (ok, it is two words!). Tomorrow, we will talk about how much ten thousand is!! Keep visiting!!
Monday, November 7, 2011
This short week...
Here's what we're up to this week:
Literacy
We will finish up our story Pumpkin Fiesta and take an assessment on the story on Wednesday. We read this story as a class and the kids read it today on their own. We are working on the skill of retelling events from a story in the correct sequence. We will havea few sessions of Daily 5, where the kids choose their literacy activity and work on independent reading.
Math
We are finishing up Chapter 3 this week. The students will work on a variety of math box items in small groups and will take an assessment on the unit concepts on Wednesday.
Writing
We continue to work on creating paragraphs with one topic. The paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that does not include the details. We are learning to use transition words, commas in a series, as well as using the proper mechanics in our writing. If you would like your child to show you what he or she can do, just give them a topic and ask them to write a paragraph about it. EXTRA WRITING WORK DONE AT HOME EARNS A SMELLY STICKER! Just bring it in to show me! Here are a couple suggestions for writing a topic sentence and details:
My favorite anything (subject in school, friend, vacation, movie, etc.)
How-to paragraphs (brush your teeth, fix a bowl of cereal, ride a bike, etc.)
Science
Calling all boat makers! Bring those boats in tomorrow for the Cargo Challenge, which will take place in the afternoon! Remember to follow the guidelines for making your boats!
OTTER CREEK
STUDY THOSE FACTS!!
I hope some of you are at school right now, listening to the amazing storytelling of Sue Black. She was WONDERFUL today - we listened and participated in 3 storytellings. My favorite was about the teacher who assigned her kids the most unusual homework! Do you remember? Can you retell the major events from this story?? Which one was your favorite?
See you tomorrow, little ones!
Literacy
We will finish up our story Pumpkin Fiesta and take an assessment on the story on Wednesday. We read this story as a class and the kids read it today on their own. We are working on the skill of retelling events from a story in the correct sequence. We will havea few sessions of Daily 5, where the kids choose their literacy activity and work on independent reading.
Math
We are finishing up Chapter 3 this week. The students will work on a variety of math box items in small groups and will take an assessment on the unit concepts on Wednesday.
Writing
We continue to work on creating paragraphs with one topic. The paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that does not include the details. We are learning to use transition words, commas in a series, as well as using the proper mechanics in our writing. If you would like your child to show you what he or she can do, just give them a topic and ask them to write a paragraph about it. EXTRA WRITING WORK DONE AT HOME EARNS A SMELLY STICKER! Just bring it in to show me! Here are a couple suggestions for writing a topic sentence and details:
My favorite anything (subject in school, friend, vacation, movie, etc.)
How-to paragraphs (brush your teeth, fix a bowl of cereal, ride a bike, etc.)
Science
Calling all boat makers! Bring those boats in tomorrow for the Cargo Challenge, which will take place in the afternoon! Remember to follow the guidelines for making your boats!
OTTER CREEK
STUDY THOSE FACTS!!
I hope some of you are at school right now, listening to the amazing storytelling of Sue Black. She was WONDERFUL today - we listened and participated in 3 storytellings. My favorite was about the teacher who assigned her kids the most unusual homework! Do you remember? Can you retell the major events from this story?? Which one was your favorite?
See you tomorrow, little ones!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Happy Weekend!
Happy weekend, everyone!
I hope you are having a great time enjoying this gorgeous weather. We have been busy raking and cleaning and putting Halloween decorations away. I have also taken the time to finally "clean up" my blog, so I hope you can easily navigate it to find what could help your child at home. See the groupings in the right margin to find math sites, language sites, sites to visit for science and social studies, and miscellaneous links to use.
Blog Tip for Math Fact Practice
In the right hand column of this blog, click on the link: Otter Creek math Fact Practice. This will take you a teacher's site (from May Watts) that gives you the facts for each level. While the letter I sent home this week detailed the progress your child has made in this area so far this year, and it is my hope that you are using the fact sheets we sent home on Curriculum Night, this site will give you the facts specific to each level. If you don't have those cards, you can copy the facts onto index cards for at-home practice with your child. Each day, your child should write their level on their homework sheet. I cannot stress the importance of this skill so that energy can be placed on mastering concepts and problem solving, not on simple computation.
Conferences
I can't wait to meet with you at conferences this week. If you need to reschedule for another time, please let me know as soon as you can. See the "Upcoming Events" in the right margin for what the month's activities look like!
:-)
I hope you are having a great time enjoying this gorgeous weather. We have been busy raking and cleaning and putting Halloween decorations away. I have also taken the time to finally "clean up" my blog, so I hope you can easily navigate it to find what could help your child at home. See the groupings in the right margin to find math sites, language sites, sites to visit for science and social studies, and miscellaneous links to use.
Blog Tip for Math Fact Practice
In the right hand column of this blog, click on the link: Otter Creek math Fact Practice. This will take you a teacher's site (from May Watts) that gives you the facts for each level. While the letter I sent home this week detailed the progress your child has made in this area so far this year, and it is my hope that you are using the fact sheets we sent home on Curriculum Night, this site will give you the facts specific to each level. If you don't have those cards, you can copy the facts onto index cards for at-home practice with your child. Each day, your child should write their level on their homework sheet. I cannot stress the importance of this skill so that energy can be placed on mastering concepts and problem solving, not on simple computation.
Conferences
I can't wait to meet with you at conferences this week. If you need to reschedule for another time, please let me know as soon as you can. See the "Upcoming Events" in the right margin for what the month's activities look like!
:-)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
New Challenges
Building Boats
Today, the letter about our Cargo Challenge went home. The competition will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday during science time. Every student should make a boat of some sort, even if it is just made out of paper plates or play dough. Be sure to stick to the regulation size detailed on the sheet.
Data Collection
In math today, we began talking about collecting data. We learned the words minimum, maximum, mode, and median. Tonight for homework, students are going to collect 5 pieces of data at home and make a bar graph out of the data.
Word Sorts
While we did not have time to meet in our word sort groups today, the new sorts were passed out and the kids had time at the end of the day to cut them. Please make sure they finish cutting, putting their student number on the back, and put them in the baggy in their home binder. We will spend time discussing words in our groups tomorrow during literacy time.
Word Work
This week, we are continuing to practice using the dictionary. This is a valuable life skill that will help your child understand how to use resources for learning. If you have a dictionary at home, give your child any word to look up and spend a few minutes with them figuring out strategies to find words quickly. Always have them identify the guide words at the top of the page to help find the word. Read the part of speech and the definition. Practicing earning a new skill in a different environment with different people and using different materials will create a stronger understanding of the skill. Thank you for your support with this at home!
Books, Books, and more Books!
Book orders from Scholastic came home yesterday. Thank you to those of you who supported our class and purchased books, either online or the traditional way. You helped earn 1500 points for me to purchase new books for our classroom. As you may have heard from your child, anytime you would like to donate books to our classroom (old ones your child has outgrown or lost interest in), we welcome any and all donations. I asked the kids to get a quick note from you, signed, saying that you support and are aware of this donation, just to make sure your child doesn't clean out their bookshelf at home! Young's Book Fair is taking place next week! Come in to purchase some wonderful materials and help our school earn a percentage of the sales. I LOVE the book fair! Come check it out!
Treasure Box
I am sure most of you have heard about your child's purchases this week at our Treasure Box. This is a chance for the students to use the Dolphin Dollars they have been earning this year for little prizes. I pick up items here and there at Target, Oriental Trading, Goodwill, garage sales, etc. to put in my Treasure Box. The kids had fun going through to pick their items. If anyone is ever at Target and sees fun little items that your child would love and they are marked on sale (REALLY far on sale!), if you are comfortable buying them for me and send it in with the receipt and I will happily reimburse you! Kids also will have the chance to spend their Dolphin Dollars for next week on either Stuffed Animal Day or Dance Party Lunch - in the room for $20.
Today, the letter about our Cargo Challenge went home. The competition will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday during science time. Every student should make a boat of some sort, even if it is just made out of paper plates or play dough. Be sure to stick to the regulation size detailed on the sheet.
Data Collection
In math today, we began talking about collecting data. We learned the words minimum, maximum, mode, and median. Tonight for homework, students are going to collect 5 pieces of data at home and make a bar graph out of the data.
Word Sorts
While we did not have time to meet in our word sort groups today, the new sorts were passed out and the kids had time at the end of the day to cut them. Please make sure they finish cutting, putting their student number on the back, and put them in the baggy in their home binder. We will spend time discussing words in our groups tomorrow during literacy time.
Word Work
This week, we are continuing to practice using the dictionary. This is a valuable life skill that will help your child understand how to use resources for learning. If you have a dictionary at home, give your child any word to look up and spend a few minutes with them figuring out strategies to find words quickly. Always have them identify the guide words at the top of the page to help find the word. Read the part of speech and the definition. Practicing earning a new skill in a different environment with different people and using different materials will create a stronger understanding of the skill. Thank you for your support with this at home!
Books, Books, and more Books!
Book orders from Scholastic came home yesterday. Thank you to those of you who supported our class and purchased books, either online or the traditional way. You helped earn 1500 points for me to purchase new books for our classroom. As you may have heard from your child, anytime you would like to donate books to our classroom (old ones your child has outgrown or lost interest in), we welcome any and all donations. I asked the kids to get a quick note from you, signed, saying that you support and are aware of this donation, just to make sure your child doesn't clean out their bookshelf at home! Young's Book Fair is taking place next week! Come in to purchase some wonderful materials and help our school earn a percentage of the sales. I LOVE the book fair! Come check it out!
Treasure Box
I am sure most of you have heard about your child's purchases this week at our Treasure Box. This is a chance for the students to use the Dolphin Dollars they have been earning this year for little prizes. I pick up items here and there at Target, Oriental Trading, Goodwill, garage sales, etc. to put in my Treasure Box. The kids had fun going through to pick their items. If anyone is ever at Target and sees fun little items that your child would love and they are marked on sale (REALLY far on sale!), if you are comfortable buying them for me and send it in with the receipt and I will happily reimburse you! Kids also will have the chance to spend their Dolphin Dollars for next week on either Stuffed Animal Day or Dance Party Lunch - in the room for $20.
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