Ms. Renette's Grade 1/2 Blog

 Learning Intentions:

I can describe materials and explain if they are natural or processed.

I can test materials and describe if they are transparent, translucent, opaque, absorbent, or waterproof.

I can measure objects using length, weight, and area.

I can solve addition problems using strategies that help me think about numbers.

I can reflect on my learning and explain what I might change or improve next time.

 

This week in SMATH, students completed their “Build a Toy Project” by reflecting on the building process and the materials they used. Throughout the unit, students explored different properties, including whether materials are natural or processed, transparent, translucent, or opaque, and absorbent or waterproof. They also measured their toys using non-standard units (linking cubes) to assess length, weight, and area, and shared what they learned and what they might do differently next time. The students continued working on addition skills. Grade 1s practiced building confidence, accuracy and speed with addition facts to 20, while Grade 2s learned strategies to solve double-digit addition with regrouping by breaking numbers apart to make problems easier to solve.

 

Learning Intentions:

I can move my body in different ways, like climbing, balancing, and rolling.

I can balance, climb and travel safely across equipment.

I can follow safety rules when using gymnastics equipment.

I can try new movements and improve my skills by practicing, trying again and doing my best.

I can take turns, encourage others, and work safely with my classmates.

 

This week in Gym, students continued to explore their Gymnastics unit, practicing moving their bodies in different ways using various pieces of equipment. Stations include tressels with ladders and balance beams to travel across, a climber for safe climbing and descending, and tumble mats for rolling, balancing, and controlled landings. The students are working to build strength, balance, coordination, and confidence while also practicing important safety and body-awareness skills. They enjoyed trying new movements, moving carefully between pieces of equipment, and encouraging each other as they practiced their skills. They are excited for “Mission Impossible” next week!

Finally, on Thursday we celebrated 100 Days of School. The day was packed full of 100 Day themed stories, body breaks and learning activities. For example, students imagined and then drew what they might look like at 100 years old. It was a fun day to celebrate that students are 100 days smarter!

At Home Learning:
Math: “Flash & Dash” to 20
Write addition facts to 20 (like 8+5, 9+7, 6+6) on small pieces of paper. Place them face down. You flip one over and try to answer as quickly as possible. If you get it correct, keep the card. If not, it goes back in the pile. See how many you can collect in 2 minutes! Try to beat your score the next time!

Literacy:
Pick 3 random words from a book, cereal box, or around the house. Read the words and then write a funny or silly sentence using them. For example, “The Whale wore a phone on its head.” Encourage sounding out words and adding capitals and punctuation.

Spelling:
We will pause our spelling program for now as we shift our focus to strengthening Math fact fluency. After Spring Break, students will bring home a practice sheet each week with addition (and later subtraction) facts to 20 to help build speed, accuracy, and confidence with numbers.

 This Week in Pictures: