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| Tracy Arensberg leading an exploration of the wetlands. (Picture courtesy of Ian Thompson) |
In preparation for our first field trip, we learned background information about Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural area, which is about 2,000 acres and one of the largest protected freshwater wetlands in the United States. Students enjoyed watching a time lapse video of beaver and nutria working together to build a dam. Each class explored the question, “Why did the city decide to change a dump into a wetlands?”
During our field trip, students practiced field research skills by using their senses to explore the wetlands and make observations of plants and animals. They learned about the diversity of life in different habitats. They participated in a “critter catch” of aquatic insects and other small animals with Mr. Arensberg, discovering how these animals make up an interconnected food chain. From the birds flying overhead to the decomposers in the muck, students learned how sophisticated a wetland is.
After the field trip, students reflected on their learning, memories, observations, inspirations and wonderings. They practiced note taking strategies as they recorded their thinking in their inquiry journals.
Ask your child, “What are the needs of the animals at Smith and Bybee? Who is using their power for good to support these animals? How? What can you do to support animals, their habitat and other wildlife?”
Many students were interested in other events Metro offers, including the upcoming Salmon Homecoming on October 21st and 22nd at Oxbow Park. You can find more information about Metro’s programs here. You can view photos of our field trip here.
Building Classroom Community-We are a Sum of our Members
Lower School counselor, Melanie Clark visited this week and led the children through a community building activity. The children worked together to complete a puzzle, finding connections and using the "big picture" for clues. Next, Melanie gave each child 2 puzzle pieces to decorate to make our own class puzzle. On one piece the children wrote the gifts they bring to the group and on the second piece they wrote what they hope they can learn from their classmates.
What's been happening in:
Math
We have been practicing reading an analog clock, making note of the minute and hour hand and then counting by 5 minute increments around the clock. The children have been learning a variety of games that have them practicing addition and subtraction facts.
Reading
Each child has been learning the routines for practicing their spelling sorts as part of our literacy routine. They will be searching for words in their own reading that follow the rules along with finding the definitions of some while writing sentences using others. During their personal reading time they practice lengthening their reading stamina and then taking time to write about the book they have read.
Writing
This week the children put the finishing touches on the letters to their pen pals. We hope to get them into the mail early next week. Today we read the story Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee, that demonstrated how the author was able to expand upon a memorable experience. The children spent time identifying how she captured their attention and had them remembering their own rollercoaster experiences.
Social Studies
In addition to our exploration about how to help the animals in Portland, we read another article about how people are helping animals. Ask your child: What did you learn about flying rhinos? Why did the scientists fly the rhinos to a new location?
Math
We have been practicing reading an analog clock, making note of the minute and hour hand and then counting by 5 minute increments around the clock. The children have been learning a variety of games that have them practicing addition and subtraction facts.
Reading
Each child has been learning the routines for practicing their spelling sorts as part of our literacy routine. They will be searching for words in their own reading that follow the rules along with finding the definitions of some while writing sentences using others. During their personal reading time they practice lengthening their reading stamina and then taking time to write about the book they have read.
Writing
This week the children put the finishing touches on the letters to their pen pals. We hope to get them into the mail early next week. Today we read the story Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee, that demonstrated how the author was able to expand upon a memorable experience. The children spent time identifying how she captured their attention and had them remembering their own rollercoaster experiences.
Social Studies
In addition to our exploration about how to help the animals in Portland, we read another article about how people are helping animals. Ask your child: What did you learn about flying rhinos? Why did the scientists fly the rhinos to a new location?
Homework
Your child’s homework for next week:
Homework due: 10/16:
- Reading log
- Math: pages 17-18
Next week’s homework, due 10/23:
- Read for at least 15 minutes each night Monday through Friday (weekends are bonus) and fill in the reading log nightly
- Conduct the reading interview questions throughout the week (parents may help with the writing at the beginning of the year)
- Math Journal: pages 19-20
Dear Families,
I wanted to tell you all how much I am enjoying the opportunity to get to know your children and work towards making a strong classroom and learning community. Yesterday you received a letter from David Lowell explaining that I will be leaving before the school year is complete, for both personal and professional growth, during the sabbatical that has been extended to me. I wanted you to know that I plan to work closely with Mary Peterson so that your children will have a smooth transition during the latter part of their second grade year. The second grade teachers work closely together in our planning and the execution of our curriculum. Mary has been part of that team in the past and will be an integral partner in the team for those few months. Thank you in advance for your trust, that your children will continue to receive the guidance and support towards building upon and extending their learning.
Respectfully, Janet
Science Requests for Take Apart Items
Your child will need a mechanical item to take apart in their Science class on Monday, November 27th. These items will be taken apart and will never work again, so keep that in mind when finding an item for take-apart. They may be sent to school in a sturdy bag marked with your child’s name Please do not send in items sooner than November 27th since we do not have adequate storage. If you need more specific information, please contact Mrs. Kenney-Norberg.
ATTENTION SECOND GRADE STUDENTSStart hunting....
Start searching....
Start saving....
You will need a few items very, very soon.......
Each Second Grader will need a mechanical item to take apart immediately after Thanksgiving Break. It should have more gears, pulleys, belts, springs and moving parts than electronics. It will never work again.....! VCRs, drills, timers, tape recorders, older radios, boom-boxes, pre-digital clocks with the flipping numbers, old dial telephones, wind-up toys, remote control cars, and wind-up clocks are a good choice. NO TOASTERS, please (too sharp)! NO VACUUM CLEANERS (too many allergens). NO T.V.s (disposal issues). Newer landline phones, cameras, and small battery operated clocks are a poor choice, as they lack good moving mechanical pieces. ALSO, it must have only regular or Phillips screw heads, or Allen head bolts. If it has any other type of fastening, you must provide the tools to open it. Bringing more than 1 item is a good idea, especially if the items are small. The class will spend 3 hours working on these machines. The Goodwill, garage sales and your attic are a great place to find these items.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Jane Kenney-Norberg
Lower School Science
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