Mr. Pat's Class

ELA

This week our class will be focusing on plant myths and facts. We’ll learn how plants keep our world working.

Here are some activities that you can do with your child to help reinforce the skills we’ll be practicing.

Word Workout

• Words to Know: sentence clues You will work with your child to make up sentences, using two of the list words in each sentence.
• Spelling/Phonics: closed syllables and open syllables You and your child will write the list words on index cards. Your child will pick a card from the pile, say the word, and you’ll spell it. Then you’ll switch. Finally, you will sort the cards by vowel sounds. This week’s phonics words contain closed and open syllables.

Comprehension: theme

Your child will read theme statements and then match the statements to pictures.

Math

Module 6

Grade 2 Module 6 lays the conceptual foundation for multiplication and division in Grade 3 and for the idea that numbers other than 1, 10, and 100 can serve as units.

Social Studies

Our class is currently learning about the traits and characteristics of heroes as we explore the Essential Question, “How can people make a difference in the world?” Here are some of the topics we will be covering in this chapter.

• We will learn about the qualities we admire in people and how we might define the word hero.

• We will explore ways in which people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Ruby Bridges, and Susan B. Anthony worked for justice.

• We will take a closer look at how scientists have made a difference in the world.

• We will explore how athletes have inspired us with their strength and courage.

Science

Our class is beginning a scientific study of insects and plants. We will be caring for and investigating several different insects, and growing a plant from seed, to find out about their lives. Some of the insects that will be visiting our class undergo complete metamorphosis, as in the classic case of the butterfly—egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. Other insects reach maturity by growing through a less dramatic sequence of stages in a process known as simple metamorphosis. The plant we will grow will go through its full life cycle—seed to plant to flower to seed— in just one month. Your child may demonstrate a heightened interest in insects and plants over the next several weeks.

One goal of our work with insects is to help the children develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life and to cultivate a sense of respect for all living things. If your child wants to catch an insect in a jar, please invite your child’s insect friend into your home for a short time, and encourage him or her to return the insect to the wild after a short captivity. If you are interested in seeing what we have going on, as usual you are invited to visit and take part in the excitement. We’re looking forward to lots of fun and lots of learning as we explore a world full of insects!

Physical Education