Literacy
Last week the children identified qualities that role models have and thought carefully about how they could also be role models for others. They learned about Amelia Earhart and discussed how she displayed role model qualities to many. This week we are continuing to further our knowledge on iconic role models. We have started to find out about Malala through reading her biography on Reading A-Z. This has introduced lots of new vocabulary to the class. They might be asking you lots of questions about issues around the world due to this. Spelling- I have not given out any new spelling lists this week. As children are starting to leave we will no longer have weekly spelling tests. I will however, be sending home the Fry’s Word lists which are high frequency words children use regularly in their writing. I will highlight the words that they could practice spelling over the next few weeks and during the break. Library Books Last Thursday was our last chance to receive new books. Please can you help your child to remember to bring in any Library books they have at home for this Thursday. Reading A-Z After completing the end of year reading assessments I have moved everyone’s individual reading levels. Please continue to access this website as it is a fantastic resource for leveled reading books with comprehension quizzes. *If you no longer have the log in details, please let me know and I can resend them to you. Maths This week we are continuing with directions and mapping. Grade 2 step up to Grade 3 morning This will be held next Monday 12th June. Our class has been split into three new classes. This year the children will go to their new teacher along with their new class mates. Lots of consideration has gone into how the class has been split. This has included finding out from the children who they would like to be with, who they are sensible with, and who they work well with as well as considerations from myself and Miss Charmea. Dates for your diary Tuesday 6th June - Parent coffee morning - 8:30-9:30 in the Planetarium Monday 12th June - Grade 2 step up to Grade 3 morning Thursday 22nd June - Q4 reports available on iSams Thursday 22nd June - End of Grade 2 Ramdan Kareem! This week we are starting the shortened Ramadan timings - 8:15am-1:15pm. I sent a schedule home on Thursday but please also see below, it has had to change slightly due to the shortened hours. I will not be in on Sunday or Monday this week due to pregnancy/health reasons. I will still be checking my emails, however if you have any urgent messages regarding pick up/ buses etc... I would suggest calling the Elementary Office to pass on the messages to the relief teacher and Miss Charmea directly. Miss Charmea's email is: [email protected] *If your child is choosing to fast, please let me know in order to support them during snack and lunch time. They will be allowed to go up to the Islamic classrooms with other children who are fasting. UOI Last week we completed our assessments on the previous unit of inquiry and moved onto the final unit 'Who We Are'. In this unit, students will be inquiring: Central idea: Choices of role models reflect the beliefs and values of individuals. Lines of inquiry:
So far, students have justified what they believe a role model is and what qualities they have. They have also identified role models in their lives. So many children said their parents or siblings are their role models which is wonderful to hear. We then moved on to learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and how he can be seen as a role model. This week we shall continue to identify role models in our community and the global community. Maths This week the class will be inquiring into reading maps. They will find out about the four cardinal directions; north, east, south, west; how to identify symbols on maps and looking at grid references with numbers and letters. Children that understand the four directions will be extended to NE, SE, SW and NW. If you would like to support your child at home, you could look at a map together and discuss the different directions by locating different places. You could also look at any Keys to see the different symbols that are represented. Below is a simplified example. There isn't anything specific to the on IXL Maths, however if you click into IXL Social studies, under Geography there are four activities that would be useful: Literacy Our focus over the next four weeks will be report writing about different role models. We will be reading and using many different biographies to gain information about different people around the world who inspire others. Here is a link to Brain Pop (click on the symbol) - you can see some different biographies on here: Login- gems Password- brainpop Dear parents of 2AO,
Ross and I would like to say a huge THANK YOU for the wonderful surprise Baby Shower on Thursday. It was so kind of you all and very touching. I loved seeing how excited the children were especially when they were playing the guessing my size game. Thank you very much for the generous voucher. We will be putting it towards a cot for the baby. We are so excited about the arrival and also scared about how tired we are going to be from the summer onwards. I have 6 weeks left, which feels like forever at the moment but I am sure it will fly! Thank you so much again! Amy & Ross xXx On Monday Grade 2 will be having a House Swimming Competition 12:30-2:30pm. Parents are welcome to come along and support/ cheer on the children.
Ancient Civilisations' Celebration
Wow, what a lot of amazing costumes in 2AO last Wednesday. It was like we had be transported back to ancient times.
We had an exciting day where the children shared their knowledge about the civilizations they were from. We went to the drama studio to get in role and do some acting. After recess the children went to the auditorium where they paraded their costumes; took part in a quiz and learned to dance like an Egyptian! We also learned how to make ancient looking paper that the children are currently using to write on. They are writing about ‘A Day in the Life of…’ the civilization they have learned about.
Dodge ball matches- Monday 15th May
Tomorrow Grade 2 have the choice to take part in the inter-house Dodge ball match. This is an optional event as it will take place during break time. Please wear sports kit and house color top if you would like to play.
Literacy
This week, the children are completing their ‘Day in the Life’ journals. They are also writing a myth which they have planned over a few sessions. So far they have written the opening paragraphs (setting, characters) and the build up paragraphs. This week we will be learning how to write a successful problem and resolution. As always we are focusing on adding detail to our writing by using adjectives, verbs, adverbs and speech.
Maths
We are continuing to work on the inverse relationship between multiplication and Division. I have been very impressed with how quickly the class have picked up different strategies to support them.
UOI
This is our last week on Ancient Civilizations. We will be assessing the children knowledge of legacies from different civilizations and how they have influenced our modern day life. Children will be ranking legacies and justifying why some have had a greater impact on life today than others. Here are a couple of examples:
Leaving GWA or leaving before the 22nd June
Please can you email and let me know if you are not returning to GWA in September or if you are planning to leave school before the last day - 22nd June. This way I can make sure I have prepared everything your child needs to take home in a reasonable time. *This week I will also set a date for a end of year class celebration. This will involve the children making a memory photo book of their time in Grade 2 and celebrating the children's achievements. If we are lucky enough some children might show case their musical skills too! Dates for your diary May 21st - 25th - Magrudy's Book Fair, our class will go on the 22nd. Envelopes sent home to parents on Thursday so that they can send money back to school if they wish (voluntary). Families able to shop together before and after school. Wednesday 24th May - Parent coffee morning - 8:30-9:30 in the Planetarium Sunday 28th May - Shortened days for Ramadan - 8:15am - 1:15pm Tuesday 6th June - Parent coffee morning - 8:30-9:30 in the Planetarium Thursday 22nd June - Q4 reports available on iSams Thursday 22nd June - End of Grade 2 Dear Parents,
As you know, this year we rolled out Seesaw as the platform for our digital portfolios for the first year in the PYP. As GWA is committed to improving our teaching and learning we would appreciate it if you can take 5 minutes to fill in a short survey about how you have accessed and used Seesaw with your child(ren) this year. This will allow us to continue to develop the use of the App as our digital portfolio platform. This survey will close on May 18. Thank you in advance. Seesaw Parent Survey Link Outdoor recess
Hats/Water: Beginning Sunday we will have a no hat, no play rule at recess. The children have been told about this in the gym and in the newsletter on Thursday. Please remind the children of the importance of drinking water and wearing a hat outside. Thank you!
Literacy Spelling Words containing silent letters: know, doubt, climb, gnome etc... Greek Myths We are learning about the features of Greek Myths; plots, characters (heroes & heroines, monsters), magical powers, magical objects. We will be working with two myths: The adventures of Perseus, and Pandora's Box. Maths The children have shown great understanding with multiplication. This week we will continue to use multiplication strategies and consolidate them. We will also introduce division as the inverse relationship to multiplication. These two operations go hand in hand, and it is important for children to make this connection early on. We will encourage the children to explore a range strategies to support them with division. Suggested areas for IXL: UOI Please make sure you have spoken with your child about what they want to dress up as for the Ancient Civilization day on the 10th May. We are encouraging children to make any accessories their character might have/ wear. This week the class are starting to become independent researchers. They will choose an ancient civilization to research and answer the questions. The children came up with the questions that they thought would be beneficial to find out last week. If you hover your mouse above the 2AO tab above (to the right) you will see a new page appear for our class. This page has been made for the children to collect the information and answers. Each civilization has child friendly websites attached. Please click through and see the links. Safe search tool for children Google has created Kiddle.co for children to search for information without coming across all of the adverts and inappropriate pages. EARTH DAY 2017Dates for your diary Tuesday 9th May - Maths MAP test Wednesday 10th May - Ancient Civilization Dress Up day Wednesday 10th May - Parent Coffee Morning - 8:30, Planetarium Sunday 14th May - Reading MAP test May 21st - 25th - Magrudy's Book Fair Sunday 28th May - Shortened days for Ramadan - 8:15am - 1:15pm Thursday 22nd June - End of Grade 2 |
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Amy O'DonnellArchives
June 2017
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