Preparing our Halloween pumpkin!
Dear Parents,
As you know, part of our Social Curriculum in 2nd grade includes an examination of teasing and bullying as outlined in a publication called, Quit It. The theme of our first lesson was to help distinguish between telling and tattling, not always an easy thing to do. The class created some guidelings that clearly explained that telling is if someone is doing something harmful and on purpose or when you or someone else needs protection. Then they broke up into groups and discussed the different examples I gave them of different vignettes or situations. Today we continued with a discussion of what makes us feel welcome or unwelcome in a school setting. The hands were flying and everyone clearly knew the difference and spoke with great specificity and expression about the those feelings. Soon we will move on the difference between teasing and bullying and we will practice ways of responding to teasing and bullying situations in realistic and safe ways. What I particularly like about this program is that it allows not only for the students to feel supported but gives them practical strategies to help resolve these issues. It also gives them an opportunity to share their experiences in a structured and safe and environment.
Our study of place value in math has included many games, throwing the dice, matching the cards and using base ten blocks whenever possible. You can ask your child how we played the Trash Can Game (most of the score sheets went home in today’s packets) and if you any dice at home you could play a few rounds yourselves!
Some book reports have come in already, and I look forward to seeing them all in the basket by next Thursday the 31st.
Thank you to all who have sent in tin cans and keep them coming. They will be transformed into Colonial Lanterns up in the shop later this month. We will be making candles there as well. Hope to get them all home in time for Thanksgiving.
We are having a special Halloween Assembly tomorow afternoon to be followed up by the parade and class party next week. A couple of shots attached of the start of our Halloween pumpkin, a visit from Lucas in 8th grade to our Reading class and a shot showing a favorite Math Mixer game called, Set. Enjoy.
Wishing you all a restful weekend with your families,
Katharine
