Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

I really love reading, but when I finish a book, I don’t always know what to read next.  That’s when I turn to friends to see what books or authors they recommend.  During our meeting today, you’ll get the chance to introduce your classmates to a book you enjoy.  Come to the meeting ready to make a book recommendation.  If you have a copy of the book handy, bring that too.  Be ready to tell the title of the book and why you’d recommend it to your 2nd grade classmates.  I look forward to seeing many of you at 3:00.  As always, I will send out an email with the link around 2:40 this afternoon.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is P.E.  Check out Coach Sadie’s blog for some ideas to help you stay physically active: https://leverettpe.edublogs.org/category/second-grade/.

Reading:

1. Yesterday, you read the fable The Ant and the Grasshopper (RazPlus–The Ant and the Grasshopper) twice and answered some questions about main idea, text details, and text organization.  Today, your job is to read the story a third time.  If you are able to, read it aloud to someone you live with.  Then respond to questions 6, 7, and 8 and the extension activity in writing on a sheet of paper (RazPlus–The Ant and the Grasshopper–Questions).  Remember, the moral of a story is the lesson the story is trying to teach.  Here’s some paper, if you’d like to use it (Fundations Writing Paper).
2. Go on Lexia for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.  Adverbs tell when, where, how, or how often.  Some adverbs end in -ly.  Here is a sheet that shows examples of adverbs (Adverb Anchor Chart).  Complete this assignment to practice choosing appropriate adverbs to complete sentences (STW–Adverbs–3).
2. Continue to use the website you used in technology class to practice your keyboarding skills (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr).  Work on levels 3 or 4 today.  Remember what Mr. Mwangi always says–fingers on the home keys!
3. OPTIONAL: Continue to write your story based on the setting, character, and event you chose on Monday.  If you want, draw pictures that help to tell your story (Fundations Writing Paper or Fundations Paper with Drawing Space).

Math:

1. Skip count by 5s.  Start at 0, 20, 35, and 85.
2. Complete multi-step word problems with a variety of single and multi-digit numbers (STW–Multistep Word Problems–2).  Be sure to read each problem carefully in order to figure out the steps needed to find the final answer.
3. Play a familiar math game for 20 minutes.  Salute is always a good choice if you have two additional people to play with you (Salute! Rules).
4. Don’t forget to complete your problem of the day from your May calendar.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Continue to explore a habitat near year home and take pictures or make drawings of the plants and animals you see.  Examples of habitats you might find near your home include: a pond habitat, a river/stream habitat, a forest habitat, or a meadow habitat.  You will write about this habitat tomorrow.  I will try to share some pictures during our meeting today of some plants and animals I’ve found in habitats near my house.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

I really enjoy finding new places to explore.  That’s one thing I love about my house.  There are trails throughout the woods around where I live, and I find new ones to explore all the time.  Here’s a picture of one of my recent walks along a newfound trail.  What’s something you enjoy doing?

Specials:

1. Today’s special is library.  Ms. River’s recommends that you spend some extra time today curled up reading a good book.  I recently discovered a new author I enjoy, and I am eagerly reading all of their books.

Reading:

1. Today’s story is a fable called The Ant and the Grasshopper (RazPlus–The Ant and the Grasshopper).  Here are some questions to guide your repeated readings of the text (RazPlus–The Ant and the Grasshopper–Questions).  Read the story the first time.  Then answer questions 1, 2, and 3.  You may share your ideas by talking with an adult, OR you may write them down.  Read the story a second time.  Then answer questions 4 and 5.  Again, you may share your ideas by talking with an adult, OR you may write them down.
2. Read another good fit book for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.  Adverbs tell when, where, how, or how often.  Some adverbs end in -ly.  Here is a sheet that shows examples of adverbs (Adverb Anchor Chart).  Complete this assignment to practice identifying adverbs AND telling whether adverbs describe how, when, or where (STW–Adverbs–2).
2. Continue to use the website you used in technology class to practice your keyboarding skills (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr).  Work on levels 2 or 3 today.  Remember what Mr. Mwangi always says–fingers on the home keys!
3. OPTIONAL: Continue to write your story based on the setting, character, and event you chose on Monday.  If you want, draw pictures that help to tell your story (Fundations Writing Paper or Fundations Paper with Drawing Space).

Math:

1. Skip count by 100s.  Start at 0, 200, 150, and 225.
2. Complete multi-step word problems with numbers within 20 (STW–Multistep Word Problems–1).  Be sure to read each problem carefully in order to figure out the steps needed to find the final answer.
3. Go on Symphony Math for 20 minutes.
4. Don’t forget to complete your problem of the day from your May calendar.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Explore a habitat near year home and take pictures or make drawings of the plants and animals you see.  Examples of habitats you might find near your home include: a pond habitat, a river/stream habitat, a forest habitat, or a meadow habitat.   

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

I can’t wait to see you all today during our 3:00 meeting!  I will send an email with our Google Meet link at 2:40.  Be prepared to share something you’ve learned about animal habitats, and have a piece of paper and something to draw with handy.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is art.  Be sure to check out Ms. Neal’s blog to find great ideas for art activities you can do at home.  Here’s the link: https://lesartroom.edublogs.org/.

Reading:

1. Yesterday, you read the fable The Fox and the Stork (RazPlus–The Fox and the Stork) twice and answered some questions about main idea, text details, and text organization.  Today, your job is to read the story a third time.  If you are able to, read it aloud to someone you live with.  Then think about your answer to question 7.  Finally, respond to the extension activity in writing on a sheet of paper (RazPlus–The Fox and the Stork–Questions).  Remember, the moral of a story is the lesson the story is trying to teach.  What lesson do you think Fox learned?  What do you think about Stork’s way of teaching Fox this lesson?  Write about your ideas in a paragraph of 4-6 sentences (Fundations Writing Paper or Fundations Paper with Drawing Space).  You may also add a picture to help express your ideas.
2. Go on Lexia for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.  Adverbs tell when, where, how, or how often.  Some adverbs end in -ly.  Here is a sheet that shows examples of adverbs (Adverb Anchor Chart).  Complete this assignment to practice determining whether adverbs describe how, when, or where (STW–Adverbs–2 STW–Adverbs-How, When, and Where).
2. Continue to use the website you used in technology class to practice your keyboarding skills (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr).  Even though you may have done it before, work on level 2 today.  Remember what Mr. Mwangi always says–fingers on the home keys!
3. OPTIONAL: Yesterday, your job was to choose a setting, character, and event from this sheet (Choose Your Own Writing Adventure) and to plan your story.  Today, work on using your plan to begin writing your story draft.  Remember, a good 2nd grade story has a clear beginning that introduces the characters and the problem, a clear middle that shows how the characters try to solve the problem, and a clear ending that shows how the problem is resolved.  If you want, draw pictures that help to tell your story (Fundations Writing Paper or Fundations Paper with Drawing Space).

Math:

1. Skip count by 10s.  Start at 0, 30, 45, and 75.
2. Practice subtracting within 100 (STW–Subtraction–2-digit–1).  Use any of the strategies you know (e.g., using base 10 shorthand or using an open number line) to solve the problems.
3. Play a familiar math game for 20 minutes, or practice with your fact families (STW–Fact Family Flash Cards).
4. Don’t forget to complete your problem of the day from your May calendar.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Last week, you read about animals that live in four different habitats–deserts, polar regions, rainforests, and wetlands.  Today, your job is to finish comparing and contrasting 2 of those habitats (Compare and Contrast Two Habitats).  Try to complete questions 6-9 today.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

I hope you all enjoyed a fun and relaxing weekend.  I found a new trail near my house and began to explore it with my kids yesterday.  It was a lovely way to spend the day.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is music.  Be sure to check out Ms. Renauld’s blog to find great ideas for musical activities you can do at home.  Here’s the link: https://hrenauld.edublogs.org/.

Reading:

1. This week, you’ll read several short texts–keeping with our focus on traditional literature.  Because the texts are so short, they are ideal for reading through multiple times to develop a solid understanding of the events in the story and to begin thinking about the moral, or lesson, the stories teach.  Today’s story is a fable called The Fox and the Stork (RazPlus–The Fox and the Stork).  Here are some questions to guide each reading of the text (RazPlus–The Fox and the Stork–Questions).  Read the story the first time.  Then answer questions 1, 2, and 3.  You may share your ideas by talking with an adult, OR you may write them down.  Read the story a second time.  Then answer questions 4, 5, and 6.  Again, you may share your ideas by talking with an adult, OR you may write them down.
2. Read another good fit book for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.  Adverbs tell when, where, how, or how often.  Some adverbs end in -ly.  Here is a sheet that shows examples of adverbs (Adverb Anchor Chart).  Complete this assignment to practice identifying adverbs and the verbs they are describing (STW–Adverbs–1).
2. In 3rd grade, you will begin typing some of your assignments.  It will be much easier to do that if you’ve spent time practicing your keyboarding skills.  Use this website you used in technology class to practice (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr).  Even though you’ve done it before, start with level 1 today.  Remember what Mr. Mwangi always says–fingers on the home keys!
3. OPTIONAL:  I’ve been so impressed with the writing I’ve seen recently!  Though I want you to practice typing this week, I have an optional activity to help you practice your creative writing skills too (Choose Your Own Writing Adventure).  Choose one setting, one character, and one event around which to build a story.  For example, I might set my story in a forest (setting) and write about a child (character) who meets a unicorn (event).  If you choose to do this assignment, take today to plan your story on a scrap piece of paper.  Make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.  Think about the details that will describe the setting and characters, and plan an interesting problem and solution for your story.  For example, the child in my story might need the unicorn’s help to save the forest from being chopped down.

Math:

1. Practice adding within 100 (STW–Addition–2-digit–1).  Use any of the strategies you know (e.g., combining 10s and 1s, counting up using an open number line, or making friendly numbers) to solve the problems.
2. Go on Symphony Math for 20 minutes.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Last week, you read about animals that live in four different habitats–deserts, polar regions, rainforests, and wetlands.  Today and tomorrow, your job is to choose 2 of those habitats to compare and contrast (Compare and Contrast Two Habitats).  Try to complete questions 1-5 today.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

Happy Friday.  I hope you enjoy the weekend.  I’m sure I’ll hear about your adventures when we see each other next Tuesday.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is P.E.  Check out Coach Sadie’s blog for some ideas to help you stay physically active: https://leverettpe.edublogs.org/category/second-grade/.

Reading:

1. Compare and contrast Jack’s Tale and Giant’s Tale. (RazPlus–Jacks and Giants Tales–Compare and Contrast).  Be sure to follow the direction to label each circle as either Jack’s Tale or Giant’s Tale.
2. Read a good fit book for at least 20 minutes.  There are several interesting habitat books on Epic, if you’re looking for something to read.  

Writing:

1. Identify the adjectives used in a poem, including adjectives that are synonyms or antonyms of given words (STW–The Adjective Store).  Synonyms are words that mean the same or nearly the same.  A synonym for happy is glad.  Antonyms are words that mean the opposite.  An antonym for happy is sad.  Another word you’ll need to know is the word ALLITERATION.  Alliteration is the repetition of sounds.  An example of alliteration I found in the poem is “rusty, rough, and rotten.”  When you find an example of alliteration, use a different example than the one I found.
2. Read through the opinion essay you wrote on Wednesday and Thursday.  Find and fix any errors in spelling, capitalization, or punctuation.  Ask an adult to read your essay as well.  Fix any errors your adult finds too.  Then ask your adult to send me a photograph or scan of your essay.  I can’t wait to read your essays to find out more about what’s important to the kids in 2nd grade.

Math:

1. Choose one: 1. Practice writing numbers up to 1,000 in written form (STW–Reading and Writing Numbers Up to 999).  2. For a greater challenge, instead practice writing numbers up to 10,000 in written form (STW–Reading and Writing Numbers Up to 9,999).  
2. Go on Symphony Math for 20 minutes.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Choose two animal habitats you read about this week to compare and contrast.  This is a project you will work on next week, so be sure to keep the notes you took this week.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

It was wonderful to see so many LES families yesterday!  I appreciate being part of such an amazing community.  I also got to meet my newest baby friend yesterday (at a safe social distance), which made it an even more special day.

I look forward to seeing many of you at 3:00 for our Thursday class meeting.  As always, I will send out an email with the link around 2:40 this afternoon.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is P.E.  Check out Coach Sadie’s blog for some ideas to help you stay physically active: https://leverettpe.edublogs.org/category/second-grade/.

Reading:

1. Complete this comprehension quiz to show your understanding of the story, Giant’s Tale (RazPlus–Giants Tale–Comprehension Quiz).
2. Go on Lexia for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adjectives are words that describe nouns.  Adjectives tell about the size, shape, color, number, texture, smell, sound, or taste of the noun they’re describing.  Complete this sheet to practice using comparative (-er) and superlative (-est) adjectives. (STW–Adjectives with er and est).
2. Use the plan you made on Monday and Tuesday to help you finish writing your opinion essay.  Today, focus on writing the third supporting paragraph and the concluding paragraph.  Remember to start each paragraph by indenting the first line.    You may use this paper to craft your essay (Fundations Writing Paper).

Math:

1. Choose one: 1. Practice writing numbers in the 100s in expanded form (STW–Expanded Form–3-digit).  2. For a greater challenge, instead practice writing numbers in the 1,000s in expanded form (STW–Expanding Numbers–4-digit).  
2. Try this place value math game to prepare for the bigger numbers you’ll encounter in 3rd grade (STW–Greater Than and Less Than Game–4-digit).

Social Studies and Science:

1. Go on PebbleGo to read and take notes about wetland animals (Animal Habitat Notes).  To access PebbleGo, start from the LES homepage.  Then click on For Students–PebbleGo–Animals–Animal Habitats–Wetland Animals.  **You will use this same note sheet that you’ve been using all week.  You should not complete it all today–just the part under the heading Thursday: Wetland Animals.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

Today’s a big day.  The LES Wave Parade will start at the school at 1:30 and follow a route around town.  It will end back at LES around 3:00.  If you are able to participate, please make sure that children stay with an adult, that families stay back from the road, and that everyone follows social distancing guidelines.  You will see me in my tan Toyota Corolla with a big smile on my face.  Here is the letter that was shared with families which includes information about the parade route: LES Wave Parade.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is library.  Ms. River’s recommends that you spend some extra time today curled up reading a good book.  I recently discovered a new author I enjoy, and I am eagerly reading all of their books.

Reading:

1. Read Giant’s Tale (RazPlus–Giants Tale).  Think about the following questions.  You might share your answers with an adult.  1. Why does George trade his beans for the goose?  2. Does George want to eat Jack?  How do you know?  3. How does George feel while he’s staying with Jack and Jack’s mom?  What makes you think that?  5. How is this version of the story similar to the version you read on Monday?  How is this version different?
2. Read another good fit book for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adjectives are words that describe nouns.  Adjectives tell about the size, shape, color, number, texture, smell, sound, or taste of the noun they’re describing.  Complete this sheet to practice choosing appropriate adjectives to modify nouns in a sentence (STW–Adjectives–3).
2. Use the plan you made on Monday and Tuesday to help you begin to write an opinion essay.  Today, focus on writing the introductory paragraph and the first supporting paragraph.  Remember to start each paragraph by indenting the first line.    You may use this paper to craft your essay (Fundations Writing Paper).

Math:

1. Choose one: 1. Practice comparing numbers in the 100s using knowledge of place value (STW–Ordering Numbers–3-digit).  2. For a greater challenge, instead practice comparing numbers in the 1,000s using your knowledge of place value (STW–Ordering Numbers–4-digit).  
2. Go on Symphony Math for 20 minutes.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Go on PebbleGo to read and take notes about polar animals (Animal Habitat Notes).  To access PebbleGo, start from the LES homepage.  Then click on For Students–PebbleGo–Animals–Animal Habitats–Rainforest Animals.  **You will use this same note sheet that you’ve been using all week.  You should not complete it all today–just the part under the heading Wednesday: Rainforest Animals.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

I can’t wait to see you all today during our 3:00 meeting!  Hopefully, my internet will behave itself today, so I can see your faces in addition to hearing your voices.  I will send an email with our Google Meet link at 2:40.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is art.  Be sure to check out Ms. Neal’s blog to find great ideas for art activities you can do at home.  Here’s the link: https://lesartroom.edublogs.org/.

Reading:

1. Use the story Jack’s Tale (RazPlus–Jacks Tale) to help you complete this comprehension quiz (RazPlus–Jacks Tale–Comprehension Quiz).
2. Go on Lexia for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adjectives are words that describe nouns.  Adjectives tell about the size, shape, color, number, texture, smell, sound, or taste of the noun they’re describing.  Complete this sheet to practice with identifying adjectives and the nouns they are describing (RazPlus–Jacks and Giants Tales–Adjectives).
2. Today, you will finish your opinion essay plan.  First, think of a second reason to support your opinion about the topic you’ve chosen to write about.  For example, another reason why I think Laura is a caring friend is because she shows interest in what is happening in my life.  Then think of examples and details to support that reason.  For example, when we talk, she shows interest in my life by asking how my kids are doing.  Finally, fill in the blanks to craft a concluding sentence that sums up your opinion and reasons.  Here is the sheet if you did not begin your plan yesterday: Opinion Essay Plan.  Complete the sections for the second supporting and concluding paragraphs today.  Use my examples to help you make your plan.

Math:

1. Choose one: 1. Practice writing numbers in the 100s using your knowledge of place value (STW–Place Value–3-digit–2).  2. For a greater challenge, instead practice writing numbers in the 1,000s using your knowledge of place value (STW–Place Value–4-digit–2).  
2. Try this place value math game (STW–Greater Than and Less Than Game).

Social Studies and Science:

1. Go on PebbleGo to read and take notes about polar animals (Animal Habitat Notes).  To access PebbleGo, start from the LES homepage.  Then click on For Students–PebbleGo–Animals–Animal Habitats–Polar Animals.  **You will use this same note sheet for the rest of the week.  You should not complete it all today–just the part under the heading Tuesday: Polar Animals.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

It was such a warm and sunny weekend.  I hope that many of you got the chance to take the walks and bike rides you mentioned during our last class meeting.  I took a long walk with Otto on Saturday and another long walk with Otto and Xilla on Sunday.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is music.  Be sure to check out Ms. Renauld’s blog to find great ideas for musical activities you can do at home.  Here’s the link: https://hrenauld.edublogs.org/.

Reading:

1. Read  Jack’s Tale (RazPlus–Jacks Tale).  Think about the following questions.  You might share your answers with an adult.  1. Why does Jack trade his cow for the beans?  2. How does Jack’s mom react when he comes home with beans instead of money?  3. Why do you think Jack steals the giant’s goose?  4. Why do you think Jack’s mom helps the giant?  5. Did the ending surprise you?  Why or why not?
2. Read another good fit book for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Adjectives are words that describe nouns.  Adjectives tell about the size, shape, color, number, texture, smell, sound, or taste of the noun they’re describing.  Complete this sheet to practice with identifying adjectives and the nouns they are describing (STW–Adjectives).
2. This week, you will write a longer written piece sharing your opinion about a topic you care about.  For example, your topic might be a favorite pet, a good friend, a sport you enjoy, or a fun game.  Today, you will start to make a plan.  First, think about the topic you want to write about and your opinion about that topic.  For example, I chose to write about my friend, Laura.  My opinion is that Laura is a caring friend.  Then think of one reason to support your opinion.  For example, I think Laura is a caring friend because she tries to cheer me up when I am sad.  Finally, think about examples to support that reason.  For example, Laura tries to cheer me up by sending me adorable videos of goats in pajamas.  Here is the sheet to begin your plan: Opinion Essay Plan.  Complete the sections for the introductory and first supporting paragraphs today.  Use my examples to help you make your plan.

Math:

1. Choose one: 1. Practice writing numbers in the 100s using your knowledge of place value (STW–Place Value–3-digit).  2. For a greater challenge, instead practice writing numbers in the 1,000s using your knowledge of place value (STW–Place Value–4-digit).  
2. Go on Symphony Math for 20 minutes.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Go on PebbleGo to read (or listen) and take notes about desert animals (Animal Habitat Notes).  To access PebbleGo, start from the LES homepage.  Then click on For Students–PebbleGo–Animals–Animal Habitats–Dessert Animals.  **You will use this same note sheet for the rest of the week.  You should not complete it all today–just the part under the heading Monday: Desert Animals.

Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

Happy Friday!  Here are your assignments for today.  Click on the underlined links to open each assignment.

Specials:

1. Today’s special is P.E.  Check out Coach Sadie’s blog for some ideas to help you stay physically active: https://leverettpe.edublogs.org/category/second-grade/.

Reading:

1. Answer some questions to continue contrasting The Three Little Pigs and The Three Little Pigs: The Wolf’s Story: Questions About 2 Versions of the Three Little Pigs Story.  Check out last Tuesday’s post (April 24) for a copy of the Three Little Pigs to reread, if needed.  Use today’s work to help you THINK about the answer to this question: Do you think the stories are the same story told from different perspectives (the pigs’ perspective or the wolf’s perspective), or do you think the stories are different enough to be considered two different stories?  We will discuss the question during our next class meeting.
2. Read a good fit book for 20 minutes.

Writing:

1. Revise your fairy tale to add descriptive language, including vivid adjectives.  Edit your fairy tale to find and fix errors with spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.  Here are edition and revision checklists that might help: Revision_Editing Checklists–Fairy Tale (1).

Math:

1. Complete this May calendar by adding the days of the month: Super Teacher Worksheets–May Calendar.  May 1 is today, so write the number 1 (with small handwriting) in the top left corner of the first box under the word Friday.  Continue filling in all the days of the month.  May has 31 days, and you can add an extra square for Sunday, May 31, if you’d like.  
2. Then for each weekday (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), write a 2-digit addition or subtraction problem in the box.  For example, on Friday, May 1, you might write 45-27 (a 2-digit subtraction problem) or 45+27 (a 2-digit addition problem).  Both numbers in each problem should be 2-digits.  Make sure to write different problems on each day.
3. One job you have during the month of May is to solve the problem of the day each weekday.  So, today, you’ll solve the addition or subtraction problem you wrote in the May 1 box.
4. Go on Symphony Math for 20 minutes, if you have time.

Social Studies and Science:

1. Finish yesterday’s family member interview assignment: Interview an adult family member to learn more about the paid and unpaid work they’ve done in their life.  Here is an interview sheet with suggested questions and spaces to write your family member’s answers: Family Member Interview–All About Work.  You may think of other questions to ask during the interview too.