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Something New! You can now access May Watts Reads, Destiny Quest, Starfall, on-line encyclopedias, Pearson Science and Social Studies and Spelling Lists with Tic-Tac-Toe Homework by clicking on the TABS above. 


Dear 2BR Families,


I hope you all have enjoyed a relaxing time with family and friends over the Thanksgiving break. This school year seems to be moving along sooo quickly. It's hard to believe that snowy weather is just around the corner. As we move toward December, I keep thinking it just might start to get cold outside...


Hats, Mittens, Scarves, Snow Pants, etc.
As cold weather arrives, please send your child to school with warm clothing. Students go out for recess all winter long, as long as the playground is clear of snow and ice. Please label all of your child's winter items with his/her name. Just about every 2nd grader has a pair of black snow pants and it doesn't take very long for them to get mixed up. We want to be sure that your child goes home with the same items he/she brought to school...so please label everything. :)


Boots in the Classroom:
Beginning Monday, November 28th students should not be wearing their boots throughout the day. Please send a pair of shoes in your child's backpack and/or leave a pair of PE shoes in the classroom that your child can change into. This includes all boots (fashion boots, snow boots, hiking boots).


Scholastic Book Order:
The December Scholastic book order will be in your child’s “take home” folder on Monday. Orders are due on Friday, December 2nd. If you would like to place a holiday gift order for your child, please attach a note to the order informing me of this. I can arrange to put the books in the school office for you to pick up...so your child does not see them. Please DO NOT send cash to school. Please make checks payable to Scholastic Books.


Writing:  Preparing for Slice of Life Writing (Personal Narrative):
PLEASE SEND IN 3 PICTURES NEXT WEEK (Dec. 5th, 6th or 7th)


Students will be using a photograph during a unit of study in our Writing Workshop. We are asking that each child bring 3 photographs to class on or before Wednesday, Dec. 7th. The photographs should be candid shots of a special memory or memories in your child's life.  The photographs may all belong to one memory or they may be photos of 3 separate memories. It does not have to be a momentous occasion or event.  However, it should be special and recent enough that your child remembers the details of the memory. 


Once you and your child decide on 3 photographs, we suggest the two of you talk about them.Talk about the who, what, when, where...as well as any other details about the memory.  Do not create a list but instead have a conversation.  If you realize your child can't remember much without your help, then perhaps it's not a good photograph for this lesson.  We want all students to succeed with this activity.


Please send photographs in an envelope (label all photos with your child's name). Photos will be returned after we complete this unit of study.  We thank you for your cooperation. Please DO NOT email electronic photos.

Spelling: 
Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe homework will be sent home on Monday, November 28th. The spelling homework is due on Friday. The test will also be on Friday.

Math:
Last week your child brought home the hard cover Everyday Mathematics Reference Book. This book has been checked out in your child's name until the end of the year. In May, your child will need to bring the book back to school for LMC check-in. Please take some time to look through the book with your child, so you will both be aware of the many different reference points it has to offer.


IMPORTANT! Please read the parent note on Tuesday's homework sheet. Your child is learning how to do double-digit addition using the partial-sums method. Instructions on how to do the partial-sums method is on page 30 of the Everyday Mathematics Reference Book. Although many students have learned how to add using the "carrying" method, we will not be using this method in 2nd grade. Please review your child's homework with him/her and encourage the use of partial sums. 
[Partial-Sums video example: Right-hand column_Math_Partial Sums Addition]


Reading:
This week, your Child will begin reading The Secret Life of Trees by Chiara Chevallier.  This nonfiction selection discusses the life cycle of a tree and explains that trees can be home to many different animals, including birds and insects.  This selection also discusses the two main types of trees - broad-leaved trees and conifers--and explores trees that grow in tropical climates. Please encourage your child to read The Secret Life of Trees over the weekend.


Focus Skill: Fact or Fiction


Vocabulary Power precedes the story:


discover - find out; learn for the first time
energy - the power to do things
forecast - predict
shed - throw off
source - a pace from which something comes


Grammar: Verb Endings
[Interactive Link: Right-hand column_Grammar_Verb Endings]
[Interactive Link: Right-hand column_Grammar_Verb_Helping_Contraction]
[Link: Right-hand column_Grammar_Verbs Helping]


Science:
Health and Nutrition Unit
This week your child will begin learning about healthy eating with the Royal Food Family and Little D the dragon. To grow and be healthy we need to eat foods from all five food groups. We will be discussing each of the 5 food groups during the next several weeks.
[Interactive Link: Right-hand column_Science_Nutrition Blast-Off Game]
[Interactive Link: Right-hand column_Science_Nutrition Explorations]
[Interactive Link: Right-hand column_Science_Nutrition Explore the Food Pyramid]
[Interactive Link: Right-hand column_Science_Nutrition Food Guide Plate]