Ascension School

As the days begin to grow longer and longer, we are continually awakened to our amazing potential.  Winter has certainly not been a time of hibernation for these second graders!  This semester, we have continued working toward our goal of being more fluent and reflective readers.  With this goal in mind, we have submerged ourselves into the world of non-fiction literature.  We have read newspapers, history texts, science magazines, biographies, "how to" books, cookbooks, and many other non-fiction text to begin to understand what non-fiction looks and sounds like.  It is hard work, but we love reading for the purpose of learning more about a given topic!

In Science, we had the chance to learn about sustainable environments and the water cycle by building our own terrariums.  We were amazed by how our grass was able to thrive within a bottle that was only watered once.  This project inspired us to recycle and keep our Earth clean.

Our study of community in Social Studies has opened up conversation with our parents about our family history.  With the help of our parents, we wrote beautiful poems entitled "I Am From."  The poems helped us to appreciate the deep and rich history within our family.  It was truely a priceless opportunity and a great way to make a connection to the larger community.  Also within our study of community, second graders have been learning about community helpers.  Many parents have volunteered to come and speak to our class about their job, helping others in the community.  We've learned about being a police officer, social worker, lawyer, Department of Health worker and teacher.  What fun it is to have moms and dads visit our classroom!

In Math, we continue to connect and expand our knowlege in meaningful and practical ways.  We studied shapes and learned to flip, turn and slide them to maintain a congruent figure.  Using geoboards and other manipulatives we make lines of symmetry and challenged friends to form congruent and symmetrical shapes.  Watches are starting to appear more frequently on second grade wrists as we are really starting to understand telling time on an analogue clock.  It is thrilling to see second graders applying their newly-gained math knowledge into everyday situations!

With all the talented individuals that make up Ms. McNell's second grade, we needed a way to share our gifts.  Non-fiction writing has become that outlet.  We have started to pre-write, plan and draft our very own "How To..." book.  Students will use many of the conventions used in typical non-fiction books (including a table of contents and a glossary) to explain how to do something of which they consider themselves a professional.  We cannot wait to share the final products and hopefully teach some younger students how to do 19 new things!