Welcome Back!

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable March Break! We are already back in full swing here in Grade Two.  In Language Arts, we are working on writing a really good narrative story.  It is a long process.  We have been working on stories all week and will continue into next week.  The students have developed some really good characters, plots and settings.  I am really anxious to read the finished product!
In Math, we are continuing our work on addition and subtraction.  Any review that can be done at home to increase speed and accuracy will really help make it easier for the students as we move through adding and subtracting larger numbers.
For Social Studies, we are taking a little tour around the world.  We are just finishing up our passports, and will begin our journey on Monday in China.  We will also be travelling to Mexico, Australia and Egypt.  I have told the students with your permission, if they have any books or artifacts from any of these countries, they are welcome to bring them to school carefully labeled.  Please don't send anything valuable, as I would hate to see anything accidently broken....
Please note, we will begin our Grade Two testing on Monday March 28. This is standardized testing that all grade two students in our board take part in.  We will be doing the testing on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning during the first periods before first recess.  Please try to schedule any appointments either in the afternoon or after Wednesday. 
Thanks again for your continued support!

We're almost there!

It is so hard to believe that March Break is just around the corner!  If your family is travelling over the break, have a safe and enjoyable trip!  Spring will quickly follow, and I'm sure everyone is looking forward to spring as much as I am.  It has been a long, cold winter and seeing blue skies and green grass will definately lift everyone's spirits!
We are continuing with numeracy in math.  Right now our major focus is on subtraction, using invented strategies to help the students solve the problems mentally, using what they already know about addition and subtration.  We will move into the more traditional subtraction after the break (borrowing as we know it).  It is very important for the students to have a good grasp of the mechanics of subtraction before they learn about borrowing.
In Literacy, we are continuing with the daily five activites.  I am so impressed with how far the students hacve come with their writing, and more and more students are asking to read in their free time which is definately a sign that we are moving in the right direction!
We will be finishing off our "water" unit in science and moving into another social studies unit after the break.
Again, have a safe and restful break!