PTA Reflections Artists

Silver Springs celebrated student artists at the PTA Reflections award ceremony.  More photos are in the Photo Gallery linked to the right.

I hope you had a great three-day weekend.  In class this morning we discussed Martin Luther King Jr. and read a Time For Kids article about him and how he changed the United States.

Math Bar Model for Comparison Problems
Now that students have a pretty good grasp of how to use a bar model to solve basic addition and subtraction problems we are moving on to see how bar models can be used to help solve problems with comparisons.  An example of a comparison word problem might be: “In second grade there are a 54 boys and 78 girls.  How many more girls are there than boys?”  When using a bar model for a question like this you draw two bars, one to represent the number of boys and another to represent the number of girls.  Here is another online video to explain what it looks like.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are learning about and making inferences.  We studying how a reader can infer something even when it is not directly stated in a text.

Math - Students are learning when to add and when to subtract in different real world situations.  We are using bar models to understand addition and subtraction.  This week we are focusing on comparison problems and problems with multiple steps.  We will have an exam next Monday.

Writing - This week we will continue two new writing projects.  We will be writing the words for a wordless picture book by Tomie DePaola titled Pancakes for Breakfast.  We will also begin a unit on opinion writing.

Science - This week we are finishing our study of the different states of mater (solid, liquid, and gas) and the ways that water can take on those states of matter as ice, water, and water vapor or steam.  There will also be a science exam tomorrow, a study guide went home last Friday.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we reviewed why communities form governments and discussed why communities need laws. 

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week we will receive new word sorts.  We will continue to work with the vocabulary words first introduced last week.  Students will add them to their Vocabulary Journals along with synonyms, antonyms, a visual representation of the word as well as using it in a 7-up sentence which is a sentence that uses 7 or more words.

Leadership - Using Habit 3 - Put First Things First.  We are trying to do our best in library so we can earn a double plus from Ms. Meisel.

In science we learned about the three states of matter.

Math Bar Model Video

A Room A-2 student browses books in the Silver Springs library.

Math Bar Model Addition and Subtraction Unit
The current math unit is really focused on helping students understand when to use addition or subtraction to solve real world problems.  One thing we discuss in class is really reading the questions carefully to understand what is being asked.  If you need more clarification on how a basic bar model works this video clip is pretty helpful.

NWEA Testing
I wrote you all an email early Saturday explaining that one of our NWEA testing days changed because of last week's snow day.  Our days for NWEA winter testing are now scheduled as follows.  Today, January 8th we will be taking the English Language Arts portion of the exam.  Thursday, January 15th we will be taking the Math portion of the exam.  Please make sure that your students get a good night’s rest this Wednesday night!

Family Bowling Night
The next Silver Springs Family Bowling Night is this Friday, January 16th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  I will be attending and can't wait to check out Novi Bowl.  If you want to join me a pre-registration form went home with students last week.  The pre-registration form is due by Tuesday, January 13th.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are stopping to ask questions and think thoughtfully about the books we read.  When a question comes up in a non-fiction book we see if we can answer it by reading further in the text or if we need to reference another source for clarification.

Math - We are starting a new unit that reviews addition and subtraction.  Students will learn when to add and when to subtract in different real world situations.  We will also be using a bar model to understand addition and subtraction.

Writing - This week we will start two new writing projects.  We will be writing the words for a wordless picture book by Tomie DePaola titled Pancakes for Breakfast.  We will also begin a unit on opinion writing.

Science - This week we are studying the water cycle and the different states of mater that water can take: ice, water, and water vapor (steam).

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We have learned that communities have diversity in the food we eat, traditions, religions, and languages spoken.  We are also learning about why communities form governments; to keep people safe, form laws, help people solve problems, and provide services people need.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week students will be completing the writing sort for the new word sort words.  The sort will come home in the Monday Envelope next week.  Students will also be introduced to the 5 new vocabulary words that come from a Steven Kellogg book about Johnny Appleseed.  The words are: exaggerate, urged, recollect, tranquil, surrounding.

Leadership - Using Habit 3 - Put First Things First.

Welcome Back

Students warm up with Ms. Phillips today at the beginning of gym class.

Welcome back!  From what I have heard so far your students had a relaxing break.  They also seem to be excited to see their friends and get back to school here at Silver Springs.

Thank You
Thank you all so much for your gifts, cards, and overall classroom gift.  I truly, truly appreciate it.

NWEA Testing
Our days for NWEA winter testing are as follows.  This Thursday, January 8th we will be taking the English Language Arts portion of the exam.  Next Thursday, January 15th we will be taking the Math portion of the exam.  Please make sure that your students get a good night’s rest this Wednesday night and next Wednesday night!

Family Bowling Night
The next Silver Springs Family Bowling Night is Friday, January 16th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  I will be attending and can't wait to check out Novi Bowl.  If you want to join me a pre-registration form will go home in student folders tomorrow.  The pre-registration form is due by January 13th.

Home Writing Journal
Now that break is over and we are back in the swing of things please make sure to have your child write in their Homework Journals at least twice this week.  As always have students bring them to me next Monday.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are stopping to ask questions and think thoughtfully about the books we read.

Math - We are starting new unit that reviews addition and subtraction.  Students will learn when to add and when to subtract in different real world problems.  We will also be using a bar model to understand addition and subtraction.

Writing - We are studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Science - Our objective for this week is to understand that groundwater is water below earth's surface that fills up the cracks and small holes between rocks and sand.  We will also begin studying the water cycle.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We are learning how our community of Northville belongs to bigger regions such as our state, country, continent, and the world. 

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - We will be introduced to the new words for our word sorts and work with them on different activities for two weeks.  This round of words will come home in 2 weeks.  Please review when they come home.  We will also begin working with Vocabulary Words again.  We will spend this week reviewing the last set of words.  5 new words will be introduced next week.

Leadership - Using Habit 3 - Put First Things First.

Festival of Cultures

Last week we prepared our room for the Festival of Cultures.

Festival of Cultures
Thank you so much for helping your students plan and complete their India assignments.  I was really impressed by all the different projects that came in this morning.  I truly appreciate all of your effort with this assignment as well as all the the different homework activities I send home.

Home Reading Books in the Bright Orange Bag
Thank you for reminding your students to bring back their Take Home Reading Books to me today.  I want to make sure every student has a new set of books to read over the holiday break.  Even if you forgot today, bring it in tomorrow or Wednesday and I will change the books out. 

Subtraction Exam in Math
This Wednesday, December 17th, we will have an exam covering subtraction.  We practiced our skills today in class today using scratch paper and completing careful work.  The students did well.  I sent home an eight question study guide last Thursday.  If your students can understand the concepts on the study guide they will do well on the exam.  The study guide is due Wednesday.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - Recognizing the new information we learn when reading non-fiction books, including non-fiction books about India

Math - Subtraction of three-digit numbers, understanding how and why to regroup, preparing for an exam on Wednesday 12/17.

Writing - Studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Language Conventions - Contractions

Leadership - Habit 3 - Put First Things First

Please Bring In Those Orange "Take Home Reading" Bags!

In Room A-2 every student is reading books at their level every day. 
I am hoping with the Take Home Reading book bags we can keep up that reading over the Winter Break.

I hope you are doing well.  Your children keep telling about all of your holiday preparations--I can tell you are enjoying the season.  This past weekend I put holiday lights up with my son and he loves waiting for them to come on each evening.  Here is the Room A-2 newsletter for the week:

Festival of Cultures - India
Last week the students and I began reading about India and recording some of our new learning in a notebook.  This week we will continue our study and work together to create a map of India's major cities and landforms.  We will also make and write about the Flag of India.

Home Reading Books in the Bright Orange Bag
Please make sure your student brings back their Take Home Reading Books to me next Monday.  I want to make sure every student has a new set of books to read over the holiday break.  Even if you forget next Monday, bring them on Tuesday or Wednesday etc.  I will send out another email reminder about this and contact you directly if needed.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - Recognizing the new information we learn when reading non-fiction books, including non-fiction books about India

Math - Solving subtraction problems with numbers that have many zeros in them making regrouping more complicated.

Writing - Studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Language Conventions - Adjectives and adverbs

Leadership - Habit 3 - Put First Things First

This is what the Take Home Reading book bags look like.

Festival of Cultures in Two Weeks

This week our class is being featured on the video announcements.

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving break.  Here is the newsletter for the week:

Festival of Cultures - India
This week we will begin studying the country of India.  Through reading books, visiting websites, and watching video clips we will be learning about the geography, holidays, sports, and landmarks of India.  Make sure you are working with your students on their at-home projects.  Information about this project went home in last week's Monday envelope.  If you need another copy let me know.  The lined paper provided in that packet can be used for students to write a summary and explanation of their project that they can read when they present.  The projects are due on Monday, December 15th, the festival is on Tuesday, December 16th.

Science/Social Studies/Word Study with Ms. Sepich
For the next couple of weeks our Science, Social, Studies, and Word Study lessons will be put on hold.  This will allow us the needed time to study India and prepare for the second grade Festival of Cultures.

Toys for Tots
The Student Lighthouse Community Service Action Team is excited to announce an upcoming service project for the month of December.  Silver Springs Elementary will be an official collection site for the US Marine Toys for Tots 2014 campaign.  Please send in any new unwrapped toys to Silver Springs from Dec. 1-12.  No stuffed animals, please.  Keep this project in mind as you begin your holiday shopping!  We can’t wait to see our Silver Springs community synergize to make this holiday season a little brighter for some very needy children!

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - Recognizing the new information we learn when reading non-fiction books. 

Math - Using subtraction to solve math sentences with missing pieces.  Solving subtraction problems with multiple steps.

Writing - Studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Language Conventions - Adjectives and adverbs

Leadership - Writing about how we have used the Seven Habits in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

Students conduct an experiment to see how much water a cup full of sand can hold.

Here is what we have planned in Room A-2 and at Silver Springs this week!

Science
In science we are beginning a study of groundwater.  Last week students conducted an investigation to see how much water a cup full of sand could hold.  Pictures and videos are in the photo gallery.  This week we will conduct the same experiment with a cup full of pebbles. My goal is for students to see that the materials that make up Earth's surface can hold a surprising amount of water.

Festival of Cultures
Each year the second grade classrooms at Silver Springs participate in a festival of cultures.  Each second grade classroom focuses their study on one particular country.  This year our class is focusing on the country of India.  After Thanksgiving Break I will begin working with our class to study the history, culture, and customs of India.  Part of this unit involves an at-home project where students focus in on one aspect of India.  Information about that project went home today in the Monday envelopes.  While you are working on this project your students will most likely need to write less in the Room A-2 Homework Journal.

Unicef Halloween Donations
I've been meaning to thank all of those who participated in the Unicef Trick-or-Treat Fundraiser.  Our class raised $45.26!

Toys for Tots
The Students Lighthouse Community Service Action Team is excited to announce an upcoming service project for the month of December.  Silver Springs Elementary will be an official collection site for the US Marine Toys for Tots 2014 campaign.  Please send in any new unwrapped toys to Silver Springs from Dec. 1-12.  No stuffed animals, please.  Keep this project in mind as you begin your holiday shopping!  We can’t wait to see our Silver Springs community synergize to make this holiday season a little brighter for some very needy children!

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - Making Text-to-Self and Text-to-Text connections with fiction books.

Math - Three digit subtraction with regrouping in the tens and hundreds.  Understanding how we can use addition to check our work.

Writing - This week we will continue publishing and perfecting one of our favorite stories.

Science - For the next couple weeks we will be studying groundwater.  Students will conduct investigations to see how much water different kinds of earth's materials can hold. 

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We are learning how our community of Northville belongs to bigger regions such as our state, country, continent, and the world.  We are finishing Unit 2 and students are taking their quiz either this week or next depending upon their class.  Please go over the study guide with your child to prepare.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - We are continuing to work on the words 'commotion', 'sprinted', 'raucous', 'savored', and 'pursue'.

Leadership - Writing about how we have used the Seven Habits in our lives.