Four our current unit of inquiry: How the world works, the students have been identifying where they can find simple machines and how the features of those machines make their lives easier. This past week they have worked in small groups to build a variety of complex machines (using simple machines) or just building simple machines, then testing them out. It’s been a fun, if messy, project for the students and you should be able to see their end products on Seesaw.
After the students had built and tested their machines, they used their knowledge of the construction so they could write their own set of instructions using the features of procedural writing. This genre of writing uses command verb, ie tape, stick, glue, make, etc or sequence words in order to put the instructions in chronological order and indicate what is needed to complete the goal, such as building a ferris wheel or creating a maze.
Other literacy activities have included identifying the definition of each simple machine, how it words and where we can find them. Some students have been working on sorting tools that belong in a particular simple machine category using pictures and words. We have met in our guided reading groups to discuss the books we are sharing and also practised our handwriting.
As it is coming to the end of Grade 2, we will be carrying out reading, writing and maths assessments. These assessments are a portion of the ongoing assessments and observations we have made throughout Grade 2 and will provide a picture of where the students are now in their learning journey.
In maths this week, we have been working on fractions, learning about wholes, halves and quarters. We have applied this to shapes, amounts of numbers and whether a portion is equal or unequal. Our mental maths sessions have continued where we focus on fluency with numbers, especially place value and addition.
Next week we will begin looking a time and how it can be related to fractions, as well as, continuing with our maths talks or mental maths sessions.
Literacy next week will be continued guided reading, using phonics to build and spell words, practising handwriting and writing sentences. The students will be working on another piece of procedural writing and use a self-assessment form to find their strengths and areas to work on.
Within UOI, we will be finding out how simple machines can make our lives easier and begin thinking of our summative assessment, where the students will be designing and building a complex machine using at least two simple machines.
As we approach the end of the year and it has gotten hotter, please help your child stay hydrated by provided a reusable water bottle and a hat. This is especially important for our morning playtime and to help keep the students focused throughout the day. We have also noticed that students can be more easily upset or involved in incidences where learning is disrupted due to some behaviour choices. This morning, we had a big chat about ABIS’s Code of Conduct and the essential agreements we drafted at the beginning of the year. The students have worked hard today to make appropriate behaviour and learning choices and we would appreciate your support in helping your child continue with a positive outlook during the next few weeks of school.
ABIS primary would also like to remind families that football boots are not allowed to be worn to school and all students should be wearing the correct school uniform everyday. We appreciate your support with these issues.
Please see photos here.