Geography:  Maps! Maps! Maps!  We have been learning how to follow cardinal directions, looking at things from a “bird’s view”, how to draw symbols, following a route, using a scale, and using a map key.  We will also sing songs and create projects to study landforms, our state, country, and the continents.

Math:  We have been learning about plane and solid shapes during our geometry study.  Click on 2nd grade math fun and then “geometry” to play some fun online games.

Odds/Ends:

Please send in box tops and campbell soup labels!

Click to view slideshow.

Science:  All about weather!!  We will study how the sun warms the Earth and the changes of seasons.  We will also study types of precipitation and clouds.  We’ll sing songs and create art projects about the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation).  The students will observe types of weather changes and learn how tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, and floods occur.  Lastly, we will create weather measurement tools and use them to create observations.

Writing:  We will continue using our five senses to describe objects in detail such as spooky houses and Halloween candy!!  The students will create a non-fiction book about weather to add to our classroom library.  Check back soon for some fantastic stories.

Reading:  Our reading groups will continue as we read books about weather and practice our pumpkin play.  Literacy centers will focus around our main themes (weather, pumpkins, and Halloween).

Math:  As we wrap up our unit studying place value check out “Place Value Games” under the links section.  We’ll begin reviewing strategies for addition and subtraction.  We started our math minute quizzes and the kids are doing great!  They will work hard to memorize their math facts of sums to 18 by the end of the year!  Check out “Math Fact Cafe and Math Games for Kids” in the links section for practice!  Let me know if you find more fun web pages to practice our math facts and I’ll add the link!

PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS….Please send in pumpkins of various sizes for our pumpkin activities by the last week of October.   We will read about pumpkins, write about them, measure, count seeds, decorate, create yummy treats, and much more!

Pencil Box

2 Large Erasers

Packs of Wide Ruled notebook paper

1 pack of Crayons

2 packs of pencils

1 pair of child safe scissors

Wide Ruled Spiral Bound Notebook

4 Glue sticks (will need more later in the year)

4 plain clasp folders

2 folders with pockets (vinyl lasts longer)

One pair of headphones or ear buds for use with ipods and computers

Plain White T-shirt (size larger than regular size because it will shrink when we tie dye it)

(please label all items with your child’s name)

Optional:

- Personal Pencil Sharpener

- Markers

- Post it notes (any size)

- Clorox or baby wipes

- Ziplock Bags (any size)

- Expo Markers

- Highlighters

-stickers

-paper plates of all sizes for crafts

-individually wrapped candy

]]> http://kmcmannen.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/second-grade-school-supplies/feed/ 0 kmcmannen http://kmcmannen.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/all-about-me/ http://kmcmannen.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/all-about-me/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:08:18 +0000 kmcmannen http://kmcmannen.wordpress.com/?p=5 ]]>       Welcome to second grade in room 222!  I look forward to a wonderful year with your child.  My name is Kathleen McMannen and I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill. In spring, 2008,  I received a graduate degree in reading education at East Carolina University.  In April, 2008 my baby girl named Neely was born and she is a joy!

        I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember.  I feel it is a blessing and a responsibility to be given the chance to make a positive difference in my students’ lives. I believe in authentic instruction that actively engages children.  I plan to develop a community of lifelong learners through self-motivation and cooperation while maintaining a high level of expectation of all my students. 

       I look forward to a great year!