March 27

More Multiplication

We used a grid to demonstrate arrays. The equation 2×6 means two rows of six. We will connect this concept to area and perimeter later this week.

Then we used the multiplication table to find products. This site would be an excellent way to practice multiplication facts this spring and through the summer.

Interactive multiplication table

Category: Math | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 22

A Second Grader’s Brain

By Hank Pellissier

The second grader’s brain

“What happens if we’re late, Daddy? Will something bad happen? I don’t wanna’ be late!”

Second-graders have a propensity to worry. They can fret about nightmares, the dark, their clothes, their homework, or their stomach aches that might — in their agitated minds — be a lethal disease. They hate making mistakes, not finishing tasks, and especially losing. They have to be first, correct, punctual, best, and perfect. What’s wrong with these little nut-cases? Are they blooming neurotics? Hypochondriac loons?

No, they’re not. Morose sensitivity in this age group is actually proof that their brain is developing properly. Seven-year-olds can finally grasp concepts like space, direction, distance, and time. They now understand that the clock is ticking forward. Suddenly, schedules, routines, calendars, plans, predictability, rules, justice, and assignments become excruciatingly serious causes for concern.

Neurologically, what’s buzzing and building inside the second-grade brain? Jane Healy, author of Your Child’s Growing Mind, has defined them as “avid learning machines.” Marguerite Kelly, Washington Post family columnist, labeled second grade as “the age of reason” touched with a “patina of sadness.”

March 19

Limericks

To top off our study of poetry, we studied limericks.  Limericks are five lines long.  The first, second, and fifth line rhyme and have eight or nine syllables.  The third and fourth line rhyme and are shorter.  These are usually silly poems and often begin with “There once was…”.  The you tube below recaps this information.  Then I shared some limericks I wrote about the children in our class.  I challenged them to try their hand at writing a limerick.  Isabella wrote the one below today.

Two of my limericks:

There once was a boy named Ben.
He wanted to write with a pen.
He wrote a nice poem
And brought it back home.
When will he do it again?

There once was a girl named Kate
Who liked to go roller skate.
She fell on her nose
And hurt her big toes
But still said her day was just great!

Isabella’s Limerick:

There was a really awesome school.
It was very chilly and cool.
After that it was hot
Like water in a pot
And everybody wanted a pool.

Try writing one at home and share it with us!

March 18

Celebrations

This girl can recite the 50 states in order!

Ms. McGuire chose a few students from our class to represent second grade in the Kiwanis Art Show.  It was certainly a difficult choice for her because there is so much talent in this grade level!  Congratulations to Isabella, Rylee, Oivia, Emma Grace, Mason, and Christopher!