Famous People

                              Biography Project Begun




The students chose their biographies at media this week. We will read the texts in class and explore why the chosen person is famous and what lesson can be learned from the person's life. Students will annotate their book as they read, recording facts on sticky notes. Upon completion of the text, the notes will be sorted as interesting or important. The grade two informative pillar will help students organize their thinking for a final multi-media presentation to their classmates.

Do inquire about what prompted their choice, what they have learned about why the person is famous, and what lesson they learned. Share thoughts on famous people and the leadership skills they have. Ask about the character traits their person possess. You will be impressed by the quality of the discussion and the higher level thinking skills demonstrated by your child.

Photos Wanted

The Life and Times of a Happy Little Hurley

                         

We will begin our timeline project in two weeks. Please send in six photos of important events in your child's life by Monday, March 16th. We will be cutting and glueing the pictures onto a timeline so please do not send original photos - copies only.

Suggested events:
                               baby picture
                               first day of school
                               religious events
                               holidays
                               family activity
                               sports/extra curricular
                               birthday
Thank you!

Determine Importance - THEME

                             FRIENDSHIP

             

          Our literacy focus this month is determine importance. Students are reading a variety of texts to determine the theme of their literature selections. Once they uncover the theme, the students must support their thinking with text evidence. We have read Best Friends, Mathew and Tilly, Enemy Pie, "Buddies", Toot and Puddle, "My Friend", Frog and Toad, and George and Martha. All have a common theme: friendship. 
       We have had lively and thoughtful discussions on the meaning of friendship and what it takes to be a good friend. The students have shown themselves to be strong readers and thoughtful young men and ladies.

MATH NIGHT - Tuesday, March 10th

 Are You Smarter Than A Second Grader?                            
                                                                    
         
              The Coolidge School staff is excited to host a math night to showcase our new program, Math In Focus. Come back to school from 7:00 to 8:00 on Tuesday, March 10th with your child to try some problem solving, deep thinking, math talk, and interactive games. Are you smarter than a second grader? We undertake some high level skills.

Author Day - Friday, March 13th

                        Please Join Us!

                                         
  
          Please join the second grade authors for the release party of their non-fiction texts. The students each selected a non-fiction animal to research and became an "expert" on the species. They are anxious to share their work with their family and friends.  We look forward to welcoming you Friday, March 13th from 10:10 to 10:50. If your schedule allows feel free to join us for lunch at 11:00. You may bring or buy. If you choose to purchase a school lunch please let us know by the 10th so our Cafeteria Manager, Mrs. Campbell can ensure proper provisioning. 

Author From Down Under

           Mem Fox Author Study Completed

                                          

          As you noted during your trimester review of the students' ELA journals we recently completed an author study of Mem Fox. We enjoyed reading many of the twenty-nine books she has published internationally.  We loved listening to Mem"s Australian accent as we listened to her read aloud several of her texts. We found her stories funny, yet thoughtful. We learned and important life lesson from each book. As your child to share what he/she discovered about Mem and what he/she learned from reading her stories.