September Reading Focus

Students will be able to…..	Ideas to support this at home…..
Pick a ‘Good-Fit’ book to read Build their reading stamina (staying focused in a book, goal is 20 minutes) Share characteristics of different reading genres Tell how a book follows the pattern that most fiction books follow.	Read together at home Ask questions about what happens in the beginning (characters, setting & problem), middle (major events) and end (solution to the problem)

September Math Focus

Students will be able to…..	Ideas to support this at home…..
Read 3 digit numbers Write 3 digit numbers Represent numbers in one way Tell the value and place of a three digit number. Compare two 3 digit numbers Order a set of 3 digit numbers Write fact families for addition and subtraction. Use the relationship between addition and subtraction to check my answers. Use strategies to add and subtract numbers.	Show your students numbers and have them read them to you Say a number and they write it down Put numbers in order from smallest to biggest Addition and subtraction fact practice (they need to know basic facts quick and fast) Note: 3 digit numbers are in the hundreds (i.e. 248 or 672)

What is a guided reading level?

The leveling system that we use at Bel Air is called a 'guided reading' level.  It is a system that levels books from easiest to hardest using the letters A-Z.

The goal for all students is to be reading at a level L or M by the end of the school year.

Examples of these kind of books are beginning chapter books (Magic Tree House series, A-Z Mysteries, My Weird School books, Judy Moody, Bailey School House, Cam Jansen, The Littles).

All students should know how to pick GOOD FIT books but a reminder is always a good idea.  Books should not be too hard or too easy.  The general rule would be no more than 5 errors or words that they don't know the meaning on one page.

One resource for you to use is Scholastic Book Wizard.  You can enter the title of a book and it will give you the guided reading level (make sure to click on that choice).  It does not have every book but it has a lot.
http://www.scholastic.com/bookwizard/

Math Information Night (11-12-15)

Math Information Night

On Thursday, November 12th, Bel Air will host two math informational meetings in room 204.  These meetings are open for any parents with students in grades 1-5.  Each meeting will have a presentation around a topic listed below and time will be given for questions.  We  

Math Topic #1 (from 5:00-5:45)  --  Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division Methods

Many parents are asking about the "new math" and are concerned they are not following the teachers instruction when helping their own child.  During this time we will take a look at different algorithms being taught in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  

Math Topic #2 (from 6:00-6:45)  --  Math Websites and Apps

Websites and apps are constantly being developed and created.  What are good websites and apps to use with your child?  We will explore some various websites and apps you can use with your child at home (or on the road).  

Unity Day - Wednesday, October 21

Unity Day – Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015

Together against bullying – united for kindness, acceptance and inclusionSponsored by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center since 2011
Make it ORANGE and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to bullying? If you care about safe and supportive schools and communities make your color ORANGE on Unity Day. That’s the day everyone can come together – in schools, communities, and online – and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity to show that we are united against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

Fun Friday!

Today we had 'Get To Know You' stations.  Classes traveled from room to room getting to know all of the 2nd grade teachers.  One station was a photo booth.  Here is a fun picture of all of the teachers!

Free math apps

Free Everyday Math Games Apps (September 20-26)
Everyday Math Games

Math, September 2015

Math - Student Learner Outcome

I can tell what number is 10 more and 10 less than a given number.

Extension: I can tell what number is 100 more and 100 less, 1,000 more and 1,000 less than any given number.

Standard: 2.1.1.3 Find 10 more or 10 less than a given three-digit number.  Find 100 more or 100 less than a given three-digit number.