2nd Grade Fun!

Well, we hit the ground running our first week in GT and this week was no different.  This year we are diving into the world of Structures, both man-made and natural, and even the more abstract concepts of structure(s).

I started by giving each table a bag of cards to sort.  I didn’t give them any parameters, just told them to look at the cards and think about how they should be sorted.  They were unaware that all of these cards held examples of structure(s).  After they sorted they took a picture of their sort and we shared the various categories whole class.  I then told the kids that I wanted them to sort the cards again, but that they could only use two categories.  Again they took a picture of their completed sort and we discussed the categories.  The kids noticed that our categories were more closely aligned when I put the 2 category rule in place. Below are the Educreations the kids created to share their sorts.

This week I introduced the word Structures.  I had the kids brainstorm everything they thought they knew about structures.  I had some kids with one thing on their paper and others with a 10-15 things written down.  It really helped me to see where all of my student were coming from. I gave the kids the same bag of cards. This time I told them that ALL of the items fit the definition of structure.  I once again had them sort into two categories.  This time all of the tables realized that they could sort them into man-made and natural structures.  Below you will find a Padlet. Please help us by double clicking on the wall and adding examples of man-made and natural structures.  We want help from parents, grandparents. etc.

After our pre-test, sort, and discussion, the kids created a DETAILS flower to share the facts and features related to their understanding of STRUCTURE so far.  Here are some of their images.

In addition to structures, we have been doing an activity called X Tiles We use clues and math to figure our mystery number.  The kids are getting better at reading and understanding the clues every day.

The second graders were introduced to a new way of thinking called Six Hats thinking.  We will learn to use these hats as we encounter various problems in our learning.  Next week you should see our first finished project related to the hats.

This week the kids were given some new vocabulary words to add to their vernacular.  We talked about ways to use the word so that it became a part of our day to day conversations and writing.  The kids were encouraged to get their siblings and friends to use the words as well.  I hope you will help encourage their vocabulary development.  Each week they should have new words that are tied to our novel, Walls Within Walls.

THIS WEEKS WORDS: grumbled, anxious, deferential  modernize, chivalry

Wow, that was a long post.  That reminds me of why I like to do them each week.  🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *