News Update

Hello 2-3 families,

Here's a look at what the students in 2-3 were up to this week...

APRIL FOOL'S DAY!
The kids were in a tizzy when they entered the classroom on Tuesday and saw this on the board...

They were in disbelief that there was so much homework.  I let them go for a couple of minutes before I asked them to reread the first line of our Morning Message which stated, "Happy April Fool's Day!"

CENTERS
This week during our center rotations, I was working with one of the groups and we were finishing up a book about a the first submarine used in warfare.  It was called the H.L. Hunley and it was used during the Civil War.  As the kids were reading and we were discussing the story, I glanced around the room to make sure the other students were on task and I noticed the group that was supposed to be writing was listening intently to our conversation.  They couldn't believe what we were talking about and asked if they could learn about the sub too.  After recess that morning, we adjusted our plans a little bit and I read the Civil War Sub story to the whole class and were able to use the National Geographic website to look at the pictures of the Hunley after it was resurrected 136 years after it sank.  The story and photos generated a lot of thought-provoking discussion amongst the students.  These are the kinds of organic learning/teaching moments that I love as a teacher!  If you are interested in learning more about the H.L. Hunley, check out this link.

MATH
This week we wrapped up Unit 9 and began Unit 10.  When we reviewed our Chapter 9 tests the day after we took them, we discussed the importance of double checking your work to avoid silly mistakes.  Measuring objects can be challenging and needs to be done slowly and precisely.  As we move onto Unit 10, I will be sending the same message to the kids.  Unit 10 can be challenging as the kids take their money and place value skills to the next level.  I have reminded the kids not to be intimidated by this because they CAN DO IT!  It might take a little longer and make require a few more steps to solve the problems, but they have the necessary skills to allow them to tackle these problems.

THE HISTORY OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
This week we launched our AH unit.  Before AH was the bustling city that it is today, it was a prairie.  The kids will learn in the upcoming weeks how AH grew into the city as we know it and who helped it get to that point.  I sent home permission slips for our trip on April 17th so the AH Historical Museum.  I just want to remind you that the cost of the trip is $7.75.  Please make sure to send a check or cash when returning the permission slip.

We have a lot of fun activities going on at Dryden this week so I will be updating our blog throughout the week to let you know what we are up to.  I hope you all had a safe and fun weekend.

- Danielle