18.11.2011
Dear Grade 2A Parents,
UOI
- We have started to set the criteria for the summative assessment. The class analysed the types of houses around the world with the use of the PYP Key Concepts. This activity was based on unit-connected literature and visuals (the concept keys). Each group analysed a different type of house and asked questions about it. Then, the groups moved clockwise and had to answer their peers’ questions from another group regarding the chosen house.
- This week the children have started to talk about animal houses. Karolina from 2B brought her rabbit to school and made a presentation about her pet’s house. If any other children would like to bring their pet in, please let me know and we can choose a day next week.
We have also covered the concept of the difference between a shelter and a home
We wanted to show the children that in order to understand their learning process better, they need to ask more and better questions. We used the PYP based Choose/Act/Reflect cycle. It communicates inquiry-oriented learning approaches directly to the students who then can connect their reflections to the current Central Idea. This activity has helped master some instructional strategies and made integration within the theme better. We will continue to use this cycle of visible thinking to help students see how they think, make connections and reflect.
- On Thursday we had a visit from the City Guard who talked to the children about how to deal with strangers if they approach you or try to talk to you. The presentation was in Polish and there were many visual aids to help comprehension. The children were impeccably behaved for a guest from outside whom they have never met before. They asked many deep questions and were vocal in responses too. At the end of the presentation, when I had some questions for the guest, the class was eager to translate back and forth between Polish and English for me and the guest. I would like to thank our school psychologist, Ms Iza for arranging this visit.
- PE Connection: in grade 2, we are trying to collaborate more closely with the other subject teachers so that the children see inquiry in other subjects as well as UOI. Currently we are working with Ms Alicja to inquire into ‘Every SPORT needs a home’. We are collecting pictures of different venues where sports are played. The display is in the gym and we are adding to this over the weeks of this unit.
STORYTIME WEDNESDAY
- In this week’s story-time we revisited ‘Room on the Broom’ but this time with a new perspective. We are making an inquiry into the PYP attitudes and learner profile as portrayed in children’s literature. Children noticed that the story shows us the attitude ‘cooperation’ when all the animals work together to scare the dragon and save the witch.
STAND-ALONE LITERACY
- The literacy lessons this week involved students moving on with their ESL work. They worked on their English Builder books.
NUMERACY (STAND-ALONE and INEGRATED)
- We have started to check how much we already know with the use of Math Check Up books. These are designed to implement a constructivist approach so that students interact with its content by using their prior knowledge.
FIRST STUDENT LED CONFERENCE
- Thank you very much for being part of the first Student Led Conference this week. I hope you are proud of your child’s achievements.
MIFFY AT MY HOME
The students have started taking Miffy home for a weekend. After the weekend is finished, the student need to bring a project to school. The children summarize the weekend spent with Miffy in any format they wish. Later on, the teachers upload it here: www.miffyatmyhome.blogspot.com Please visit this website to see Anastasiia and Ben’s presentations about their time spent with Miffy.
REMINDERS
• All pupils must wear school uniforms, as according to the School Rules and Regulations it is obligatory.
• Thanksgiving is on Thursday November 24th. Please do not send regular snack with your children. Please send in something typical from your country which can be shared. Children will share with their own class and then visit other classes to share there too. You only need send enough of your food for our class. Previously we have dressed up for Thanksgiving, This year the school has decided against this.
• The school seasonal charity this year is a little girl who has cancer. Her name is Amelia and she would like a bicycle and a dolls house. The school is collecting for this starting from next week. The school asks for 8 pln from each student. This you may give to your class teacher.
FOLLOW-UPS (Due Tuesday 22nd November)
The children need to visit our blog about Miffy’s adventures with the second graders and post 2 comments: one under Anastasiia’s presentation and one under Ben’s presentation. The address is: http://miffyatmyhome.blogspot.com/
Math online exercise: http://www.mathplayground.com/matching_shapes.html There are no paper worksheets this week.
Thank you,
Ms Helen
