The teacher provides an update on the second grade class. They have completed units on tall tales and trickster tales with a field trip. Fractions have been added to the math curriculum and biographies are the focus in social studies. Upcoming events include a visit from the author of "If the World Were a Village" and grandparents' day, which falls on Valentine's Day this year. The walk-a-thon was a success and prizes will be awarded.

1. Hello!
Our 100th day of Second Grade has sailed past and we are on the downward slide towards our final
third of the year. Time has certainly flown by and the children are preparing for Grandparents’ Day. It
promises to be an especially exciting day as it falls on Valentines’ Day this year. I know the
grandparents’ and grandfriends’ who are in attendance will be in for a treat as their special child shares
their wonderful class and school. There is still time to send in a Valentine’s Box or Bag to ensure your
child has their own “mailbox” for Friday’s post Grandparents’ day fun.
This past month we wrapped up our units on Tall Tales and Trickster Tales with an incredible field trip
to Brandon’s Center Place. A good time was had by all as we shared a picnic in the park prior to our own
private puppet show. Anansi and his friends were the perfect culminating activity and I’m sure your child
will remember that wonderful day for a long time to come.
We are moving into further exploration of the scientific method with a myriad of experiments which
are sure to spark the second grade scientist in everyone. Using words such as data, hypothesis and
conclusion will soon become a part of our everyday vocabulary. Fractions are the newest addition to our
math curriculum and the children are getting a “hands on” introduction into higher level math skills.
Biographies are in the forefront of our Social Studies curriculum. The first and most exciting step has
taken place this week as the children were introduced to research methods by our dear media specialist,
Mrs. Edwards. The work for this project will all take place at school. We will also be delving into Black
History Month by reading several biographies of famous and inspirational African Americans as part of
our daily groups. Be on the lookout for leveled books in their blue folders to share.
Upcoming events include a special visit from the author of If the World Were A Village.Each
Discovery Group and classroom has been reading and discussing the many ideas of a world with 100
people and the statistics of each different category. Our children were especially surprised to discover
that so many people do not have fresh water or access to healthy food daily. It was also especially
interesting to the children that the most widely used language in the world was Chinese. We are so lucky
to have the opportunity to have such amazing visitors here at our campus. Perhaps this author might spark
your child to pick up a pencil (or laptop/ipad) and write their own book!
Everyone had an amazing time at our Walk-a-Thon this year. The weather held up and many children
walked or ran multiple laps to add to their PE tally for the year. Prizes will be awarded this week.
This week is sure to be a busy adventure as the children prepare for Friday. Many gifts and projects are in
the works. If you have any issues with grandparents’ or grandfriends’ with last minute cancellations,
please let me know as soon as possible. Skype visits can be arranged if needed.
As always, thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers who helped to make all our special events so
successful and fruitful for the children. Our families are what make Berkeley such a wonderful place. See
you all around campus!
Fondly,
Dee Carpenter