Today as I was thinking of some of the more important parts of school, I thought of reading. reading is the one subject that is hard for most students to understand or to be able to grasp. I googled different ways to see what would be ways to get students to want to do more reading and I came across some ideas:
1.Let the students have rewards when they are finished reading the book. This way they have ways to pucth themselves.
2.Set goals for the students, so once again they have to push themselves to the limit to get the reading done.
3.Have the different days set as something special.exaples: Monday's are munchie Mondays where they can bring in food to eat while reading, Wednesday's are "Winter Wednesday's" which mean that the students can bring in a stuffed animal or blanket to read with. I got these off of Mrs. Thompson and I believe that they work great in getting students to read!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Stars!
Today I went to Mrs. Thompson's class. In today's class it was a normal day. When I first arrived there today, Mrs. Thompson was having a meeting with anotehr second grade teacher. When it was time for the class to come back to the room she had me go down and get them to lead them back.This gave me a chance to go and do it on my own. It was very smoothly because they know who I am. When we got back they went to the reading corner and finshed their book. After this it was time for them to swith classes. Mrs. Cutnaw's class came to Mrs. Thompson's today and they learned about stars and constellations. This took them the whole thirty mintues because it was Mrs. Tompson's first day with them. After they switched back the class went right into T.A.B.. Then it was the end of the day.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Second Grader Thinks?
When doing research on how second graders think, I found a very interesting website on the way that students think and why they do. Below are some of the key things or ways that a "typical" second grader will think:
A second grader can understand and manipulate symbols related to concrete objects. They can understand, for example, that a plus sign means addition and can use them when appropriate.
Second graders are becoming logical. Although there are still moments when they jump to conclusions, you'll be able to understand even their wackiest thoughts.
Reverse thinking should no longer be an issue. Although a child may have a tough time retracing his mental steps, he should be able to remember how he came to his conclusion.
Second graders are still a little egocentric, but much less so than they were previously. They believe everyone sees the world as they see it, but they can finally understand other people's points of view.
Second graders are able to tell if there is a difference in number, length and volume when comparing two objects. Older second graders should also understand substance. For example, if they are shown clay and then watch someone break it up into little pieces and then put the pieces back together, a second grader will know that it's still the same amount of clay.
A second grader can understand and manipulate symbols related to concrete objects. They can understand, for example, that a plus sign means addition and can use them when appropriate.
Second graders are becoming logical. Although there are still moments when they jump to conclusions, you'll be able to understand even their wackiest thoughts.
Reverse thinking should no longer be an issue. Although a child may have a tough time retracing his mental steps, he should be able to remember how he came to his conclusion.
Second graders are still a little egocentric, but much less so than they were previously. They believe everyone sees the world as they see it, but they can finally understand other people's points of view.
Second graders are able to tell if there is a difference in number, length and volume when comparing two objects. Older second graders should also understand substance. For example, if they are shown clay and then watch someone break it up into little pieces and then put the pieces back together, a second grader will know that it's still the same amount of clay.
What to expect in secnd grade?
I was doing research on second graders and second grade minds and I came across this website. On this website I found out things taht parents should expect when they send thier second graders to school:
Reading: Second graders continue from wherever first grade left off, and teachers expect a wide variety of levels. But as reading becomes easier and more natural, the focus will shift from sounding words out to reading long stories. Keep reading aloud at home—but also encourage your child to read to you. Before reading, try making predictions; and afterward, talk over the story together. What does it all mean? These conversations are usually fun for both kids and parents; they’re also great for second grade learning.
Writing: Having finished first grade, your child can write at least one sentence. Now, in second grade, it’s time for a whole lot more. Expect your teacher to focus on “early production”—writing lots and lots—but also to introduce early editing skills like correct spelling and punctuation. Does Cousin Fred like getting letters? Now is a great time to encourage a pen pal.
Math: This is a big year for young mathematicians, not because there’s so much new stuff but because it’s so important that the basics are solid. Expect lots of work with place value, adding, subtracting, measurement, money, and time. These are lifetime skills, and there’s no such thing as too much practice, in school or out. You can provide steady, easygoing support when you invite help with counting grocery bills, keeping time schedules, or “racing the clock” to remember addition and subtraction facts.
Science/Social Studies. Second graders expand the map skills of first grade to reach out into geography and to explore historical timelines. Specific topics vary by region in the United States, but by the end of second grade, your child should recognize the continents; this will be added with the common science curriculum on water, marine life, weather, and geology. Your child should also understand the concept of country (and of different cultures), and be familiar with timelines that start before his or her birth. Do Grandma and Grandpa like to talk about where they’re from? Now’s a great time to schedule another visit.
Whatever the ups and downs in September, most second graders have settled quite a bit by the end of the year. You’ll notice longer attention spans, more reflective thinking; and often newly solid friendships as well. If, by the end of second grade, your child still does not appear to understand reading, or seems to crumple at the sight of a math book, make sure you consult your teacher. Now’s the time to fill in gaps and get set: third grade is just around the corner.
school.
I found this at http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Second_Grade_Settling/
Reading: Second graders continue from wherever first grade left off, and teachers expect a wide variety of levels. But as reading becomes easier and more natural, the focus will shift from sounding words out to reading long stories. Keep reading aloud at home—but also encourage your child to read to you. Before reading, try making predictions; and afterward, talk over the story together. What does it all mean? These conversations are usually fun for both kids and parents; they’re also great for second grade learning.
Writing: Having finished first grade, your child can write at least one sentence. Now, in second grade, it’s time for a whole lot more. Expect your teacher to focus on “early production”—writing lots and lots—but also to introduce early editing skills like correct spelling and punctuation. Does Cousin Fred like getting letters? Now is a great time to encourage a pen pal.
Math: This is a big year for young mathematicians, not because there’s so much new stuff but because it’s so important that the basics are solid. Expect lots of work with place value, adding, subtracting, measurement, money, and time. These are lifetime skills, and there’s no such thing as too much practice, in school or out. You can provide steady, easygoing support when you invite help with counting grocery bills, keeping time schedules, or “racing the clock” to remember addition and subtraction facts.
Science/Social Studies. Second graders expand the map skills of first grade to reach out into geography and to explore historical timelines. Specific topics vary by region in the United States, but by the end of second grade, your child should recognize the continents; this will be added with the common science curriculum on water, marine life, weather, and geology. Your child should also understand the concept of country (and of different cultures), and be familiar with timelines that start before his or her birth. Do Grandma and Grandpa like to talk about where they’re from? Now’s a great time to schedule another visit.
Whatever the ups and downs in September, most second graders have settled quite a bit by the end of the year. You’ll notice longer attention spans, more reflective thinking; and often newly solid friendships as well. If, by the end of second grade, your child still does not appear to understand reading, or seems to crumple at the sight of a math book, make sure you consult your teacher. Now’s the time to fill in gaps and get set: third grade is just around the corner.
school.
I found this at http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Second_Grade_Settling/
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Second Grade Blogs
Mr.Gallwitz has sent me some sites that are also in the second grade blogs. With looking at these I have found that there is something out there for everyone. After I read these,I know that when I do actually become a teacher I know that I can return back to certain things to find more and new answers..
http://teacherlingo.com/blogs/whosonsecond/default.aspx
http://teacherlingo.com/blogs/whosonsecond/default.aspx
Thursday, October 8, 2009
First Lesson=Completed!
So, today I taught my first lesson of the year! It went pretty well, I guess that I am more critical on myself because I feel as if I could have done better. It went without any disruptions, but I just thjnk that I could have done something a little different to grasp the student's attentions.(This was also a class I have never seen before, so that might have had an impact on it.)I had a good time readingt the book with the class because I felt like I got to interact with them as I read. After I did that, I showed constellations on the board and they had to guess what they were, based from the paper that they had. When I finished with that, I gave them an example of one and they then got to make their own constellations due to their own creativity. That took us to the end of the class period. I am very happy that I got to teach and I can't wait to do it again!
Planning
With planning this lesson, it takes a lot of thinking time. For this certain lesson it is going to be easier because Mrs. Thompson gave me all of the material I need to use. I am just basing my lesson off of the one she would have used. I will be teaching a lesson over stars. I do know that in the beginning I will be reading a book to the class about stars. This book gives a basic overview of what stars are and just some basic/brief information on stars.When I am finished with that, I am going to give them a worksheet with constellations on them. Then I will project them on the front board and they will have to try and guess what each is. When I am finished with that I will have each make a constellation, either make believe or real. I am a little nervous for the lesson, but I do know that I have everything I need for it.Look forward to a post tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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