THE MAPLES ACADEMY

Monday, June 23, 2014

Hello Parents!




Wow...almost at the end!!


It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know each and every child in this class!  Such an amazing group!


Both the grade 1 and grade 2 classes worked on their "What I enjoyed most about grade 1/2" puzzle pieces. Now, we are trying to fit it all together!


As the day continued, the grade 2's experimented more with some capacity and making predictions.


Towards the end of the day, the students went on an adventure. They were explorers in an unknown area of the world. They have been stranded without cameras, and only a piece of paper and a pencil in their pockets. Coming across a strange looking insect, it was up to the students to draw and re-create this rare new species! What the students managed to come up with was quite creative! The grade 2's worked with construction paper in different colours to create these new insects! They are crawling all over our board!


Only one and a half more days!!!


Have a great evening!

Friday, June 20, 2014

Hello Parents!!

The past two days have been amazing here in Grade 2!

The class began with a quick math review of Mass and Capacity, then they were broken up into groups to use scales, balances, and containers to investigate mass weight and capacity!






 The class then wrote down on sticky notes, what they learned during the stations they investigated!

During the first part of Language, the grade two's focused on descriptive writing using the 5 senses. It was important that they describe each sentence they wrote using as many of the sense words as possible! These stories will continue on Monday!





In the other half of Language, the students worked on the computers to type the good copies of their creative writing stories! These stories will also be finished and printed on Monday!





In today's class, the grade 1 and 2 students traveled between stations where they had an opportunity to be creative, to read silently, to write poems, and to create their own class puzzle pieces which will be put together next week to show their favourite events of this year!

Reminders....
- Bring back Dufferin Track Tshirts (if you have one)
- Wear House colours on Wednesday!


Have an amazing weekend!


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Hello Parents!

Mrs. Robertson's grade 1 class has been paired up with our grade 2 class from now until year end! (Wow...really only a few more days!)

During spelling, the grade 2's created more sentences out of the words they previously had difficulties with, and were able to practice.

In Math, the class started some new investigations into Mass and Capacity.

For Language, the class continued with their creative stories, and into the afternoon some students used the computers to start typing their good copies.

Reminders...
- Sup Reading!

Have a great day!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Good afternoon Parents!

Today the students looked back on spelling words they had trouble with this year! They wrote these troublesome words on post-it notes and stuck them on the board. It was unteresting to see how most students had similar difficulties with specific words. These words were recorded into their spelling books and 10 words were chosen for which sentences were made.

The grade 2s successfully completed their 2d geometry tests, which have been sent home fir your review and signature.

During language students are continuing with their individual creative stories using the bubble organizers.

This afternoon, the grade 1 class joined the grade 2s for art, which the grade 2s practiced some oragami paper cranes, for printing the capital letter Q, and for gym playing indoor soccer (due to the weather).

Have a great day!

Monday, June 16, 2014

Good afternoon again Parents!


Today started with a continuation of our spelling word paragraphs.


Followed by Math, where we did some major review of 2d shapes, edges, vertices, identifying shapes as well as lines of symmetry. Students will be having their math test Tomorrow!


In Language, the class continued to work on their creative stories. The bubble organizers are to be completed for homework in order to begin their rough copies. Some students have already completed the organizers and therefore nothing needs to be completed.


In Printing, the students completed their practice of the capital letter P.


We finished the school day at the Library to return books and check out new books for this week! Keep up the reading!


Reminders...
- Math Test TOMORROW! Use math review sheet for review!
- Spelling Paragraph due tomorrow.
- DUFFERIN TRACK AND FIELD MEET IS ON WEDNESDAY!




Have a wonderful day!



Good afternoon Parents!

Some of the photos did not send to you via email, as the file size from making the collages was likely too large through my email. I have posted them all on here!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a Happy Father's Day!





 

Friday, June 13, 2014

Great afternoon Parents!

We started this morning with our Science Test to get it out of the way!  The class was successful in identifying the different types of simple machines as well as movement of objects.

During Language, we continued our My Adventure Ontario Writing Exemplars. Some extra time will be given on Monday to complete the rest.

Also during Language, students are practicing writing their beginning, middle and ends as well as developing a descriptive setting using the 5 senses and including main and supporting characters.

The grade 2's joined the grade 1's for choir and drama this afternoon. In drama the students carried imaginary buckets full of different things: heavy, light, smelly, cold, etc. They also pretended to drive cars and pick up passengers with different exaggerated characteristics (sneezing, laughing, fainting, etc)

The whole school gathered outside for birthday circle to celebrate our June birthdays! Next week Friday, students will gather again to celebrate the July and August birthdays.

Happy Father's Day this weekend!!! Enjoy your surprises! The students worked extremely hard!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!


Thursday, June 12, 2014

Hello Parents!

Today we worked on a review of all spelling lists. Students chose 20 words to work on, and put into one complete paragraph.

In Math, we reviewed symmetry and 2D shapes. Our Test is Tuesday, however if the Dufferin Track meet is on Tuesday, our math test will be rescheduled until Wednesday! Please be prepared for either day!

In Language, the class worked on their writing exemplars. The same "My Adventure" topic as they completed at the beginning of the year, however now the year progress can be seen.

In Science, the grade 2's played a sort of jeopardy game to review movement of objects and simple machines for their test tomorrow!

The Team Colour shirt and sweatshirt orders went home today!

Students went outside for gym!


Reminders...
- Creative Writing Dinosaur (3 additions) due Tomorrow!
- Boot Camp multiplication due tomorrow!
- Science Test tomorrow!
- Math Test Tuesday!

Have a great day!!!
Hello Everyone! (From Yesterday...post error. appologies!!)

Today was a review day here in Grade 2.

Students practiced some review of Spelling. Adding -ed -ing and -ful endings to words, as well as investigating words that different when changing to past tense (ex. sit --> sat, not sitted)

In Math we are still reviewing 2D shapes. The class practiced drawing their own symmetrical shapes, and completing the other half of a shade or design to make them symmetrical.  Identifying 2D shapes as well as lines of symmetry will be on the Test on Tuesday.

In Language students are practicing self edit and peer edit of their creative writing stories. The 3 additions are due Friday!

In Printing, students successfully wrote their capital letter "O"

During Computers, the class logged on to their Raz Kids accounts and read quietly.

Reminders...
- Creative Writing - all 3 additions due Friday
- Science Test Friday
- Math Test Tuesday
** DUFFERIN TRACK AND FIELD MEET IS CANCELLED TOMORROW - It is rescheduled for Tuesday next week. Weather permitted. If the Track Meet is on Tuesday, the Math Test will be moved to Wednesday. Be prepared for either day!!

Have a great rest of your day!!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

A TOP SECRET day here in Grade 2.

Students in this grade two class were under construction working on a surprise today!! You can try to ask them, but they surely won't tell you!!!

Reminders...
- Dufferin Track and Field meet on Thursday
- Creative Dinosaur Writing (all 3 additions) due Friday
- Movie Multiplication sheet (front only) due tomorrow
- Science Test Friday (Simple Machines and Movement of Objects - friction, push, pull, wedge, screw, incline plane, pulley, wheel and axel, lever)
- Math Test Tuesday (on 2-D Geometry: identifying shapes, vertices, edges, symmetry)

Have an AMAZING day!!

Monday, June 9, 2014

Good afternoon Parents!

Another great day here in Grade 2!

This morning the class completed their annual standardized tests for spelling and math. The writing portion will begin on Monday.

Students continued with Math 2-D geometry and we discussed lines of symmetry. A Movie multiplication sheet has been sent home for homework to continue practicing their multiplication skills. Just the front of this sheet is to be completed for tomorrow.

In Language, the class begin their third and final addition to their creative writing stories. These stories will be due Friday (writing complete and pictures coloured neatly.)

During Science, students brainstormed about the 6 simple machines as well as how objects move. We discussed friction and push and pull forces. The class worked on creating their own silly inventions that help us to complete daily activities. The inventions needed to used a few simple machines we discussed.

In Printing, the class practiced writing the capital letter N.

Reminder...
-Some students are coming home with a Track and Field permission form to be signed and returned by tomorrow!

Have a wonderful day!

Friday, June 6, 2014

What a day today!!
Could not have asked for more beautiful weather!

We had our track and field meet here today with St. Jude's!
Congratulations to all the students on doing their very best in the events!!

These rambunctious grade 2's after running and participating all morning still had enough energy to work diligently on some more creative writing during their writing workshop as well as some Phonics and catch up on some unfinished work (Courage art and super grade 2's)!!

The students had choir and drama with the grade 1 class this afternoon!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Hello Everyone!!

Our Awards Assembly was this morning for our Track and Field Stars! All students did an amazing job at showing their best in all the different events last week! Tomorrow we will welcome St. Jude's students for another Track meet! Good Luck everyone! ** If your child is participating in any of the events tomorrow be sure they dress accordingly!

Grade 2's worked hard today on their Spelling words!  We have our spelling test tomorrow!

 

Math involved a multiplication game to practice some drills! Students continued the rest of math exploring their 2-D shapes by counting edges and vertices.

In Language, students worked on their successes here in grade 2 by reflecting. Plus also continuing with their creative writing stories.

In Science, we are still discussing simple and compound machines that help us from day to day. We are moving on to the importance of the wheel next! a final test will be next week.

We discussed our Value for this month being Perseverance. Students discussed some ways they can persevere until the end of the school year, by being focused, completing school work, and pushing through any obstacles they face with a positive attitude!

With Gym this afternoon, the students played soccer, and had great energy and enthusiasm! Great to see!

 


Have a great day!!





Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Good afternoon Parents!

Students worked on a review of their Spelling, completing different exercises for the different spelling lists.

In Math, students participated in a multiplication review, as well as continued on with exploring their 2-D shapes.

Language Arts today consisted of working on writing their successes in grade 2 this year, and how it makes them super!

Creative Writing involved a continuation of their dinosaur stories, these stories will be in three parts.

In Printing the class practiced their capital letter M.

Reminders...
-Spelling Test Friday
-Spring Multiplication sheet is due back
-2-D Shapes worksheet is due tomorrow
-weekly journals should have gone home and are due Monday
-Please bring in shoes for our gently used shoe donation drive!

Have a great day!!!


Here the students have been working on the Tablets during Computers. They were successfully reading using their Raz Kids accounts!! So exciting to see this technology use in the classroom!!
Keep up the great work!!








 

These active grade 2 were learning about baseball this afternoon! We have some baseball super stars in the class who were helping their peers with proper stance, hitting and throwing techniques as well as boosting confidences and being extremely encouraging! That is what we love to see!!  Looking forward to more sunny days outside!


Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Beautiful Spring Day today!! Some sun, some rain....but we survived!!

The students wrote their Spelling words today and practiced some spelling exercises!

In Math the students learned more about 2-D shapes and the difference between edges and vertices!

In Language, this insightful class reflected on their year so far in grade two and have been brainstorming individual ideas about what has made them successful this year!

In Art, the students continued to finish up their Courage Abstract art! They learned a new way to combine colours through shading and using light, medium and dark hues.

Students worked on the tablets today during Computers. Raz Kids reading was very successful!  (check back tonight for some photo updates!)

A sunny afternoon let us outside for Gym! Our class played some baseball!!! Woohoo! Great team work everyone! (check back tonight for some photo updates!)

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day!

Reminders....
-A Little Princess Test is coming home and needs to be signed
- Math worksheet package is coming home and needs to be signed
- A Math multiplication worksheet is coming home for additional practice of our multiplication skills!
- Our school is running a shoe drive, where students are encouraged to bring in gently used shoes to donate to children in other countries who do not have the luxury of owning a pair of shoes! All donations are appreciated!

Monday, June 2, 2014

A great start to the month of June!!

We started off the day with our monthly assembly for June!

Maple, Alex, Peyton, and Jack were recognized for perfect attendance!
Hayden received Principal's Choice this month for demonstrating outstanding courage!
Congratulations everyone!
The value we are focusing on for the month of June is Perseverance! Since it is getting into the warmer weather out, it is important for students to be demonstrating perseverance each day by completing tasks and homework, being an active learner in the classroom, and continuing to push through any obstacles they may face, with a positive attitude!

In Math, we started an introduction to 2-D geometry. Students explored different shapes through an "I have...Who has?" game, as well as create their own geometric drawings using only the shapes we discussed.

In Language, students wrote their A Little Princess Final test.

Science - we discussed the movement of objects and the 6 different simple machines that help us in everyday tasks! Students experimented with using wooden dowels to move bricks, stone and baskets, and the differences between sliding objects versus using wheels to roll them.

Outstanding day today!

Reminders...
- Email should be up and running now!! Temporary glitch!
- Math Multiplication and Division worksheets are due tomorrow!




Friday, May 30, 2014

Hello Parents!

The students wrote their spelling tests this morning, which have been sent home for your review and signature! A review of ei-/-ei sounds will be done (eight, neighbour, reindeer). Students who work with words in spelling list 3 are doing very well with contractions.

Math continued with a review on Division as there is still some confusion. Monday we will begin our new unit on 2-D Geometry.  The math worksheets on multiplication and division will be due for submission and marks on Tuesday.

The class watched the movie A Little Princess and completed their venn diagrams on the comparison of the book and the movie. Students did an excellent job at recognizing even the most subtle differences. Starting next week the students will be working on their creative writing skills.

In the afternoon, the students got together with the grade one class for Choir and Drama. In Drama the students "made it rain" inside by snapping, slapping their thighs and stomping their feet. The also worked on different team building activities as well as building their listening skills.

Reminder...
- Please wear house team colours on Monday!
- A Little Princess Final Test on Monday!
- Math worksheets due Tuesday!

Here's to a successful week, Everyone! Hard to believe there is only one month left!

Have an amazing weekend!




Thursday, May 29, 2014

What a perfect day for our Track and Field meet!!

These energetic grade 2's really showed their stuff this morning on the field!
The grade 2's participated in ball throw, 200m and 400m run, as well as the long jump! All students were very successful!  It was great to hear all the encouraging words to one another! Way to go!!

This afternoon continued with Language, finishing up A Little Princess. Students will be watching the A Little Princess movie tomorrow during language, and will be completing charts to compare the novel to the movie. It will be important for the students to see how different movie renditions can be from the actual story the author wrote!

For Values, students have been discussing "Courage". The students brainstormed ideas of what it means to be courageous, and they saw how different everyone's idea of courage can be. As a class we discussed an art piece for using the letters of the word courage to create something abstract. These unique pieces will show how courage can be shown or represented in many different ways!

A wonderful day today!! Enjoy the rest of it!


Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Good Afternoon Everyone!!

Another great day here in Grade 2!!  The Spring Concert has arrived!!

The students did extra practice during Spelling today for their test on Friday!

Some extra Math work was put together for reassuring understanding on multiplication and division. These grade 2's are working to apply their multiplication and division skills in various types of questions and word problems. We are practicing reading questions carefully to understand what the questions are asking, and how to know whether we divide or multiply.

During Language Arts, the class was focused to complete their Phonics. A review of adding -ing and -ed endings will be done on Friday.

A Little Princess is coming to an end, the students have completed up to Chapter 19, and are currently writing their own version of an ending for the story before we finish the book tomorrow. The students will be writing the final test for A Little Princess on Monday.

During Writing Workshop today, the students excitedly wrote creative stories based on a provided picture. They were encouraged to use their imaginations and develop stories based on what they see happening in the picture. They are well on their way!!!

Tomorrow is Track and Field, and students are to wear comfortable clothes suitable for running and participating in the events tomorrow!

I look forward to seeing you all at the Spring Concert this evening!! Please arrive by 6:30pm!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Hello Parents!!

The students were eager to get started with their Spelling this morning. Words were written in alphabetical order and some exercises were completed to find different words that make similar sounds within the words.

The class successfully completed their Math Unit 10 tests. The tests have been marked and sent home with each child. We will take up any corrections tomorrow in class and check for understanding before moving on to our next unit.  The final unit for June will be on 2-D Geometry. Bring on the shapes!!

Phonics - Exercises focusing on following the rules for adding -ing endings to single consonant ending words with short vowel sounds. Students practiced when to double the ending consonants and when to keep them the same.

Language Arts - We read Chapter 19 of A Little Princess and made some predictions about what will happen in the last chapter.

Art has been postponed, as our Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal took place today! Everyone has worked so hard, and these grade 2's are extremely excited to show you this Wednesday Night!

Gym took place outside today!! So exciting that the weather is warming up for us all!

***Just a Reminder! Monday is our beginning of the month assembly. Students are to wear their house colours!!

Enjoy another beautiful day!!!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Hello Parents!

How thrilled I am to have met all the children in this amazing Grade 2 class!  My name is Miss. Clapham, and I will be your child's teacher from now until year end!  All the children made me feel so welcome by sharing their favourite things and demonstrating how responsible they are with all their roles and expectations.

We started the morning with new Spelling words. In Phonics we reviewed -ing and -ed word endings as well as base words. Language Arts continued with A Little Princess. The students read silently and worked diligently on their chapter questions.

In Mathematics, the students reviewed for their Math Unit test tomorrow. They were extremely helpful to explain multiplication and division strategies with one another. I shared a new strategy for multiplying and dividing which was folded and placed in their agendas for review.

Science - These insightful students discussed different types of  mechanisms that help us from day to day, as well as brainstormed other tools that make our lives just a little bit easier. (Pulleys, levers, wedges, hinges, etc)
Printing - Capital J
Library Exchange - students checked out new books, and returned previously checked out books.

The students were efficient and helpful to one another and me during the days activities.
I look forward to meeting you all over the next few weeks!
Enjoy this wonderful day!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Hello Parents what an exciting day here today in Grade Two. The students were incredibly engaged in all of their activities and had some wonderful learning experiences.

Language Arts - The day started with the students reflecting on this week's Spelling words and exercises. They thoughtful communicated their ideas and solutions with each other, by sharing insights. The exercises focused on the ~ig~ sound in might, night, and light and the visual connecting of spelling words with spaces. In Phonics these dynamite Grade Twos demonstrated their knowledge in a principled application of when to use ~s~ or ~es~ to express plural forms. Following phonics, the students continued with their novel study of A Little Princess and their comprehension exercises for Chapter 14. The students have expressed valuable insights into the feelings of the main character and her situation.

Mathematics - Today we continued our lessons on multiplication, division, and fractions. The students quickly and strategically completed their exercises through using learned strategies of "groups of". The were asked to divide 24 in to equal parts and write a sentence expressing this outcome.

Writer's Workshop - Paragraph writing on "Famous You" Final draft.

Physical Education - Track & Field

Values - Courage

Flat Stanley Projects!!


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Happy Return Maples Students!

Spelling - Today we began our morning by discussing our spelling words for the week. The students copied down their words and continued with extra spelling work after.

Phonics - Contractions.

Weekly Journal - Has been reviewed and returned. A new topic was added which will be due on Friday.

Mathematics - Continued with their "groups of" mathematical sentences. Using knowledge skills of grouping to create multiplication sentences.

Langauge Arts - The students continued with their novel study of A Little Princess, they reflectively answered comprehension questions and prepared well balanced ideas. The Chapters covered today were 12 & 13.

Flat Stanley Presentations - Very well done, reflective, and inquisitive projects!! Well done Grade Twos!!

Printing - The letter "I"

Library - Book Exchange & Read Aloud


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Hello Parents,

Today was a dynamite day and I'm thrilled to be back! I would like to thank you for all of your hard work and guidance regarding the Flat Stanley Project. I would like to mention that I have decided to give an extension on the project. It will be due and presented on Tuesday, May 20, 2014.

Language Arts - Today we discussed the different forms of transportation in Spelling. The students inquired as to the different forms of transportation (land, air, and water) and then applied their knowledge to grouping transportation vocabulary into categories. In Grammar, we continued our lesson on /ear/ words. A Little Princess Novel Study was engaging this morning. The students read through and acquired a deeper knowledge of the story's characters, primarily investigating how to describe each character in their own words.

Mathematics - Math today was a "Minds On" Lesson. The students first worked on dividing themselves into halves, thirds, fourth, and fifths as a whole class. They demonstrated understanding of how to equalling divide groups of and how sometimes groups can not be divided equally. They then transitioned into their written work and applied their learning experience to their exercises.

Science - Movement & Motion!! Today we kicked off our afternoon with a wonderful video from Bill Nye, on Motion! The students were extremely excited about their learning after the video and we engaged in an in-depth discussion about the message of the video. The students post discussion gathered in small groups and wrote out in their own words their own understanding of one of the ideas or concepts from the video.

Health - "Substance, Use and Abuse" - The focus was on Safe Use of Medicines, we discussed and shared as a group a decision making model that they may follow to help make decisions regarding medicines.

Physical Education - Track Field Practice.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Terrific Tuesday!! Filled with Reading Comprehension, Fractions, and Vincent Van Gogh!

Langauge Arts: Today began with the students engaging once again in a terrific lesson in Spelling the focus was on their list words and how they can be created into contractions, the adding of 'ed' to the end of their list words, and how their list words have similar sounds. All of the students practiced taking risks in their understanding by asking questions about their learning and clarification about their solutions. Following Spelling, the students engaged collaboratively on their in depth summary of Chapter 8 of "A Little Princess". Their written work was well thought out and presented beautiful insights into the feelings and thoughts of the main character Sara and her interaction with the other characters with in the novel.

Mathematics: Today was Fraction Understanding Day! The lesson began with a whole group discussion regarding how they have been dividing "groups of" items. This kicked of their Learning Goal: "I learned what halves, thirds, and fourths are and how they are represented." The class outlined the Success Criteria:

  • Halves are two parts of a whole 
  • Thirds are three parts of a whole
  • Fourths are four parts of a whole
The students participated in inclusive problem based group work, that allowed them to achieve their learning goal through their established Success Criteria. They effectively labeled halves, thirds, and fourths as 2, 3, 4 parts of a whole.

Visual Arts: Vincent Van Gogh was the topic of today's art class. We discussed who this man might be. Why is he famous? What did he do? Then an informative read aloud was presented that allowed the students to connect with the artist through his use of texture, lines, shapes, and most importantly his feelings that were present in all of his works. The children after the read aloud, were given time to express their own individual voice through choosing a simple object and adding line, shape, texture, and emotion in colour. The result was fantastic! Flowers, Bows/Arrows, Houses, Landscapes, etc.

Physical Education: Track & Field Practice - Ball Throw and Running



Growth Mindset Lesson

This was from Monday :)

Monday, May 12, 2014

Monday, May 12, 2014

Hello Parents,

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!!

Today we had some mini lessons on Signal Words and Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

Language Arts:
Spelling New Words and Exercises completed this morning. The students also practiced their Phonics and continued working on their Novel Study "A Little Princess", Chapter 8. They communicated with each other in a caring and open minded fashion and gained new knowledge.

Mathematics: The students continued extending their prior knowledge by practicing on dividing exercises and learning new strategies of recognition.

Science: In class we completed a formal Scientific Experiment Template, based on our bouncing balls experiment. The students expressed their conclusions and results by reflecting on their process.

Printing: The letter "H"

Library: Book Exchange

*Special Note: On Wednesday an Ice Cream Truck will be visiting the Maples Academy. If you would like your child to have an ice cream the cost will be a minimum donation of $2.00 to Family Transition House. ($2.00 per One Ice Cream)


Friday, May 9, 2014

New Sand Excitement!!




Mother's Day Surprise!!


Friday, May 9, 2014

Pizza Friday!! - Thank you PTA

Spelling - Quiz

Math - The students continued with their skill and knowledge building of Division Sentences. They collaboratively solved problems about dividing apples and crayons amongst certain amounts of children. All students expressed fundamental understanding and accessed their prior knowledge when articulating their solutions.

Language Arts - Phonics exercises & Continuation of Reading Comprehension of "A Little Princess", Chapter 6. I am extremely impressed with the students dedication to their own learning and how their  communication of ideas has appeared in their writing.

Art - Mother's Day Surprise

Physical Education - Track & Field Practice

Drama - Friendship Scenes.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Langauge Arts - Today in Language Arts the students completed their Spelling in a caring manner. They respected the ideas and answers of others, while expressing their own insights towards the assigned task. In Grammar, the students focused on the application of /ear/, using such words as "pear, wear, tear, bear" and listening to the difference in sound and meaning. After Math, the children continued their work on A Little Princess, they are keeping open minds while comprehending the written material. All of the students have expressed a deep interest in the novel and are improving their reading fluency.

Mathematics - Math was an awesome lesson today! The students accessed their prior knowledge from the previous days in order to take risks in learning division grouping and sentences. In a whole class discussion we openly talked about how to group 12 and 18. The students all demonstrated balanced understanding of division grouping and fundamental knowledge of the material.

Science - In science we continued our understanding of "Movement" with a bouncing ball experiment and how balls bounce on different surfaces, and how different balls bounce on the same surface. The students displayed excitement and reflected wonderfully on their learned knowledge throughout the experiment.

Health - "Prescription & Non-Prescription Drugs", the students worked collaboratively to think about different types of drugs. What are prescription drugs and what are non-prescription drugs? They also, achieved understanding of what a some medicine rules are.

Physical Education - Track & Field running practice.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

House Team Day!! All the students were super excited today about joining their house teams and engaging in activities to build sportsmanship.

This morning, in Spelling we continued with our exercises on our list words. The students remained reflective and diligent in their accomplishments.

Math - This was an excellent lesson today continuing on with the concepts of "addition sentences" and "multiplication sentences". The students excelled in their work. They remained open minded to new strategies and built upon their prior knowledge.

Language Arts - The students focused on their Phonics and A Little Princess novel study. They diligently completed their phonics with definite success and then took their time to think critically about their Chapter 4 comprehension in the novel.

Writer's Workshop - The students completed their final draft of "Space Day". Once completed they shared their written work with enthusiasm!

House Team Activities - The students had a blast with challenges and building teamwork.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Back to a regular day and it was filled with sunshine!!

This morning the students completed their Spelling exercises which focused on their list words and sentence fluency. They worked in a caring fashion helping each other work through many of the questions.

In Mathematics, we had a dynamic lesson beginning with a discussion on multiplication sentences and addition sentences. They expressed gained knowledge of "group of" and "amount in the group". They took risks by answering questions such as: What is the multiplication sentence for 5+5+5+5+5+5+5 (6x5), understanding that the addition sentence and multiplication sentence result in the same answer. A new found confidence was gained by the Grade Twos today!

Language Arts, began with their work in their Phonics text focusing on contractions. Following Phonics the students transitioned seamlessly into their "A Little Princess" Novel Study and comprehension questions for Chapter 3. The students are beginning to identify the differences and similarities of the characters with in the story, and they are making connections about life in England.

This afternoon, the students gathered together and had a preliminary look at their Flat Stanley packages that have been returned. Not all students had their packages, but they will be given the chance to share them with the class sometime this week. The students were also, given time to work on an outline for their presentation board, which will be due May 16, 2014. All of the students are excited about their presentations and I'm sure they will be extremely successful!

The last two periods were structured around Computers & Physical Education. In computers the students worked on their keyboarding skills and Raz Kids. Following Computers we continued with our soccer skill building.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Monday, May 5,2014

Today began with a bang! The Grade 1-4 students from the Maples Academy did a beautiful job at the DYFA! We shared in the art of young people in our community and participated with enthusiasm.

When we returned we worked on our new spelling words, printing, and enjoyed book exchange in the Livrary.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Friday, May 2, 2014

Welcome Cody!!! Today was a day filled with excitement… we had a new visitor in our class who had an amazing day! Cody made new friends and gained new knowledge. Great Work Cody, we hope to see you again soon.

We began our day with our Spelling quiz. The students were very prepared and completed their quizzes with success.

In Math, we continued our work with skip counting and counting in groups. All of the children took risks in their learning, by opening their minds to new forms of skip counting. They informed they could skip count by 3's, 4's, 6's, and even 8's. They also, accurately expressed addition statements in the forming of groups.

Language Arts, was a wonderful and quiet period of the day when the students reflected on Chapter 2 of "A Little Princess". Establishing knowledge around the main character of the story and her relationships with others.

POWER WRAP LUNCH!! WAHOOO!!

After we all filled up on delicious power wraps we focused on continuing our development of writing skills, in Writer's Workshop. Today the children wrote dynamic paragraphs on a Time Traveller Adventure. They were tasked to write about a trip into the past, what they saw, who they met, and the interesting adventures that took place.

At the end of the day, in Choir and Drama the students practiced their "Kite Poem" and songs for DYFA. A Guaranteed Hit!!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

We began the month with an incredible bang! Principal's Choice Assembly!

The Grade Twos helped with presenting the May Value of "Courage" and they did a tremendous job! From the Grade Two class Maple received the Principal's Choice for April's Value of Honesty… Way to Go Maple!! Also, the Grade Twos who had perfect attendance for the month of were Jack, Spencer, Adelle, and Maple.

Following the assembly we returned to the classroom and engaged in our new unit in Mathematics which is, "Multiplication, Division, and Fractions". The Learning Goals for this unit can be found on the scroll tab under Subject Areas. The students focus was principled throughout the duration of the introduction of the unit and many inquiries were made. The math quizzes were also marked and returned, and I was extremely delighted with all of the results!

In Language Arts, we began our new Novel Study of the book "Little Princess". This novel was received with a slight disappointment from the boys in the class, but delight from the girls. I outlined to all the students that opening our minds to new text is how we can all learn new things about ourselves and that many different genres of books have been studied throughout the year! After, the novel study the students continued their Grammar exercises on ~are~ sound /air/.

Science, was a fantastic lesson! As a whole class we had a closer study of our unit of, "Movement". The lesson began with balanced understanding and reading from the book, "Move It". This book discusses and presents the concept of force. The children were inquisitive about the nature of push, pull, and friction. Following the group discussion the students completed a cross-curricular task of creating a template of information, which presented the type of force, it's definition and a diagram depicting the force that most interested them.

After, Science the students had a blast in Physical Education. They began their new unit "Soccer Skills". The children practiced proper passing techniques and trapping skills. After, practice the students went outside and had a fun game where they applied the knowledge they had gained.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Welcome to the last day of April… let's hope these April Showers bring May Flowers!

Today began with a short exercise in Spelling the students continued their work on their spelling list words by counting syllables and reflecting on words that contain ~ing.

During Mathematics the students completed their "Linear Measurement, Area, and Perimeter" Quiz. The students thoughtful completed each question and reflected on prior knowledge we have gained over the course of the unit. The children seemed well prepared and confident when answering their questions. They were inquistive and balanced when calmly completing each question!

Following Math we gathered together with Grades One, Three, and Four to practice our presentation at DYFA. I was extremely pleased with their efforts in memorizing their "Kite Poem" and songs. After practice, we returned to the classroom to complete our Grammar exercise for the day. The focus of grammar for today was ~are~ for the /air/ sound. The students practiced principled thinking when completing their tasks and completed the assignment with ease.

This afternoon in Writer's Workshop we continued our skill development and learning goal of paragraph writing. The students wrote their first copy of "Space Day" an 8-10 sentence creative paragraph about life on the moon. The collaboration and open-mindedness that was expressed in this lesson was fantastic!

The final two periods of the day were devoted to Printing & Computers.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Today was a sensational day of learning for the Grade Twos!

We began our day with working on our Spelling exercises. They focused on the list words for Chapter 29, which emphasized syllable counting and the use of ~ing. All of the students worked diligently and took risks towards their own individual understanding of the spelling lesson.

Following Spelling, the class engaged in a group discuss regarding Mathematics unit. We had a very balanced and open topic review of the material they will be quizzed on tomorrow. We discussed units of measure including centimetres, metres, area, and perimeter. They took risks by communicating concepts that they were uncertain about. After greater instruction and the forming of new insights they achieved knowledgable clarity. We discussed the differences between height, length, and width. Also, how to obtain the area and perimeter of objects. I am confident that the class will be incredibly successful for tomorrow's quiz.

In the afternoon, the students constructed paper kites for Visual Arts. The kite construct is a cross-curricular art activity with Dramatic Arts and a prop created for their "Making Kites" poem, which will be presented at DYFA. The art activity allowed the students to apply techniques they have learned over the past month in our "Textures" unit.

The last periods of the day focused on Computers and Health. In Computers, the students continued with their skill building in typing and "Raz Kids". In Health, we focused on the "Growth and Development" unit and discussed how we are all special.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I have outlined our class schedule below, please let me know the format you prefer. The long form or the short version below. I look forward to speaking with all of you.

Monday, April 28, 2014 - Schedule
8:50-9:00: Anthem & Announcements
9:00-9:30: Spelling - New Spelling List Words
9:30-10:30: Math - Unit #8 "Linear Measurement, Area, and Perimeter" - Measurement Maze!
10:30-10:45: Snack & Recess
10:45-11:30: Language Arts - "Freckle Juice Quiz"
11:30-12:00: French
12:00-1:00: Lunch & Recess
1:00-2:00: Science- "Movement" -  #3 Moving Objects Lesson
2:00-2:15: Recess
2:15-2:45:  Values - Courage Lesson
2:45-3:15: Library - Book Exchange


Friday, April 25, 2014

Friday, April 25, 2014

Happy Friday Everyone!

Today was a fantastic day! The students completed their spelling quiz this morning and I'm very confident that they were successful. Following Spelling the Grade Two class worked collaboratively on their "Measurement Maze" and shared ideas and creative insights in a caring manner. After math the students proceeded to complete their final task for "Freckle Juice". They will have their quiz on Monday April 28, 2014.

In the afternoon we had a review of the novel and discussed the main idea of the book in order to prepare them for their up-coming quiz. I have asked each of them to bring home their comprehension work and their novel if they wish to prepare a little more for the quiz.

In Choir & Drama the students practiced their songs and kite poem for the DYFA.

I hope everyone has a tremendous weekend!


Thursday, April 24, 2014

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Hello Parents,

Well, it was another wonderful ride here in Grade Two at the Maples Academy! We began our morning working on our weekly spelling exercises and our phonics. Following these two subject areas we continued our review for our Math Quiz on Measurement.

In Math, the students took the time to think about how to measure the distance around an object. They positively communicated this understanding in a large group discussion. They were incredibly focused and balanced when completing their task.

In the afternoon, the Grade Twos continued with their writing of a "Toy Story". They focused on their understanding of paragraph writing and remained wonderfully creative! I am thrilled with their completed stories and they beautifully expressed their own personalaities throughout the writing assignment.

Following Writers Workshop the class engaged in the subject of Values continuing our focus on "Courage". After Values the students had gym where they excelled in their knowledge of "Fitness Benefits".

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Wednesday, April 23, 2014




Grade 2 Worksheet
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Spelling – Exercises and List Words
Math – Unit 8, “Linear Measurement, Area, and Perimeter”  - Measurement Maze
·      Learning Goals: Estimate, measure, and compare lengths using non-standards forms of measurement, including perimeter and area.
·      Develop an understanding of the need for measuring using cm & m
        Estimate, measure, and compare perimeter using standard measurement 
Language Arts
1. Grammar
2. Reading & Comprehension: Novel Study of “Freckle Juice” – Chapter 5 (shared reading & pair/share)
French
Writing Workshop – “Write a Paragraph” – Toy Adventure, Tell me about your favourite toy and create an adventure it gets into. 8-10 sentences.
Printing - H
Computers & Tablets – Typing Tutorial & Raz Kids