Welcome to Mrs. Varela's 2nd Grade Web Page!

Contact Information:

505-338-2320 Ext. 132

email mvarela@rrps.net

Look What we are Learning!

2nd Quarter

Math:  In Unit 3 we will be coming back to place value, time, money. Students will also learn how to collect data and use it to create a bar graph and create questions to go with the graph.  Students will also be introduced to frames and arrows but with two rules.  We are continuing to work on solving word problems using the “4 squares.”  Students use pictures, numbers and words to solve. They are making progress on their written response, being able to explain in words what they did to solve the problem.  Students are learning different ways to solve problems and are understanding the importance of a clear written response.  

Literacy:    Our reading groups/literature circles are in full swing.  Students are enjoying reading with their groups.  We are continuing whole group reading instruction as well.  In both settings we continue to focus on a specific reading skills such as, summarizing, main idea, sequencing, compare and contrast, drawing conclusions and the story elements (character, setting, problem, solution).       

We are also working on practicing strategies that good readers use such as: phonics/decoding skills, creating mental images, and making/confirming predictions.

Writing:   In writing we are continuing to write a paragraph when given a topic.  Students have learned that they need supporting detail sentences and a conclusion sentence to create a paragraph.  We are also working on varying our sentences not only in length, but how we start them.  Students are creating their own thesaurus book and using these “powerful words” to enhance their writing.   

Science:  We are studying soils and rocks this quarter. We are exploring the different properties of soils including sand, clay and hummus. We will do experiments to discover which is best for germinating seeds and what growing plants need. We will also explore rocks and learn to classify them by size.

Social Studies: Students are learning and comparing rural, suburb and urban communities.  We will also learn about our continents and oceans and being able locate them on a map or globe. If you have family members in other states or countries, we would love to receive a postcard from them and be able to locate it own our map! We will also be exploring traditions of long ago and the different traditions that our families and other cultures celebrate during this time of year.