Harris- Room 8

Today our grade two class started to learn how to add two-digit numbers with regrouping. To break this task down into simple steps that are tactile as well as visual we started by learning the process using math manipulatives.

Using this wonderful picture that was taken on our field trip to the Calgary Zoo to introduce and discuss ordinals. A n  Ordinal  Number is a number that tells the position of something in a list, such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th etc. 

We had a lovely time cross country skiing with the Foothills Nordic Ski Club. Over the last two-days, students have learned how to get up once fallen down ( dead bug), sidestep ( french fries), and turn ( pizza)! They did such a terrific job and I can see many of them being future cross country skiers!

Some initial conversations and observations from our field trip to the Calgary Zoo on Jan. 20th

We had a lovely day at the Calgary Zoo. Thank you to all of our volunteers! Today's trip provided us with great learning opportunities which we will be extending into the classroom. While spending time in the Penguin Enclosure we discovered how these amazing animals adapt to warm and cold temperatures and how the zoo creates an optimal environment in the enclosures to support four different kinds of species. 

Subtraction can be a frustrating task for some students, especially when it comes to dealing with larger numbers. One method of subtraction that offers an alternative process is known as the "counting on" method. You can use this method to subtract or to check your work after having subtracted using the standard process. The counting on method involves viewing a subtraction problem from a perspective that focuses on adding. The students subtract by counting forwards. For example: What is 6-4? Say 4 then count on 5,6  4+2=6 so 6-4=2 Along with learning how to subtract by taking away objects and subtracting from a number line, the counting on method is yet another effective strategy.  Attached is a quick video further explaining the counting on method.  https://youtu.be/ZCPs8CezZtY

  One person's junk is another one's treasure! In our classroom, we love loose parts. Here is a simple yet creative way we were inspired by a piece of artwork created by using pencil shavings. Today one of our students brought in a lovely bag full of wooden spindles. After seeing these inspirational pictures of how to incorporate materials into a picture several students were inspired to create their own artwork with loose parts. These simple yet whimsical pictures will now be used as a starting point for a springboard to a story during story workshop time. 

Today we continued our conversation about items that absorb and repel water. As the first step of our experiment, the students were given several materials to look and touch. They were then asked to pick at least three materials and make a prediction of which materials they feel will absorb water and which materials will repel water. Tomorrow we will conduct our experiment and see if our predictions are accurate.

Today we had a dynamic conversation about ways that we can protect our water source. The students have a lot to say and are very passionate about conserving this invaluable resource. Many of the children asked if I could send the video we watched to their parents. So I thought I would pass on the link that generated such a great debate in class.  https://youtu.be/Om42Lppkd9w  Please take the time to discuss with your child what small steps they would like to make to help contribute to the protection of our water source.

As part of our science unit; exploring liquids,  our class participated in an experiment that focused on our water quality and the  responsibilities we have for maintaining clean supplies of water. The students were amazed at how impactful oil can be when it affects our water quality and what a great detriment an oil spill can have on our bird and marine population.