Dear Second-Grade Families,

This week in math, the second grade explored multiplication through rhythm sticks. They each had two rhythm sticks and practiced tapping them on multiples of 2 or 4 while skip-counting. The first challenge was to tap only when asked. The second challenge was to get synchronized with the class and tap at the same time as everyone else. Once they tapped in a synchronized rhythm, we advanced to a real challenge: we separated into two groups. One group tapped on the twos while the other group tapped on the fours, up to 44. While tapping on the twos came easy, tapping on the fours now was more challenging. Following one’s rhythm while the other group followed their required heightened attention from all participants. This way of rhythmic counting, involving movement and listening skills, will help the students to memorize multiplication facts and maintain focus on complicated tasks.

At the end of the week, Julian’s mom visited to help us build our Whimsical Witch scarecrow. The students had a lot of fun stuffing the clothing with hay, making the hair from yarn, and adding the final touches to our class scarecrow. Thank you to Kristi Hess for making the scarecrow with us on Friday! Thank you to all parents and students for bringing in all the accessories for our scarecrow! Thank you also to all families who came to our Workday at the school and Kelly Hopkins for supplying us with water and bug repellent on Saturday!

Reminders:

Dress your child in layers for the weather.
Students may bring small blankets for the mornings.
Leave stuffed animals at home. Exemption: one stuffed animal that remains in the backpack for the duration of the school day.
Halloween is next Sunday. Please note: We do not wear costumes to school for Halloween. We will have some Halloween-related class activities on Friday.

Warm Regards,

Gaby Farrokhi