Dear Second-Grade Parents,
This week in math, the second graders explored multiplication with geometric patterns. First, they put out twelve numbered points in a circle on the ground. Starting at 0 and going around, they connected the dots with yarn, skip-counting multiplication facts. For each multiplier, the products create a new pattern. We will draw the geometric patterns for the multiplication facts up to 12x12 in our main lesson books. The whole week, the students listened to more stories about Anansi, the Spider. Although Anansi often plays tricks on other animals and people, Anansi helps people by bringing stories and wisdom into the world. The stories are entertaining, and the surprising turns always keep the students guessing what will happen next. Here are some examples:
How Anansi got to ride Tiger
Anansi and the Witch named Five
Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom
Wednesday night, we will celebrate Saint Martin, a festival of light and giving. Saint Martin was a Roman soldier who shared his coat with a poor man during a cold winter night. He dedicated his life to helping others and later became a bishop. This week, the students practiced singing Saint Martin songs and worked on their Saint Martin lanterns. This year, we made lanterns with colored tissue paper that we glued onto balloons with homemade glue. Once the glue had dried, we popped the balloons and removed them from inside the lantern. Now, we only need to add a stick to carry and a candle to each of the lanterns, and they will be ready for our Lantern Walk on Wednesday night. At 6:45 on Wednesday, our class will gather around a fire outside at the school with our lanterns. Then, we will walk through the forest while singing various Lantern songs. In the darkness, the lanterns will be a beautiful sight to behold. I cannot wait to see you Wednesday night!
Reminders:
Dress warmly!! Our students are just reaching the age of discerning that they need extra warmth, but many aren’t there yet! They need layers, hats, fingerless gloves, and thick socks (wool socks are best when possible).
During our lantern walk, please refrain from bringing any additional lighting (tealight candles will be provided) and dress warmly.
Coats can be donated all week during carpool as well as brought to the Lantern Walk evening.
Best,
Gaby Farrokhi
