Second & Third Grade: March 23 - 27, 2026
Hello Second and Third Grade Families,
Last week, the class continued the study of ancient Sumerian and Akkadian stories with the introduction of The Flight of Etana. This tale follows a king who longs for a son. When he is unable to have one, he rides on the back of an eagle to the heavens to speak directly with the gods. Because the story has been told for thousands of years, it exists in multiple versions. In some, Etana succeeds, while in others, he does not. The students heard a version in which he is successful, then they explored “what if” scenarios by imagining alternate endings. This led to a broader discussion about how stories evolve over time and how stories can be different in books, school lessons, and the way relatives tell stories.
The class reviewed division skills by revisiting fact families. While many students have memorized the multiplication tables from 1–12 and can confidently solve one-digit multiplication problems, several needed additional practice with division. To strengthen their understanding of the relationship between multiplication and division, each student solved 12 multiplication problems and then used their answers to create fact families. As an example, after solving 9 × 5 = 45, students drew a “fact family house,” placing 45 at the top and 9 and 5 at the bottom. Using these numbers, they wrote four related equations: 9 × 5 = 45, 5 × 9 = 45, 45 ÷ 9 = 5, and 45 ÷ 5 = 9. This activity helped them clearly see how multiplication and division are connected and how they can apply their multiplication knowledge to solve division problems. Students then created fact family books, designing houses filled with different related equations. This allowed them to combine creativity with math practice. Many even shared that division was becoming fun.
In addition to the regular curriculum, the class took a special trip to the farm to practice their reading skills. Each student brought a book of their choice and read aloud to an animal. The goats and chickens proved to be excellent listeners, while the donkeys were a bit more easily distracted. The students enjoyed reading to a judgment-free audience, and this activity helped build their confidence in reading aloud. At home, reading aloud to pets or stuffed animals can provide similar support and encouragement. Locally, we also have Charlie and Beau the Reading Dogs available at Sequoyah Regional Libraries on select Saturdays to “listen” to children read in a stress free environment.
Warm regards,
Meredith
Announcements & Reminders:
Grandfriends Day is this Wednesday, April 1st! Parents, grandparents, and other special grownups in your child’s life are welcome to join us in our forest classroom for light refreshments and time to enjoy community and watch your children at play! You are also welcome and encouraged to attend the Grade performance at 10:30 am.
April 1: Grandfriends Tea at 11:00 (All students and family members are welcome to join)
April 6-10: Spring Break (No School)
April 24: Annual Auction Fundraiser (Half Day)
April 25: Community Work Day
Warm regards,
Ki Meredith
