Learning to track their thinking is one way to help students understand what they are reading.  Students in second grade are learning to hear and record their inner voice as they read or listen to stories.  Today we practiced this strategy using our “Thinking Track Key” to help guide us.  As we read an inspiring biography of Ruby Bridges, a young student who stood up to segregationists in New Orleans in the 1960s, we recorded what we learned, what we wondered about, and what was a  ”wow” for us.  Each student had their own insights, observations, and questions about this brave little girl who changed the world!!!

Students in second grade have been working hard during math time.  We are adding and subtracting numbers up to 1000!  We use a variety of tools to help us understand the concept of regrouping.  One of our favorite tools is the base ten blocks.  This helpful manipulative comes in ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands.  It helps us to see and understand numbers better.  Some of us prefer to work alone and some of us like to work with a partner.  No matter what, we always remember that with hard work and practice, we will be able to learn new things, and have fun too.  :)

Second graders will be working on a project this trimester to learn more about their name, themselves, and their ‘ohana.  Students brought home a letter today (12-12-2012) about this project. Attached was a sheet (Important Family Names) where you can list parents’ and grandparents’ full names.  Students also brought home a Family Tree template to attach copies of photos (colored, no originals please!) Students are expected, with the assistance of their parents, to attach the photos and write the names of their ‘ohana on their family tree.  The list of names and family tree is due: January 11, 2013.

Parent Letter about Family Names and Family Tree

Congratulations Kircia, Hina, Ka’olapa, and Kamailah for consistently demonstrating our first trimester Hawaiian value of “Ho’ihi” to  be respectful at all times. We are so blessed to have you in our second grade ‘ohana.  :)

“The Best Things in Life Aren’t Things. . . It’s Relationships”

Second graders were given a short presentation about Operation Christmas Child by one of the OCC directors, who came from the mainland.

We learned that Operation Christmas Child is a rewarding experience for people of all ages.  With help from caring families like ours, millions of hurting children in faraway lands can experience hope and joy through gift-filled shoe boxes.  Best of all, these simple expressions of love open doors to introduce boys and girls to God’s greatest gift – Jesus Christ- through Gospel booklets and follow-up discipleship and evangelism programs.  If you would like to join us this year in sharing the real meaning of Christmas here’s what you can do…

-donate a shoe box filled with misc. items for a child within a specific age group

-donate appropriate items (see brochure for list)

-donate $7 to cover the cost of shipping a box

-pray for the children receiving shoe boxes

-sign-up with your child’s homeroom teacher to assist in wrapping and packing boxes

ALL Donations and filled boxes are due by Friday, October 26th

Tuesday, October 15:          Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Thursday, October 25:       Na Koa Reward Day #3

Friday, October 26:             Aloha Wear Day

Wednesday, October 31:   Halloween Costume Parade
                                                     Grade Level Activities (see Memo)