February 2014 Dear Families, While it has been a snowy start to this month, grade 2 teachers appreciate the

support for learning beyond the classroom. This month we are launching into our new unit of inquiry exploring how living things depend upon their environment in order to survive. Students are continuing their research by investigating living things through reading and writing about non-fiction. It is a very exciting and interesting unit where students are enthusiastic and curious about the world. Grade 2 teachers would appreciate additional vocabulary support at home in your childs mother tongue. In mathematics, we will be focusing on measurement. We will be studying both metric and US customary systems, the tools used to measure and which unit of measurement is most appropriate in various scenarios. We will be incorporating our knowledge of measurement into our UOI unit, in addition to data analysis. Further, the children will begin practicing their knowledge of the clock and time. Please support vocabulary development at home with mother tongue and give them out of class time to practice their skills. For example, asking them what time is on your watch, asking how many more minutes until the hour, asking what tool would be used to measure. The more practice, the more they understand! . Word Study continues to be extremely important to the childrens learning of English and in their expansion of their vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills. It is very important that your child is sorting AND reading their words out loud EACH NIGHT before completing their assignment. Some classes may also infuse a Sight Word component into their word practice. This will depend on the teacher.

Readers on the Move- Launching through the library, second graders have a fantastic opportunity to challenge themselves in reading. Students can check out special contest books, have a book talk, and then be invited to an evening BBQ in May. If your family has not already signed up, please feel free to stop into the library to sign the pledge to read as many as possible of the Readers on the Move books chosen for the 2nd grade. They are lots of fun and a great reason to read with your child! Apps of the Month The apps of the month are fantastic in supporting our current unit of inquiry relating to Sharing the Planet. They both detail habitats and living things around the world.

Free: Animal Habitats app (by Terrier Digital) Paid: Animals 360 Gold
Upcoming Events February Break -February 17th-21st Grade 2 Field Trip to Muzeul Grigore Antipa-February 27th Parent volunteers are needed! Please contact your childs teacher for

more information. Grade 2 Field Trip to Botanical Gardens-March 4th Parent volunteers are needed! Please contact your childs teacher for more information.
Thank you for your support and please let us know if you have any questions! Ms. Lewis, MLewis@aisb.ro Ms. Bain, LBain@aisb.ro Ms. Mathews, MMathews@aisb.ro Ms. Alina (EAL) AGuzganu@aisb.ro