Miss Sullivan's Classroom

Most people you talk to will tell you that the most boring subjects in school are either social studies, math, or spelling. However, most students do not know how important spelling actually is. Establishing a spelling rule and a list of words that follow that specific rule every week is actually very important. It is crucial because it lays a base down for foundations of reading and reading is not only important in just language arts and literacy but it is also important in every other subject. Reading is required everywhere. Spelling is one of the biggest take aways that will help you in your future at all times.

Every week students will be given a list of spelling words and a packet that has different activities that will help students learn how to spell each word they are required to know each week. Every Friday they will be given a spelling test to see how much they learned from completing each of the exercises. These packets will be given out every week.

Why Spelling is Important:

http://www.vocabulary.co.il/why-learning-spelling-words-is-important/

Parents, hands on learning is something I find very important. I think that it is one of the best learning styles that keep students engaged. Most educators are faced with students who suffer from many different learning disabilities such as ADD, ADHD, and many other behavioral issues. By teaching lessons that require hands on learning teachers are able to push out most of their behavior issues within the classroom. This type of learning is becoming one of the most popular types. It allows for students to break away from the paper, pencil, lecture repetitiveness. Even if the teacher allows three times a week for students to do an arts and craft instead of a worksheet the learning environment will appear as more positive to them. School systems are slowly removing different things such a music class which just adds to students sitting in the classroom doing the same thing all day. Students are losing that break away from the classroom. This is why it is our job as parents and educators to promote hands on learning and to figure out what kind of learner your child is. Please review the link below about hands on learning and why it is so important.

http://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/the-importance-of-hands-on-learning

Students, as you all know we have been talking about different learning styles that everyone learns by. For discussion purposes please complete the survey provide in the link below to figure out what type or learner you are!

http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml

The advancements in technology are advancing every minute of everyday. Our children are growing up in a time where technology is everywhere, including inside the classrooms. Using technology inside our classrooms has become extremely beneficial. Students are constantly wanting to use each piece of technology that our schools have access too.

While using technology inside the classrooms it leads to students who are eager to learn. Students want to participate more and more because teachers are incorporating the use of Smart Boards, document cameras, iPads, laptops, etc. Students want to use these pieces of technology. It creates a more hands on learning environment which they are interested in.  It also allows teachers to differentiate and accommodate the needs of students and skill levels.Students are able to use technology to personalize work and let their creativity take control. Communication and collaboration are easier too with the use of technology.  It is an extremely effective tool.

The links below support the use technology and discuss why the use of technology is beneficial in the classroom.

13 Reasons Why Using Technology in the Classroom is Beneficial:

http://www.teachhub.com/13-reasons-using-technology-classroom

Students, this is some extra practice I think will help you work on your subtraction skills. I noticed the other day that some students were having some difficulty during our subtraction unit. Subtraction is an exceptionally important skill to possess. It becomes the basis for future math skills that you will learn such as fractions and division. Please use the link below to practice your skills!

Parents, please view the links below to help your child with their subtraction facts. Link number one provides objectives that second graders should know, tips on how to help your child and certain challenges that your child may face while learning how to subtract! Link number two provides more activities you could use at home to help your child. Please take a look and feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!

Students-

http://www.fun4thebrain.com/subtraction/snowyfriend.html

Parents-

http://www.smartfirstgraders.com/subtraction-facts.html

http://www.education.com/activity/second-grade/subtraction/