Good afternoon!
I hope you are all staying warm on this absolutely silly cold day. As mentioned in the weekly newsletter, your child will be starting Winter MAP testing this week! Please read below for some tips and information to make this time a successful experience for your child. Also, as a bonus for reading, you will also find some December/January photos that will hopefully brighten your day! Enjoy!
MAP Testing:
Especially due to the long break from school, your child may find him/herself a little anxious about the upcoming MAP tests (Wednesday and Tuesday, January 14th). This is a computer-based test that is taken three
times a year to measure progress. Here are a few things that you and your child
may find helpful:
1. Relax! This is nothing to be nervous about. I know that
it is easier said than done, but what I have been trying to encourage students
to do is simply take a deep breath, do your best, and if you don’t know the
answer- no biggie! Give it your best smart guess and move on. This brings me to my
second point…
2. The test is designed to be difficult. For most of you,
your child has been taking this test since Kindergarten. Since that first test,
“the computer” has been tailoring each question to challenge your child. When
he/she gets a question correct, the child gets a question that is a little bit
harder. When he/she gets one incorrect, the test adjusts itself accordingly.
The test is designed to challenge your child as much as possible in order to
see how far he or she can go. Each child’s test is different, and each child
WILL come across questions that he or she may not know--and that is okay!
Reassure your child that it is supposed to be that way, in order to avoid
frustration and flustered feelings.
3. Encourage your child to get a good night’s rest and a
well-balanced breakfast in the morning. It will help their bodies and brains
get ready to be their best. They will also have a chance to eat their snack
before the test begins as well.
Thank you for your continued support in making your child's 2nd grade experience memorable and successful!
Alright, enough business! Take a look to see what we've been up to...
Before Break:
Snow paint!
This easy craft is super fun because, as the paint dries, it becomes puffy and soft- just like snow! (To make this paint at home, combine equal parts shaving cream and liquid glue!)
Intro to Geometry: Tangrams!
S.P.I.F.F. Pal Caroling!
We had so much fun visiting various classrooms with our pals and Mrs. Petersen. Take a look!
Art Institute Field Trip with our 4th Grade Buddies!
Twirly Birds, 4th Grade Buddies, and "Sledding!"
Cozy Day FUN!
On this day, we participated in candy cane measurement, cozy reading, and a cocoa and movie party!
After Break: WELCOME BACK!
To welcome students back and share about break, we played a game called, "Find Someone Who..." Students were tasked to find friends that participated in a variety of winter activities such as ice fishing, sledding, and skating!
ROLLERS!
Students experimented by creating wheel devices that could roll straight, curved, or zig-zagged.
Our star student, Isabel!
Thank you, Mrs. Kanavati, for being our Mystery Reader!
To go along with our fantastic "New Year's Resolution" writing, we made a craftivity of ourselves in winter gear! They turned out super cute!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We are fortunate to start the new year with a set of TIME for Kids- a magazine created especially for 2nd graders! Thanks for sharing, Mrs. Spector!
That's all for now. Happy New Year and STAY WARM!
:-) Mrs. B
