This week we have begun using Storybirds. Storybirds are a fabulous way to publish our writing and create artful storytelling pieces. We have especially been focusing on using proper conventions (uppercase letters, punctuation, spelling) and excellent word choice. The best part is that students can invite others in our class to become a co-author and collaborate together on the same story. Ask your child to show you some of their work!Here is an example of a storybird, written by Theresa and Amaya. http://storybird.com/books/the-two-friends-107/?token=xqayn6nx7kYour child can log on at home by going to www.storybird.com and then entering their username and password. Happy storytelling!

One game to help practice the basic facts is called Gotcha. Using a deck (or several decks) of cards, each player draws 2 cards. The player with the highest sum collects all of the other players' cards. Once all of the cards in the deck have been used, each player counts the cards they collected. If your child is having an easy time solving these addition problems, you can make it more difficult by having them draw 3 numbers to add. Alternatively, you can practice subtraction facts by having them subtract the two drawn cards. Whoever has the greatest difference wins that round.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Before Christmas we spent a considerable amount of time on our basic facts (up to 9+9). Some key skills the children should have in place to support their mental math: Doubles - 1+1, 2+2, 3+3, 4+4, 5+5 and 6+6 are all easily learned. Some of the more difficult doubles are 7+7, 8+8 and 9+9Near Doubles - We can use our knowledge of doubles to solve near doubles such as 4+5, 2+3, 7+8, and 6+7.Friends of 10 - Having a solid foundation of combinations of 10 is crucial as we begin to work with double digit numbers. 6+4, 7+3, 5+5, 8+2, 9+1, and 10+0 are some examples.1 more/2 more, 1 less/2 less - 9+2=10, 15-2=13, 16+1=17, 14-2=12 Now we are beginning to use these basic facts to help us solve more difficult problems. Some strategies we use are:-10 more/10 less : 24+10 = 35 76-10=66-Solving a simpler problem first: If we know 8+2, we can solve 32+8.-Thinking of a related problem: 54+12 might be tricky, but if we recognize that 54+10 is closely related it becomes easier.Have fun!

We use Twitter on a daily basis on post pictures of our work, share ideas, and connect with other classrooms. Following @Grade2C to learn more!   We also use Kidblog to share our writing with the world. We love getting comments from parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, brothers and sisters to please feel free to share this link with anyone who might be interested in reading your child's work! www.kidblog.org/mrscourtneysgrade2class