Mrs. Goodleaf's 2nd Grade

I have gotten several parents interested in how to help their child solve regrouping problems.  I have attached an example page for you to see ways the students are solving regrouping problems.  Most of the students utilize a method very similar to the tradition method we were taught as kids (which I will be transitioning to after the next report card) or a mental math strategy.  Below you will find a rubric for grading. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Math Example click here

Score 4:  Answer is correct. Used an efficient advanced strategy that shows their thinking.  Additionally they need to either show another efficient method to solve the problem or the checking strategy (i.e. they solve 24+45=69 so to check it they need to prove 69-24=45). Direct modeling is not used in either strategy.

Score 3: Answer is correct. Used an efficient strategy that shows their thinking (not direct modeling)

Score 2: Answer is incorrect or used an inefficient strategy, like direct modeling.

Score 1:  Used an inefficient strategies and got the answer incorrect.

Hello Parents,

Please check your child’s backpack.  In it you should find a couple of things.  One thing you will find is their most recent DIBELS scores.  To help you see their level of growth I also included their score for Sept.  If you have any questions about your child’s score, please feel free to contact me at any time.

In addition to that you will find two work samples on regrouping.  I plan to do a mini reassessment on Monday of this skill  (both borrowing and carrying).  Following this, I we will be continuing on into missing addend problems (i.e. 29+?=54).  It is very important that the students are feeling very comfortable with borrowing before they can truly understand and master missing addends.

If you would like an easy way to practice at home, visit http://mathfactcafe.com/. Select Build-it.  This will allow you make any kind of worksheet you would like.  To practice borrowing and regrouping under range set the min. to 0 and max. to 100.  The answer range should be 0 to 100.  Then select generate.  It will generate as many new problem sheet as you want.  All you need to do is re-shuffle before pressing generate again.

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I will not be there tomorrow.  It is my husband’s birthday and I am taking the day to spend with him to celebrate.  Mrs. Thai (sub we have had before, the one from Australia) will be in for me.  I will be checking my email off and on if you need to get in touch with me.  If you have any messages (like about changing how your child gets home) please call the office and let them know. Thanks.

A couple of parents have asked about the math facts testing.  So I thought I would take an opportunity to review how it works.  On the Monday homework sheet your child’s math fact level is listed. This level corresponds with the Basic Fact list (found on the class website under computation program).  They need to study the facts on this level, as well as, any fact that came before it (review levels can contain the facts on the level and any other fact that came before it).  On Friday the students take a test.  The students either have 1 minute (15 or 20 problems) or 4 minutes (for big reviews: level 12, 22, 30, & 42).    I hope this review helps a little. Happy studying!

Hello Parents,

This week has been one filled with tests of patience and new learning experiences.  Both the kids and I are learning a lot about how to use the netbooks effectively in the classroom (while working through little tech bumps in the road).  For the kids it seems to be a natural incorporation (They are just so techy at such a young age. It is amazing).

Things to Know:

Lunch Helpers: This month we are once again lunch helpers.  A lunch helper schedule went home today.  Each child who wanted to participate will get 4 days.

Math: In class we are continuing to focus heavily on regrouping (subtraction/borrowing) skills.  The kids have made a lot of progress in this area, but still need a little more practice. This would be a wonderful thing to give extra practice at home doing.

Math Fact Level:  Next week you may notice that your child has backed up a few levels on the math fact levels.  Many of the kids have struggled for several weeks to pass their level, therefore by backing up a little I am hoping they can gain the necessary facts they will need to succeed later on when they are ready.

Math Night:  The school monthly math night is next Wed. from 6:30-7:30.  Come and join the fun!

Science:  In class we now have mealworms, silkworm eggs, ladybug larva, and ants.  Ask your child about what they have learned so far about what makes an insect an insect, and what they know about the lifecycles.

Have a great weekend.