Thursday, September 12, 2013- What a Busy Day!

Don't forget about tonight's PAGS (Parents of Academically Gifted Students) Event, (I've got my ice cream scoop ready!)

Today we welcomed a new 2nd grade SAGE student.  She is going to be a great addition to our class!

We began our day with our math problem solving work.  We discussed problem solving strategies we use regularly such as using objects and drawing a picture.  

Then I explained I needed to figure out how many pencils, ink pens and markers I had in the containers on my desk.  They tried using their fingers to keep track, but as I called out, "Ink pen, ink pen, pencil, marker, marker, marker, pencil, pencil..." they quickly lost count.   The students talked about other strategies to help them keep track so they could determine how many I had of each.  They tried the strategy of drawing pictures, but it was quickly ruled out as it was too slow.  

They finally settled on making a table.   With the three headings on their paper, they started again.  This time the tally marks or "X's" had each student with a perfect count.  This was definitely an appropriate strategy for solving a problem like this.  The students finished their math time working independently in our TOPS Math program. 

In the computer lab, the students worked on typing information about themselves for our SAGE Profile.  They shared about their outside interests and activities as well as academic strengths and weaknesses.  This will help me get to know each of them as a learner and as an individual.

In the afternoon, the students worked independently in our Exploratory Centers.  We are learning some interesting facts about constellations, robotics, teeth, puppets, volcanoes, scorpions, tarantulas and seahorses.  Most of the students have finished their knowledge level task and are currently working on the comprehension worksheet to show their understanding of the topic.  Ask your child about his/her current Exploratory work.











We ended our day working on our 2nd grade research skills and our SAGE Academic Vocabulary.  The boys and girls looked up and recorded the definition of the words:  independent, research and knowledge.  They really worked hard today!  They should be very proud of the efforts!

Have a great week!