Peabody Press

News From Ms. Foxs Den

Issue #5 Monday, October 6, 2014

Week-at-a-Glance
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Math- Introduction to
Computation

Content Rotations-
Social Studies:
Geography of China

Science: Chemistry-
Chemical Properties of
Matter

Grammar: Parts of
Speech

Word Study-
introduce weekly sorts &
spelling patterns

**Word Study
Homework: sentence
wri ti ng

**Readi ng
Homework: 1 5 mi nutes
of readi ng
Math Centers- Partial
Sums Strategy for Addition

Readers Workshop-

Mystery Novel Study:
Encyclopedia Brown and the
Case of the Electric Clock



Readers Workshop-
Reading groups

Writers Workshop-
Planting a Seed


PICTURE DAY







*Word Study
Homework: choi ce
acti vi ty

**Readi ng Homework:
1 5 mi nutes of readi ng

Math Centers- Partial
Sums Strategy for Addition


Writers Workshop-
Developing a Short Story
about a Character Faced
with a Problem

Content Rotations-
Social Studies:
Geography of China

Science: Chemical
Changes of Matter

Library Day

**Word Study
Homework: revi ew
words for spel l i ng check

**Readi ng Homework:
Readi ng Refl ecti on

Math Centers- Addition
with Regrouping (Pictorial
Representation)

Reading Workshop

Writers Workshop-
Drafting

Shakespeare- Into the
enchanted forest
(meeting Oberon and Titania)














**Math homework
assi gned for Fri day

**Homework: 1 5
mi nutes of readi ng

Math- Math Carnival
(Number Toss, Double/Triple
Dice, Addition Bowling)

Content Rotations-
Science and Social
Studies Stations







Dear Second Grade Families,
Welcome a new week of exciting learning! I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend and took some time to enjoy
the crisp fall weather!
I have nothi ng to wri te
Often, one of the hardest things about writing is figuring out where to start. This week, we will focus on
planting a tiny little seed of an idea. To gear up
for next weeks field trip to the Paramount
Theater, we will read aloud Kevin Henkes
picture book, Lillys Purple Plastic Purse. This
book is a wonderful study of characters
characters who face everyday problems. In Henkes
story, the reader is introduced to Lilly. Lilly loves everything about school! However, when her teacher
confiscates her favorite purple plastic purse, Lilly gets upset and retaliates with a mean note, which
she quickly regrets. How will Lilly make things right? The book paints a beautiful picture of patience and forgiveness.

It starts always with a tiny little seed of an
idea. When I do get a good [idea], I quickly
write it down so that I wont forget it,
because it disappears otherwise rather like
a dream.
Drawing inspiration from the book, students will craft a short story around their own fictional character.
Students will create a school problem for their character to solve, a problem that the reader can connect and relate to
on a personal level. Im excited to read students stories, as well as learn more about each student as a developing
writer.
During the week, we will also listen to an interview of Roald Dahl from 1988, in which he discusses his writing
methods, including how he gets his story ideas, how he keeps the reader entertained, and how he creates his dynamic
characters. Here is the URL for his recorded interview: http://www.roalddahl.com/create-and-learn/write/roald-
dahl-on-writing. What an incredible window into such a beloved childrens authors mind and imagination.

Into the Forest
Last week, after meeting some of the key players, students got a
taste of the tangled web of love of Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius,
and Helena. Students have been doing a fantastic job explaining the
complicated relationships of these four youths. This week, all four characters will find themselves in the enchanted
forest along with some quarreling fairies. What mischief and magic awaits our unsuspecting Athenians? Lets read on!


Student Read-Al ouds
Recently, many students have shared with me an interest in reading aloud to the
class. I think it is absolutely wonderful that students are excited to read to their peers,
and I am so proud of those students that have already volunteered to read aloud. This is
a wonderful opportunity for students to build fluency
and expression, as well as public speaking skills. If your student is interested in
reading to the class, please help him or her by practicing reading aloud a little bit each
night. I look forward to listening to this amazing group of readers!

Fi el d Tri ps On the Hori zon
A brief note about upcoming field trips The second grade is planning to see a performance of
Kevin Henkes Lillys Purple Plastic Purse at the Paramount Theater on Friday, October 17
th
. We
are planning to leave Peabody at 10:45 to head Downtown. We will have lunch, and then see the
show (doors open at 12:00 pm). Heres what we need from you!
-Drivers/Chaperones
If you are interested in chaperoning, please let me know. Our class will need about four or five parent chaperones
to help transport the class to the Downtown Mall.
-Help your student choose their lunch
We will have a choice to eat at either Christians Pizza or Marco and Lucas Dumplings. Please help your child decide
where they want to eat, and have them bring their money to purchase their food. Students will be responsible for
keeping track of their lunch money.

Our second field trip is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19
th
. We will be visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
in Richmond for an exhibit on Chinas Forbidden City. If you think you might be available to chaperone, please send an
email.

Heres to another week full of inquiry and new discoveries!

With Love,
Ms. Fox
If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact me via email:
rfox@peabodyschool.org.