3D Shapes, Reading Buddies, Karate and What We Need to Survive

 This week in Grade 2, our focus switched from 2D shapes to 3D. We looked at the properties of pyramids and prisms using hands on models to sort. We also looked into sorting other 3D shape such as cubes, cylinders, spheres, prisms and pyramids according to features such as the number of vertices, triangular faces, etc.

During library time this week, we joined together with the Grade 4 class for our first Reading Buddies activity. Each week during our library time we will get together with an older partner and have the chance to listen to, or to read with a partner.

In PE, we continued our martial arts unit and began learning how to do the horse stance and how to block.

In unit, the students were very engaged in a Survival Game. Students chose one destination to travel to and gave reasons for wanting to go there and planned for their trip by coming up with a list of things that they would need at their destination. Unfortunately, their planes had engine problems and had to make emergency water landing near a deserted island. Before making their way to the the island they grabbed some supplies from the plane that they thought would help them survive. Once on the island, they had to think of activities to help keep them alive each day until a rescue team arrived. Some of the activities they came up with were putting up a tent, catching fish with a fishing rod, and building a fire. Luckily, all 5 teams had made good choices and were able to survive by taking care of their basic needs. It was a fun adventure for all! For homework over the holidays, please make sure that they complete the Survival Game Reflection on Seesaw. Some were able to finish in class today but many did not. 

Where We Are in Place and Time

 This week saw the end of unit one and the start of unit two. To complete the unit on technology, the students worked in groups to come up with Essential Agreements for using technology at school. They worked in pairs and then joined others to collaborate and come up with a list of do’s and don’t when working with computers and other devices.

To start the second unit, the students were given a “test” to see what inventions they could identify and explain what they were used for and when they were invented. This proved a bit challenging, but got them to think about where we have come from and where we are going with this unit. They also helped sort out the central idea and lines of inquiry.

In math, we finished up our unit on time and time tables / schedules with a test and played a Kahoot quiz game to review. We also began our next math inquiry into what makes a square a square?

In PE we finished up our cooperative games unit and began our new PE unit on martial arts! 

We celebrated a slightly belated birthday today as Ms Gras joined the class and treated us to some delicious crêpes!

We also welcomed a new member to our class, Gabriel! 

Cheers to everyone for joining Oktoberfest last weekend! It was great seeing everyone out and enjoying the nice autumn weather. 

Finally, here is a video montage from our field trip to Kids Plaza Osaka. We had a wonderful time!

An Eventful Week

 This week was full of events and firsts for Grade 2. 

On Monday, we welcomed a new classmate Raul to DSKI. During unit time, we reviewed our technology survey results and shared what we learnt or found interesting.

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On Monday and Tuesday, the class continued to work on teamwork and cooperative games such as a wheelbarrow race and cross the river race where they needed to use different pieces of equipment creatively to help all the members of our team cross the playground without touching the blue! They also worked together in their teams passing a ball to see how many consecutive catches they could make. One group was able to make more than 40!

On Wednesday, Mr Hartmann joined us for a special PE lesson and he taught us about the importance of proper posture too.  

In unit, we continued to learn about the dangers online and our responsibility when online. We discussed different scenarios and whether or not they were safe, as well as how we could respond to things such as cyber bullying. Next Tuesday we will try to wrap up the unit as it is time to move on to unit two!

Finally, here is a preview of the photos from today’s trip to Osaka Kids Plaza! Look forward to more next time!