A Different Way to Memorize Addition and Subtraction Facts

2nd grade students have been learnng different strategies to add and subtract. Mr. Krueger shared the following example with teachers, and I thought I would pass it along to you. This is a great model for visual learners!

A number bond is a mental picture of the relationship between a number and the parts that combine to make it. A student who "knows" this number bond should be able to immediately fill in any one of these three numbers if it were missing, given the other two, without having to "work it out".

Peace Corp. Speaker's Match Program

One way students can begin to understand diversity is through their family life. We have really enjoyed sharing our perspectives on family and seeing the similarities and differnces among us. Today we had the opportunity to hear about family life in another country. Mr. John-Mark Hack came to visit us today to share about his experiences in the Peace Corp. Mr. Hack was stationed in Costa Rica and had lots of great information for us! The class loved seeing his pictures of this beautiful country! Thank you, Mr. Hack for making the trip to Stamping Ground Elementary!

More Rain Forest Pics

If you did not get a chance to come in and experience our rain forest for yourself I thought I would add a few more pictures so you can see it for yourself.

Save the Rain Forest

Here we are in our "rainforest" in the 2nd/3rd grade hall. I am so proud of all the work the kids have put into thier rainforest opinion letters. Check out the website for the Protect- an- Acre Program here: http://rainforestheroes.com/protect-an-acre/

Welcome to Blogging

Well...here goes nothing! I am excited about this blog and the possibilities of staying better connected with the parents of my students. Blogs have always been intimidating to me, but how can I expect my students to stretch thier wings and try new things if I won't. So, I am eating my words. :) Happy Blogging!