2nd Grade 10/29/21

In General Studies our second grade readers and writers explored and learned about beautiful language in texts such as Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen. The students studied what makes language beautiful and why the author chose certain words to express emotion and meaning. Then we learned what synonyms are and how to use a thesaurus using guide words on the pages. We gathered words from our writing and other common words that are used in second grade. Each writer chose a word, looked it up in a thesaurus, and wrote them on paint chip samples moving from weakest (palest color) to the strongest (vibrant color). If you are reading with your child, ask him or her to point out some beautiful language in books and why the author may have chosen those words!

In Hebrew Kitah bet learned in Judaic Studies about the only Jewish holiday in Cheshvan’s Month “The Sigd”. They learned the connection between the Ethiopian Jews to Jerusalem and the state of Israel. They learned that on 29th on cheshvan we celebrate the Sigd at a top of a mountain in Jerusalem with colourful umbrellas. We created a project with the student holding their umbrellas on the their own western wall, connecting between the Sigd holiday and Jerusalem. The students were excited to dance while an Ethiopian music was playing in the background and learn about the Ethiopian food. Some of the children even mentioned how their parents love to order the Ethiopian bread “Injera” for dinner. Yummy.

In Music, our Second Graders have been presenting short performances for each other on instruments they’ve been learning outside of music class. While this gives each volunteer presenter the opportunity to perform, it also gives the rest of the class practice at being a supportive audience, as well as inspiration and a deeper understanding of what it takes to prepare a musical performance. Second Graders have also been reviewing the difference between steady beat and rhythm, as well as their knowledge of rhythmic notation. And they have been learning the song Eli Eli, a poem by Hannah Senesh set to music by Israeli composer David Zehavi. You can look forward to hearing them sing it on Kesher Day!