September 11, 2014

Unit of Inquiry One Home Letter

Dear Grade 2 Parents,

We have had a wonderful first few weeks in grade two. We would like to thank you all for your
enthusiasm and patience as we start up a new and exciting school year. Our first Unit of Inquiry is
based upon the transdisiplinary theme entitled Who we are. An inquiry into the nature of the self;
beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships
including families, friends, communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be
human. We will be focusing on our own beliefs and values and the different role models we can have
within our families, friends and communities.
Please consider choosing a role model who shares the same beliefs and values as you do. It
would really help your child if you could provide him/ her with a positive example of an effective role
model. Please find the details of our unit below. Please contact your childs homeroom teacher if you
are interested in volunteering in the classroom during this unit.

The Central Idea
Choices of role models reflect the beliefs and values of individuals and societies.

Key Concepts
Perspective What are the different points of view?
Different individuals, cultures and groups decide our beliefs, values and role models.
Reflection- How do we know?
We need to reflect on our conclusions of our own beliefs, values and role model choices.
Causation- Why is it like this?
How and why do our role models affect our actions and choices?
Related Concepts
Roles- What different roles do people have in our lives? Finding a variety of different role
models.
Behavior- How are behavior is influenced by our role models.
We will investigate the following Lines of Inquiry during this unit:
What determines our beliefs and values
Influence of our role models on our choices and actions
How and why role models are chosen




Learner Profiles: Over the next six weeks we will focus on being:

Balanced - We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our livesintellectual,
physical, and emotionalto achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our
interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Open-minded- We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the
values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to
grow from the experience.

Courageous- We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently
and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in
the face of challenges and change.

Please find the specific learning outcomes listed below, that where possible will be meaningfully and
authentically linked to the UOI.

While discussing our own role models, beliefs and values we will apply the following
attitudes:

Respect- We will respect the beliefs and views of others.
Creativity- We will express our opinions with confidence and creativity!
Confidence- We will have the confidence to express our opinions and ideas.

Transdisciplinary Skill- Social Skills
We will be focusing on respecting others, resolving conflict, and group decision making.

Language Outcomes

Reading
Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables and sounds
Distinguish long from short vowel sounds in spoken single-syllable words
Ask and answer questions about key details in a text
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details
Writing Content and Conventions
Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions
to develop points, and provide a concluding statement.
Use collective nouns
Form and use frequently occurring irregular plural nouns
Produce, expand and rearrange complete simple sentences




Speaking and Listening
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade two topics and
texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to
others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).

Mathematics Outcomes

Determine whether a group of objects (up to 20) has an odd or even number of members.
Recall number bonds (number stories) to at least 20
Understand the number 100 represents 1 hundred unit, with 0 tens unit and 0 ones unit.
Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded
form.
Compare 2 three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens and ones digits
using <, > to record the results of comparisons
Mentally add 10 or 100 to a given number 10-100, and mentally subtract 10 or 100 from a
given number 10-100
Understand the relationship between days, weeks, months and years

Social Studies Outcomes

Identify roles and behaviors that people demonstrate when in group situations
Identify opportunities for choice in personal identity.
Define values, beliefs, character, and integrity.
Explain how the understanding of values, beliefs, character, and integrity enable you be a role
model.
Relate how values, beliefs, character, and integrity affect role models choices and actions.

Thank you again for your support with your childs learning.

Ms. Alison, Ms. Sam and Ms. Jo