Welcome to Second Grade! 

Parents, thank you for helping your child with homework and having agendas/behavior charts signed each night.  This definitely helps your child be prepared for school each day.  I am enjoying having your children in my class this year.  I look forward each day to coming in and seeing their bright, smiling faces!  We have been busy little bees in our class lately.  

Here are some things we have been learning in second grade:

          Reading-  Our class has been very busy learning reading strategies that will both help students  understand what they are reading and  enjoy what they are reading. We are using a variety of Scholastic leveled books so students will feel successful with reading as they practice these strategies.  The strategy we are currently working on is "asking questions".  Students are learning to write thin and thick questions.    At home, be sure to ask your student what the difference between the two is.   In Language Arts, we are also working on learning new vocabulary words and are doing many activities with the words so that students see them and use them often.  This will help students retain them.  Other components of our Language Arts/reading program include phonemic awareness, phonics, grammar, fluency, and comprehension. 

         Math- Our class is currently focusing on two-digit addition with regrouping.  We are giving students many opportunities to choose their own strategies when solving math problems.  Students also work together in math centers each week to solve problems.   

         Writing-We are using Writing Workshop in our class this year.  Students are writing about small moments in their lives.  The children always seem to enjoy having the freedom to choose  what they wish to write about.  We have just begun doing some nonfiction writing lately as well. 

         Science-We have begun one of my favorite units in science, "matter".  The children seem to be enjoying the unit as well. We have done several experiments in class and will be   doing more to help students use their discovery skills.   We have "acted out" the molecules in a solid, liquid and gas.  Have your child demonstrate this for you and sing the matter song!

         Social Studies-We have just completed our unit on "historical figures/time lines".  Students are looking forward to showing their historical figure boxes on our Heart-to-Heart day.   

Again, thank you for all your assistance at home with checking your child's homework and making sure it is completed.  Remember, all tests sent home in the homework folders need to be signed by parents and returned.   I appreciate everything you are doing to make sure your child is successful at school.  We could not do it without you!

 Please e-mail me any time if you have a question or concern.  (You can e-mail me from the top of this page.)    I am looking forward to more  fun-filled, successful school days ahead!

******Congratulations to Alisha for being our star of the week!******

 Upcoming Events

Wednesday, Feb. 23-Heart-to-Heart (Parents are invited to come to your child's classroom 8-9:30, then go to a principal meeting/complimentary lunch.)  We hope you can attend!

                  Second Grade Overview

Second Grade is an exciting time as your child learns new skills, makes new friends, and embarks on many new adventures. In Second Grade your child will blossom into a confident reader, writer, and mathematician. Your participation is extremely important to your child's academic success. Please set aside at least 20 minutes each day to read and to practice spelling words and math facts with your child. I am confident that if you spend some time each evening with your child, you will not only be making a major contribution to your child's academic success, but you will discover that you will be looking forward to this special time every night.

Reading: In our second grade classroom we strive to provide your child with an intensive reading program which is designed to meet the needs of each student. Each child is placed in a variety of groups according to his/her specific needs and works daily for two hours on phonics, reading fluency, comprehension skills, and enrichment activites. Additionally, our class will be using a mulit-sensory approach to reading/phonics called  the Orton-Gillingham  method which research proves is very successful with beginning readers.  We also have guided reading groups in our class every day, along with literacy centers. The children seem to be enjoying them and learning in the process!

Math: Problem solving and critical thinking skills are an important component of our math program this year.  We will be using many games, centers and manipulatives to help your child learn new math concepts.  However, your child still needs to know the basics, which is accomplished only through hard work and repetition. Your child will need to memorize addition and subtraction facts through 18 by the end of the year. Please help your child to practice these facts throughout the year.

Spelling: Weekly spelling words will be sent home with your child each Monday.   Students will have the opportunity to practice the words through homework assignments.   Spelling tests are given each Friday. 

Tests: All tests (spelling, math, etc.) require a parent signature. Please look for these in your child's homework folder. This will help you know how well your child is doing with second grade skills.

Weekly Envelopes: Each Thursday (except for short weeks and holidays, workdays, etc.) your child brings home a brown envelope with a parent signature sheet attached on the front cover. Inside, you will find your child's graded work from the previous week. Please praise your child for his/her hard work. Go over the papers and correct the mistakes to better reinforce the skills taught. This is an excellent way to help your child at home. A weekly conduct grade will also be noted on the envelope. Please sign and return the empty envelope on Friday of each week. You may keep your child's papers.

Lunch: Our regular lunch time this year is 11:05.  Feel free to come eat lunch with your child anytime!.

I am enjoying working with you and your child during this growing year. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at school at 704-857-3400 or drop me an e-mail.  I check my e-mail every day. Thank you for all your support.