Homework - 8/31

1. Spelling worksheet (pp. 7 and 8)
2. Spanish word search
3. Recite continent poem for our October show
4. Read for 20 minutes

Week of August 31st

Here's what we will be covering in second grade this week. If you would still like to sign up for the September conference, or Parent Reader, please send me an email. Have a great week.

Language Arts
Reading - Frog and Road All Year by Arnold Lobel; Life as a Frog by Victoria Parker
Leveled Readers - A Surprise for Squirrel and Rabbit by Dot McHarry; Bump! by Dot McHarry; The Surprise by the Stream by Dot McHarry
Phonics - Short Vowels /e/e, /o/o, /u/u; Inflections -s, -es
Spelling - not, best, run, job, bed, spot, get, mud, ten, duck
High Frequency Words - covered, everything, guess, through, woods
Fluency - Accuracy
Comprehension - Characters and using graphic organizers
Robust Vocabulary - ventured, described, edge, hesitate, anonymous, unselfish, satisfied, neighborly
Grammar - Statements and Questions
Writing - Form: Paragraph
Trait - Ideas

Mathematics
* Partner study routines
* Addition facts
* Grouping by tens - $1, $10, $100
* Introducing the Student Reference Book
* Math Box routine
* Working in small groups
* Place Value patterns on number grids

Social Studies
* North America
* Map Basics
* Understanding Directions

Science
* Scientific Method
* A visit to the science lab on Wednesday

We made it!

What a terrific first week. You all did a wonderful job and achieved a lot including coming up with a list of class promises, sorting through our school supplies, learning about the class routine and rules, completing some writing, reading and math assessments, walking through our fire drill, playing some "getting to know you" games, having Spanish class on Wednesday and art on Friday, painting our portraits, sharing some pictures and souvenirs from summer, listening to lots of great stories. I already know that it is going to be a great year.

Dear Parents

I am looking forward to working with you and your child in second grade. It will be a great year of learning, growth and high achievement.

I strongly believe in the importance of including the family in all aspects of your child's educational programs and I enthusiastically encourage and welcome your involvement and partnership.

You can expect me to provide for your child:
1. A safe and structured learning environment
2. High expectations for learning and behavior
3. A classroom that values independence and cooperation among children and adults
4. A program that will be adapted to meet his/her needs through the implementation of effective teaching techniques
5. A program that will encourage your child to express him/herself through various forms of expression

I expect that your child will:
1. Do his/her work to the best of his/her ability
2. Behave in a respectful and cooperative manner toward classmates and adults
3. Exemplify the Lower Division Motto and come to school with a positive attitude
4. Return completed homework and assignments on the day that it is due
5. Come to school on time

During the week, your child will also see the following teachers:

Anna Baralt - Instructional Technology - Tuesday from 9:15-10:00

Dotti Smay - Library - Tuesday at 12:10 (every other week)

Bethsabe Bockman-Pedersen - Spanish - Monday and Wednesday from 9:10-9:40

Valerie Diaz Leroy - Music - Thursday at 12:00

Amy Pope, Woodward Every, Jeffrey Deidrich - P.E. - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 10:45

Sue Rowe - Art - Monday at 12:00

Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday. It should take approximately 15 minutes or so to complete, varying somewhat with each child's personal work habits. In addition, I encourage each student to read for at least 20 minutes.

Important Date: Back to School Night - August 24th at 7pm (Janet Root Theater).

Again, welcome to Second Grade! I look forward to working with you this school year. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Welcome to Second Grade

Wow! I can't believe that it is August already and school will begin soon. I hope you all had a terrific vacation and are feeling great about the new school year ahead. I know that I am, and can't wait to work with you this year.

What did you all do during the break? I was lucky enough to go back to Australia and spend time with my family and friends. It took us 20 hours on the plane to get there, but it was well worth it. My daughters had the chance to experience the Aussie way of life and explore many interesting and beautiful places, including the natural landscape, friendly locals and amazing flora and fauna. I have lots of pictures to share with you.

See you soon. I can't wait!