Dear Second Grade Families,
Happy Friday!
This week, students were amazing collaborators and practiced presenting their continent projects! It is quite something for second graders to work on a group project and then present together as well! Together, each group considered how to introduce themselves, who would share first, the logistics of making space for each other as they each presented, and how they would wrap up. We talked about using speaker voices, never turning your back to your audience, etc. 🙂 I was very proud of their effort and appreciated their enthusiasm. Attached are a few pictures of the process. I look forward to sharing some pictures of their presentations next week!
Next week, students will recite their Oratorical Fest selections! Please help them to be prepared. No notes will be allowed, and students should use speaker voices, good eye contact, and a good pace (not too slow and not too fast). Thank you for your support! They will start with:
- Good afternoon. My name is _________ and I am in the second grade. The (poem, speech, prayer, etc.) I will be reciting is _________, written by _________.
- When finished, say, Thank you.
Below is our second grade learning update.
Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:
- Reading –
- In reading groups, students will continue their book clubs. As we near the end of their texts, we think about the culminating action in the plot and how stories find resolution. As always, there is a focus on speaking and listening skills as we work together in a small group.
- At night, students should read aloud to practice fluent reading skills. Please encourage your child to observe punctuation, read at a good pace, and read the words as they appear in the text (no deletions or substitutions).
- Grammar/Spelling – In Superkids, students practice decoding and encoding letter-sound correspondences igh/ī/, aught/ôt/, and ought/ôt/ (ex. night, caught, brought). They should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz.
- Writing – Students will reflect on the goal they wrote for 2023. They will choose a word that embodies a characteristic they would like to demonstrate during the year – perhaps one that will help them meet their goal! Then they will write about this word – why they chose the word, who in their life lives the word, and how they will be this word.
- Math – The class will continue with measurement by practicing measuring in inches. They will also identify real-life objects and decide whether it would make sense to measure with inches, feet, or yards. Students will continue practicing strategies for subtraction of 3-digit numbers when regrouping is required.
- Religion – We will finish our chapter about the Holy Spirit, the third divine person of the Holy Trinity. We will discuss the Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send a helper to guide and support us. Students will also review prayers they already know and write their own prayer to the Holy Spirit. The focus of the prayer will be to ask for support and guidance in our lives. Students will practice editing their work.
- Social Studies – Students will present continent posters with their groups. In addition to reinforcing content knowledge, the goals of the project include using collaboration as well as speaking and listening skills. We will also continue reading about and discussing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s accomplishments and why he is an inspirational change maker.
Other Updates for this Week:
- Baby Wipes – We still need a refill of baby wipes – 1-2 packs from all families. We use them after each recess, so they go quickly! If you’ve already contributed – thank you!
- Upcoming Field Trip – On Friday, February 23rd, we will attend the musical, “Seussical” at the San Jose Children’s Theater! Students will get to experience musical theater performed by a youth cast! Themes of the show include friendship, loyalty, and community. We will need 5 parent chaperones. Please let me know if you’d like to accompany us and make sure your volunteer requirements are up-to-date with the office. Thank you!
- AR Reading – Many students are reading more challenging books these days. I am encouraging all students to use their AR book for their homework reading time (15 minutes each afternoon/evening). This means they can bring their AR book back and forth to school. As soon as students finish reading at home, they should put their book right back in their backpack each evening.
- Dates to Remember:
- Friday, Jan. 12 – No school for students; Staff Work Day
- Monday, Jan. 15 – No school – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Tuesday, Jan. 23 – Free dress January birthdays
- Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Noon dismissal, Teacher Professional Development
- Thursday, Jan. 25 – Spirit Day – Class Theme TBD
- Sunday, Jan. 28 – Catholic Schools Week kick-off with All School Mass, 9:00 am at SPN; Open House immediately following Mass, 10:00-11:30
We look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday!
All the best,
Catherine
