Second Grade Update – Week of 4/15

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday!

This week, students got back into the swing of routines pretty seamlessly! We had the opportunity to move our science lesson outside with a trip to the garden. Ms. Kristen joined us and students initiated an experiment to test whether plants need light to survive. We planted 10 radish seeds and will observe their growth over the next few weeks in both dark and light environments (5 in each environment). Students also got to choose a flower of their own to plant (marigold, zinnia, or nasturtium). These will stay in the sun. 🙂 

We continued to reflect on the issue of food insecurity with a special music reflection song, “We Are the World”. Students considered the power of song and the importance of coming together to make a positive difference and serve others.

Next Monday, we will welcome Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft to our class! She will share about local government and the duties of being mayor. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions. 🙂 I usually get a small bouquet to thank her for her time. If a second grade family would like to take this on, I would be grateful! Please let me know by Sunday. 🙂

Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

• Reading – 
  • In reading groups, students will continue SUPER magazine. Students will practice associating cause and effect, using context clues to define unfamiliar vocabulary, and recalling important details. As always, there is a focus on reading fluency and 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 will practice with compound words and distinguish between singular and plural pronouns. Students should practice their spelling words for a quiz on Friday.
• Writing – Students will finish their alliteration poems and have an opportunity to share them with classmates. Students will also learn about writing a book report and pick a fiction text they have already read for their report.
• Math – Students will finish their shape art and write about their piece using math language, incorporating important shape vocabulary and concepts. Students will also review concepts of measurement using the metric system. 
• Religion – Students will continue to learn about the Mass with a focus on the closing rites. 
• Social Studies –On Monday, we will welcome Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft to our second grade classroom!! We will also learn about the three branches of government and students will practice the skill of note taking. 
• Science – The class will continue to make and document observations about their growing seedlings. What’s happening to those in the light versus those in the dark?

Other Updates for this Week:

• Upcoming Field Trip Volunteer Needs:
  • Alameda Library to meet Author, Hannah Moushabeck – Friday, 5/3, 9:15-11:15am – 2-3 chaperones
    • Any student who would like to order a signed copy of her book, Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine, please fill out this form. (purchase not required)
  • U.C. Botanical Gardens – Thursday, 5/23, 10:00am-2:00pm – 2 more chaperones
  • Semifreddi’s Bakery – Thursday, 5/30, 10:00am-12:00pm – 4 more chaperones, 3 more drivers
• Behavior at Music Class – Please remind your student that they need to demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior at music class with Mr. Q. I will be asking him to issue PCFs to students who need more than one reminder going forward. 
• AR Reading – Just a reminder – I am encouraging all students to use their AR book for their homework reading time (15 minutes each afternoon/evening).
• Dates to Remember:
  • Saturday, Apr. 20 – Celebration of the Arts, 11am-2pm
  • Tuesday, Apr. 23 – Free Dress for April B-days
  • Wednesday, Apr. 24 – Noon Dismissal, Teacher Professional Development
  • Friday, Apr. 26 – School Spirit Day – Sports Day
  • Saturday, Apr. 27 – First Communion Retreat, 10am-12:30pm, Banners DUE
  • Saturday, May 4 – First Holy Communion, 10am in the church

We look forward to seeing our students on Monday!

All the best,
Catherine