Dear Second Grade Families,
Happy Friday!
Thank you for coming to Back-to-School Night! I enjoyed having so many of you in the classroom and appreciate the time to share all that the year holds for your child in second grade! If you weren’t able to attend, please don’t worry, here are links to soft copies of the packet, schedule, and slideshow. 🙂
Our class is settling into routines, procedures, and rules that keep our classroom a safe and respectful learning environment where everyone can grow! We ended our week with closing circle (as we normally will). Students shared something they learned, enjoyed, or appreciated. You have wonderful, thoughtful children, as you already know! 🙂
Next week, we will talk about families and how each family is unique and special. As part of homework (which will start next week!), I will ask students to bring in a photo of their family. If you need me to print it for you, I can do that – just send me the file via email.
We will also have a special visitor next Friday! Ms. Andie Cultrera, the librarian from the Alameda Free Library, will join us for a read-aloud and then treat students to a special craft. 🙂
Below is our second grade update.
Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:
- Reading – Students will focus on completing AR reading in class. In their Reading Logs, they will start to summarize the books they complete with at least one sentence (this will grow through the year), describing the characters, plot, setting, etc. We will continue to practice reading groups with short stories about the Superkids’ adventures! 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 review the long vowel sound spelling patterns and practice their spelling words for homework. We will have our first quiz on Friday. 🙂 The class will also practice adding ‘ed and ‘ing to base words.
- Writing – Students will practice expanding simple sentences by adding adjectives and details for “when”, “where”, and “how”.
- Math – Students will have the opportunity to review the concept of sorting objects based on different characteristics. Then they will use Venn diagrams and graphs to demonstrate their understanding and show information about the set of objects.
- Religion – As a class, we begin our faith journey by exploring the Bible as a holy book and the written Word of God. We reflect on the power of listening and showing respect to others.
- Science – The class will explore how scientists know so much! Discussions will center around the scientific process – the value of observation as well as developing and testing hypotheses.
- Social Studies – We will begin our unit about communities with a focus on family. Students need to bring a photo of their family. Having these photos by Friday, the 8th would be appreciated! Thank you! To further support this unit, topics for at-home family conversations include how your family came to settle in the Bay Area, your family traditions, and stories about ancestors.
Other Updates for this Week:
- Homework: Homework will start next week. Please read the assignments sheet carefully with your child and encourage them to work throughout the week. Spacing out assignments and establishing a daily routine will help students do their best work and avoid rushing or getting tired/frustrated.
- Dates to Remember:
- Friday, Sep 1 – Noon Dismissal
- Monday, Sep 4 – No School – Labor Day
- Tuesday, Sep 12 – Picture Day (students need to wear white uniform shirt/blouse)
- Friday, Sep 15 – No School: Eucharistic Revival
- Tuesday, Sep 19 – Free dress for Sept. B-Days
- Wednesday, Sep 27 – Noon Dismissal: Teacher Development; “Jeans Day” with $5 donation to support 8th grade activities
Have a blessed holiday weekend! We look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday!
All the best,
Catherine
