Leawood Lions' News - Grade 2
April News
Dates to Know:
*Wednesday, April 11th - No school - Furlough Day
*Tues., April 17th - B.E.A.R. Reading Test - More info. to follow.
*Friday, April 20th & Monday, April 23rd - Assessment Days - Appointed times only - More info. will follow.
*Wednesday, April 25th - Early Release Day - 1:15pm Dismissal
*Friday, May 4th - No school - Furlough Day
*Wednesday, May 16th - Early Release Day - 1:15pm Dismissal
*Monday, May 28th - Memorial Day - No school!
Reminders:
*Be sure to be filling out the reading minutes for April! Choose a non-fiction book with many text features.
*Turn in yearbook orders and picture money!
*
Literacy
Reading
Comprehension:
*Questioning (who, what, where, when, why, how)
*Predicting characters' actions
*Summarizing stories
*Identifying point of view of the characters
*Compare and contrast characters from two or more versions of the same story
*Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story by different authors or from different cultures.
Vocabulary :
*Read and understand unknown and multiple-meaning words, such as:
homophones and homographs
*Read and spell compound words
Fluency:
*Vary tone, pitch, and rate of speaking when reading dialogue being spoken by different characters in a text
*Attend to punctuation when reading aloud
Fundations:
We will be wrapping up Unit # 13 in which we focused on the vowel teams: oe, oa, and ow. Unit #14 will focus on:
*The /ou/ sound of ou and ow as in trout and plow
Trick words: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, bought, library, and piece
Writing
We will be wrapping up our factual description genre in writing. The next genre of study will be writing retells and summaries. The following targets will be covered during instruction:
*Summary in own language
*Includes characters
*Includes important events
*Includes details from the beginning, middle, and end
We will continue to expect students to use conventions and adhere to our writing non-negotiables. During the month of April we will also work on composing a variety of short stories.
Math
We are currently studying decimals and place value in Unit #10.
Some of the concepts we will cover are:
*Notation and equivalencies for money amounts
*Decimal notation for pennies and dimes
*Money amounts with a calculator
*Using a calculator to solve problems with money
*Estimating and finding exact costs
*Making change
*Exploring area, polygons, and geoboard fractions
*Place value
*Place value notation for ten-thousands
*Grouping with parentheses
Science
We are currently studying weather. The following areas will be our focus:
*Weather influences on organisms & environments
*Weather has seasonal patterns
*Tools that measure weather
*Vocabulary; weather, weather tools, seasons, organisms and environment
Parent Tips:
*Students would greatly benefit from home practice of basic addition and subtraction facts (0-18). You may also want to practice making change for $1.00.
Many reluctant learners may be more willing to learn when information is presented in game format. Suggestions:
*Put sight words or math facts on flash cards. Mix in some your child knows really well, some he/she has to think about for a second or two, and some that are unfamiliar to mix success with challenge. As they master the cards, take some out and replace with new ones that they need to work on still.
*Play a basic board game, but have fact questions children must answer before taking their game turn.
We hope you had an enjoyable Spring Break! Welcome back!
The Second Grade Teachers
Monday, April 2, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
March Second Grade News 2012
Dates to Know:
*Friday, March 2nd - Dr. Seuss' Birthday Celebration
*Friday, March 9th - Reading minutes party during lunch!
*Friday, March 9th - Report cards go home!
*Thursday, March 15th - 2nd Grade Musical
*Monday, March 26th - Monday, April 2nd - Spring Break
*Wednesday, April 11th - No school - Furlough Day!
*Friday, April 20th and Monday, April 23rd - Assessment Days - Appointed times only!
*Wednesday, April 25th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15pm.
Reminders:
*Be sure your child brings his/her favorite Dr. Seuss book/s to school on Friday, March 2nd. Also, encourage your child to dress up as his/her favorite Dr. Seuss character.
*Please return the report card envelope!
*Begin filling out the March Reading Minutes! Remember to complete the writing activity that goes along with your minutes.
Literacy
Reading:
We are working very hard reviewing comprehension strategies, word attack skills, vocabulary, and fluency during our shared and guided reading. Students are enjoying varieties of non-ficiton texts which align nicely with our writing. During the month of March we will be experiencing stories from diverse cultures. The second grade classes are working hard to get their book reviews posted on the Leawood website under learning commons and 2nd grade reads. Hopefully, by the end of the month, each student will have a review posted. Be sure to check it out!
Fundations- We have just finished up Unit #11 in which we focused on the vowel teams: ee, ea and ey. During Unit #12 we will work on the following: *Sounds of oi and oy *Spelling generalizations of the /oi/ sound. *Combining the "D" syllable with other syllable types *Trick Words: mother, father, brother, neighbor, early, ocean
Writing:
The children are having a blast writing persuasive paragraphs and letters! They have asked for longer recesses, no homework, crazy pets, and interesting lunch choices. Reading the persuasive books for shared reading, read aloud, and independent reading has been a favorite activity. The children have learned a lot about this genre from the mentor texts. They have become experts on the difference between facts and opinions. Providing reasons and details to support their opinions has been a main target for this genre. During the month of March we will be focusing on factual description and short stories.
Math: We are currently working in Unit #8. The lesson objectives consist of the following:
*Equal Parts of ONE
*Exploring Fractions, Multiplication and Division, and Volume
*Collections of Things
*Equivalent Fractions
*Equivalent Fractions Using Fraction Cards
*Comparing Fractions
*Fraction Number Stories
Unit #9 will cover the following objectives:
*Measuring with Yards & Meters
*Fractional Units of Length
*Perimeter
*Measuring Longer Distances
*Weight
*Exploring Capacity, Area, and Measures
Social Studies:
The children were thoroughly engrossed in our study of Harriet Tubman, slavery, and the Underground Railroad. They had many questions and curiosities. We are well into our study of economics. Students are discussing the differences between producers/consumers,needs/wants, and goods/services. We will also be learning about capital resources, natural resources, scarcity, surplus,and opportunity cost.
Parent Tips: Author's Message, (a.k.a. moral or lesson) can be very difficult for the children to understand on their own. Reading fables is an excellent way to help children understand this difficult concept, and is a great place to start. It would be helpful if parents would discuss the message of any book read as it comes up in the book, and again at the end. Parents are not always able to read every book their child reads, but often they watch television shows with them. Many children's shows also have a message. Discussing the message with the children as you watch can help build a foundation for reading.
Congratulations!
Thank you all for helping your child prepare for our second grade science fair. They did a fabulous job following the format, presenting, and explaining their findings. It was a learning experience for us all. We appreciate all of the parents who were able to come and be a part of the fun!
*Friday, March 2nd - Dr. Seuss' Birthday Celebration
*Friday, March 9th - Reading minutes party during lunch!
*Friday, March 9th - Report cards go home!
*Thursday, March 15th - 2nd Grade Musical
*Monday, March 26th - Monday, April 2nd - Spring Break
*Wednesday, April 11th - No school - Furlough Day!
*Friday, April 20th and Monday, April 23rd - Assessment Days - Appointed times only!
*Wednesday, April 25th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15pm.
Reminders:
*Be sure your child brings his/her favorite Dr. Seuss book/s to school on Friday, March 2nd. Also, encourage your child to dress up as his/her favorite Dr. Seuss character.
*Please return the report card envelope!
*Begin filling out the March Reading Minutes! Remember to complete the writing activity that goes along with your minutes.
Literacy
Reading:
We are working very hard reviewing comprehension strategies, word attack skills, vocabulary, and fluency during our shared and guided reading. Students are enjoying varieties of non-ficiton texts which align nicely with our writing. During the month of March we will be experiencing stories from diverse cultures. The second grade classes are working hard to get their book reviews posted on the Leawood website under learning commons and 2nd grade reads. Hopefully, by the end of the month, each student will have a review posted. Be sure to check it out!
Fundations- We have just finished up Unit #11 in which we focused on the vowel teams: ee, ea and ey. During Unit #12 we will work on the following: *Sounds of oi and oy *Spelling generalizations of the /oi/ sound. *Combining the "D" syllable with other syllable types *Trick Words: mother, father, brother, neighbor, early, ocean
Writing:
The children are having a blast writing persuasive paragraphs and letters! They have asked for longer recesses, no homework, crazy pets, and interesting lunch choices. Reading the persuasive books for shared reading, read aloud, and independent reading has been a favorite activity. The children have learned a lot about this genre from the mentor texts. They have become experts on the difference between facts and opinions. Providing reasons and details to support their opinions has been a main target for this genre. During the month of March we will be focusing on factual description and short stories.
Math: We are currently working in Unit #8. The lesson objectives consist of the following:
*Equal Parts of ONE
*Exploring Fractions, Multiplication and Division, and Volume
*Collections of Things
*Equivalent Fractions
*Equivalent Fractions Using Fraction Cards
*Comparing Fractions
*Fraction Number Stories
Unit #9 will cover the following objectives:
*Measuring with Yards & Meters
*Fractional Units of Length
*Perimeter
*Measuring Longer Distances
*Weight
*Exploring Capacity, Area, and Measures
Social Studies:
The children were thoroughly engrossed in our study of Harriet Tubman, slavery, and the Underground Railroad. They had many questions and curiosities. We are well into our study of economics. Students are discussing the differences between producers/consumers,needs/wants, and goods/services. We will also be learning about capital resources, natural resources, scarcity, surplus,and opportunity cost.
Parent Tips: Author's Message, (a.k.a. moral or lesson) can be very difficult for the children to understand on their own. Reading fables is an excellent way to help children understand this difficult concept, and is a great place to start. It would be helpful if parents would discuss the message of any book read as it comes up in the book, and again at the end. Parents are not always able to read every book their child reads, but often they watch television shows with them. Many children's shows also have a message. Discussing the message with the children as you watch can help build a foundation for reading.
Congratulations!
Thank you all for helping your child prepare for our second grade science fair. They did a fabulous job following the format, presenting, and explaining their findings. It was a learning experience for us all. We appreciate all of the parents who were able to come and be a part of the fun!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
February Second Grade News - 2012
Dates to remember:
*Wednesday, February 1st - Second Science Fair - 2:00-3:30
*Tuesday, February 14th - Valentines' Day Party - 2:30-3:30
*Wednesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 16th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences are by teacher request only. If you did not receive a request form and would like a conference, please contact your child's teacher.
*Friday, February 17th - No School - Staff Development
*Monday, February 20th - No School - Presidents' Day
*Wednesday, February 29th - Early Release Day - 1:15 dismissal
*Friday, March 9th - Report Cards go home
*March 15th - Second grade musical - More info. will follow
*March 26 - April 2 - Spring Break
Reminders:
Turn in January reading minutes and assignment.
*Begin filling out reading minutes for February.
*Be sure your child has a Valentine Card for every child.
*Remind your child to be sure to get the same lunch choice in the cafeteria that he/she ordered in the classroom in the morning.
Literacy
Reading: The children have been reading a variety of non-fiction and fiction books during our literacy block. When reading the fiction books we are focusing on the following skills:
*Predicting - Making reasonable predictions that go beyond the text
*Retelling - Explain the sequence of the story using character names
*Making connections
These skills are covered in the Independent Reading Assignment that comes home monthly, so please be sure your child is completing this.
When reading non-fiction texts we are focusing on the following skills:
*Text structure
*Using diagrams, charts, and graphs to gain information
*Using background knowledge to build deeper understanding
*Making connections
Fundations: We are currently working on Unit #9 in Fundations. This unit covers r-controlled syllable types, sounds of and spelling options of er, ir and ur. We are combining these r controlled syllables with other syllable types. The following are trick words introduced in this unit: picture, learn, and earth
Writing: We Have finished up the Instruction (How to) Genre in Every Child a Writer. We are beginning persuasive writing. The following is a revision checklist that will help guide the childrens' writing:
My beginning sentence tells my opinion on an issue.
I have two reasons that support my side of the issue.
Each reason may include a detail about it.
Each sentence is complete and makes sense.
My ending paragraph sums up my opinion.
After exploring the persuasive genre we will head into factual description.
Math
We have just started Unit#7 in Everyday Math.
Our learning goals for this unit include:
*count up and back by 2s, 5s, and 10s
*skip count on a calculator
*Use a number grid and a calculator to find the difference between two digit #s
*find halves of even #s
*find and record patterns for doubling and halving
*read numbers on a bath scale
*calculate dollar and coin amounts
*collect and record data
*compare inches and centimeters
*measure length and distances
*order and compare numbers
*find the median of a data set using concrete materials
Science/Social Studies:
During our History Unit: Connecting the Past to the Present, we were able to enjoy viewing many artifacts from the past. Thanks to Mrs. Dancy, we got to see a video of what was on the property of Leawood Elementary before construction began. She was also able to share with us the video of the first day of school ever at Leawood Elementary. Students explored record players, old snow shoes, cast iron tea kettles, a pair of old boots, etc... Viewing the Leawood photo albums and yearbooks from the 1980s was quite a treat. The majority of the second graders felt that they prefer 2012! Our next unit of study is Economics which will focus on opportunity cost, scarcity, surplus, goods/wants, services, etc...
Parent Tips:
Reading fluently can really help improve children's comprehension, or understanding of reading materials. Please help your child practice reading fluently at home by rereading the same sentence or paragraph while "phrasing" words together and using good expression. Children may even practice reading fluently by reading their own writing repeatedly. To make it more interesting, they may choose different people to read to, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, or friends.
Thank you for all you do!
The Second Grade Teachers
*Wednesday, February 1st - Second Science Fair - 2:00-3:30
*Tuesday, February 14th - Valentines' Day Party - 2:30-3:30
*Wednesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 16th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences are by teacher request only. If you did not receive a request form and would like a conference, please contact your child's teacher.
*Friday, February 17th - No School - Staff Development
*Monday, February 20th - No School - Presidents' Day
*Wednesday, February 29th - Early Release Day - 1:15 dismissal
*Friday, March 9th - Report Cards go home
*March 15th - Second grade musical - More info. will follow
*March 26 - April 2 - Spring Break
Reminders:
Turn in January reading minutes and assignment.
*Begin filling out reading minutes for February.
*Be sure your child has a Valentine Card for every child.
*Remind your child to be sure to get the same lunch choice in the cafeteria that he/she ordered in the classroom in the morning.
Literacy
Reading: The children have been reading a variety of non-fiction and fiction books during our literacy block. When reading the fiction books we are focusing on the following skills:
*Predicting - Making reasonable predictions that go beyond the text
*Retelling - Explain the sequence of the story using character names
*Making connections
These skills are covered in the Independent Reading Assignment that comes home monthly, so please be sure your child is completing this.
When reading non-fiction texts we are focusing on the following skills:
*Text structure
*Using diagrams, charts, and graphs to gain information
*Using background knowledge to build deeper understanding
*Making connections
Fundations: We are currently working on Unit #9 in Fundations. This unit covers r-controlled syllable types, sounds of and spelling options of er, ir and ur. We are combining these r controlled syllables with other syllable types. The following are trick words introduced in this unit: picture, learn, and earth
Writing: We Have finished up the Instruction (How to) Genre in Every Child a Writer. We are beginning persuasive writing. The following is a revision checklist that will help guide the childrens' writing:
My beginning sentence tells my opinion on an issue.
I have two reasons that support my side of the issue.
Each reason may include a detail about it.
Each sentence is complete and makes sense.
My ending paragraph sums up my opinion.
After exploring the persuasive genre we will head into factual description.
Math
We have just started Unit#7 in Everyday Math.
Our learning goals for this unit include:
*count up and back by 2s, 5s, and 10s
*skip count on a calculator
*Use a number grid and a calculator to find the difference between two digit #s
*find halves of even #s
*find and record patterns for doubling and halving
*read numbers on a bath scale
*calculate dollar and coin amounts
*collect and record data
*compare inches and centimeters
*measure length and distances
*order and compare numbers
*find the median of a data set using concrete materials
Science/Social Studies:
During our History Unit: Connecting the Past to the Present, we were able to enjoy viewing many artifacts from the past. Thanks to Mrs. Dancy, we got to see a video of what was on the property of Leawood Elementary before construction began. She was also able to share with us the video of the first day of school ever at Leawood Elementary. Students explored record players, old snow shoes, cast iron tea kettles, a pair of old boots, etc... Viewing the Leawood photo albums and yearbooks from the 1980s was quite a treat. The majority of the second graders felt that they prefer 2012! Our next unit of study is Economics which will focus on opportunity cost, scarcity, surplus, goods/wants, services, etc...
Parent Tips:
Reading fluently can really help improve children's comprehension, or understanding of reading materials. Please help your child practice reading fluently at home by rereading the same sentence or paragraph while "phrasing" words together and using good expression. Children may even practice reading fluently by reading their own writing repeatedly. To make it more interesting, they may choose different people to read to, such as parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, or friends.
Thank you for all you do!
The Second Grade Teachers
Saturday, December 31, 2011
January 2012 - Second Grade News
Dates to Know:
*Tuesday, January 3rd - No school/Staff Development
*Wednesday, January 4th - First day back to school
*Monday, January 16th - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
*Wednesday, February 1st - Second Grade Science Fair - 2:00-3:30 (Letter went home on Friday, January 6th)
*Wednesday, January 25th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15/Staff Development
*Wednesday, February 1st - Reading minutes are due
*Friday, February 10th - Reading minutes party during lunch
*Tuesday, February 14th - Valentine's Day Party - 2:30-3:30
*February 15-16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - More info. to follow
*Friday, February 17th - No school/Staff Development Day
*Monday, February 20th - No school - Presidents' Day
*Wednesday, February 29th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15/Staff Development
Reminders:
*Due to the dry climate, be sure your child is bringing his/her water bottle on a daily basis.
*Fill out January reading minutes and written response.
*Return Friday folder on Monday, if possible.
*Please turn in science fair project choice no later than Friday, January 20th.
*Parent volunteers will be needed during the 2nd Grade Science Fair on Wednesday, February 1st from 2:00-3:30. Please let your child's teacher know if you are able to help out.
Literacy
Reading
As our children are engaged in independent reading activities, we are working with small groups or having one on one reading conferences to meet individual reading goals. The following strategies are our focus for this month:
Comprehension Strategies-
*Determine importance
*Compare & contrast two texts on the same topic
*Determine author's purpose
*Form opinions about authors, illustrators, and texts
Fluency
*Rate/expression
*Vocal inflections
Vocabulary
*Distinguish shades of meaning between related verbs
*Recognize that adding prefixes changes the meaning of root/base words
Reading assessments will also be given during the month of January.
Fundations:
We are beginning Unit #8 in Fundations. The unit concepts include:
*R-controlled syllable type
*Sounds of ar and or
*Combining r-controlled syllables with other syllable types
Trick Words: world, answer, eye, carry, something, different
Writing
We have transitioned from the personal recount genre to the instruction genre (How to...) in writing. The instruction genre gives precise, step by step guidelines for completing a task. Some topics we may be writing about are:
*How to brush your teeth
*How to make a bookmark
*How to clean your room
*How to make breakfast
Our focus will be on conventions, subject modifiers, transitional words/expressions, present tense, second person perspective, and adverbs.
During the month of January we will also work on writing persuasive pieces.
Math
We have completed Unit #5 and have just begun Unit #6. In this unit we will be covering the following skills:
*Adding three or more numbers
*Describe and solve comparison number stories
*Use data in a tally chart to draw and interpret a bar graph
*Solve 2-digit addition and subtraction problems with number stories
*Use and explain strategies for solving 2-digit by 2-digit subtraction problems
*Make arrays to represent equal groups
*Create complements of $1.00 using nickels, dimes, and quarters
*Create multiplication number stories using rectangular arrays
*Solve division number stories using concrete objects
Science/Social Studies
During the month of January we will be studying the history of Littleton and Leawood Elementary by connecting the past to the present. If you have lived in this area for a long time and feel that you could share some of the changes in our community, please contact your child's teacher. We would love to have a few guest speakers to broaden our understanding of our past. Economics, Choices, and Decision Making will be our next unit of study.
Thank you to all of those parents who came through for us during our holiday parties! The children were busy playing games, making crafts, and eating delicious treats. We appreciate you!
*Tuesday, January 3rd - No school/Staff Development
*Wednesday, January 4th - First day back to school
*Monday, January 16th - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
*Wednesday, February 1st - Second Grade Science Fair - 2:00-3:30 (Letter went home on Friday, January 6th)
*Wednesday, January 25th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15/Staff Development
*Wednesday, February 1st - Reading minutes are due
*Friday, February 10th - Reading minutes party during lunch
*Tuesday, February 14th - Valentine's Day Party - 2:30-3:30
*February 15-16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - More info. to follow
*Friday, February 17th - No school/Staff Development Day
*Monday, February 20th - No school - Presidents' Day
*Wednesday, February 29th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15/Staff Development
Reminders:
*Due to the dry climate, be sure your child is bringing his/her water bottle on a daily basis.
*Fill out January reading minutes and written response.
*Return Friday folder on Monday, if possible.
*Please turn in science fair project choice no later than Friday, January 20th.
*Parent volunteers will be needed during the 2nd Grade Science Fair on Wednesday, February 1st from 2:00-3:30. Please let your child's teacher know if you are able to help out.
Literacy
Reading
As our children are engaged in independent reading activities, we are working with small groups or having one on one reading conferences to meet individual reading goals. The following strategies are our focus for this month:
Comprehension Strategies-
*Determine importance
*Compare & contrast two texts on the same topic
*Determine author's purpose
*Form opinions about authors, illustrators, and texts
Fluency
*Rate/expression
*Vocal inflections
Vocabulary
*Distinguish shades of meaning between related verbs
*Recognize that adding prefixes changes the meaning of root/base words
Reading assessments will also be given during the month of January.
Fundations:
We are beginning Unit #8 in Fundations. The unit concepts include:
*R-controlled syllable type
*Sounds of ar and or
*Combining r-controlled syllables with other syllable types
Trick Words: world, answer, eye, carry, something, different
Writing
We have transitioned from the personal recount genre to the instruction genre (How to...) in writing. The instruction genre gives precise, step by step guidelines for completing a task. Some topics we may be writing about are:
*How to brush your teeth
*How to make a bookmark
*How to clean your room
*How to make breakfast
Our focus will be on conventions, subject modifiers, transitional words/expressions, present tense, second person perspective, and adverbs.
During the month of January we will also work on writing persuasive pieces.
Math
We have completed Unit #5 and have just begun Unit #6. In this unit we will be covering the following skills:
*Adding three or more numbers
*Describe and solve comparison number stories
*Use data in a tally chart to draw and interpret a bar graph
*Solve 2-digit addition and subtraction problems with number stories
*Use and explain strategies for solving 2-digit by 2-digit subtraction problems
*Make arrays to represent equal groups
*Create complements of $1.00 using nickels, dimes, and quarters
*Create multiplication number stories using rectangular arrays
*Solve division number stories using concrete objects
Science/Social Studies
During the month of January we will be studying the history of Littleton and Leawood Elementary by connecting the past to the present. If you have lived in this area for a long time and feel that you could share some of the changes in our community, please contact your child's teacher. We would love to have a few guest speakers to broaden our understanding of our past. Economics, Choices, and Decision Making will be our next unit of study.
Thank you to all of those parents who came through for us during our holiday parties! The children were busy playing games, making crafts, and eating delicious treats. We appreciate you!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
November/December Second Grade News
Dates to know:
*Friday, November 11th - Veterans'/Special Guests' Day- 10:30-11:45
*Thursday, November 17th - Report cards go home
*Monday, November 21th - Friday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Break
*Friday, December 16th - Holiday Party 2:30-3:45
*Monday, December 19 - January 2 - Winter Break
*January 3rd - No School - Staff Development
*January 4th - School starts for students
*Monday, Janauary 16th - Martin Luther King Day - No school
*Wednesday, January 25th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15
Reminders:
*Please send in the following for Veterans'/Special Guests' Day on Friday:
Girls: Cookies
Boys: Juice bags or boxes
*Be filling out reading minutes for November.
*Be sure your child has a warm coat for recess, we will be going outside.
*Have your child practice his/her math skills by playing Everyday Math online games.
Literacy
Reading: Reading instruction continues to cover comprehension, fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary. The children have been doing a great job memorizing their poems for Veterans'/Special Guests' Day! This is a wonderful way for them to practice their fluency. They are making great progress as they work independently, in partners, and small groups. Continue to have your child share the story elements (characters, setting, problem/resolution, beginning, middle and end) with you after reading a book independently or with you. For an extra challenge, see if your child can make connections to the story, tell you the main idea and/or author's message.
Fundations: Our instructional focus has been on words with suffixes. The children are learning to mark the base words and circle the suffix. We have discussed how each suffix changes the meaning of the root word and when to use each suffix. We are currently focusing on the following:
*vowel-consonant-e syllables
*two syllable words with closed and vowel-consonant-e syllables
*compound words
*exception and suffix -ive
Writing: We continue to work in the genre of Personal Recount. We are getting more comfortable with the timeline and providing details. The children are excited to share and write about their personal experiences. Our targets still include conventions (capitals & punctuation), descriptive words (modifiers), complete sentences, and proofreading. We have added transition words, commas in a series, and providing more details to enhance their stories. In addition to writing narratives, we have been working on descriptive poems in the form of acrostic, couplet, shape, and free verse poems. This is a great way for us to share our creative sides!
Math: We are currently working on Unit #4 in math. Our learning goals for this unit include:
*change to more number stories
*parts-and-total number stories
*reading temperatures on a thermometer
*estimation to solve problems
*adding 2 digit numbers mentally
*adding 2 and 3 digit numbers using paper and pencil
*measure lengths and distances
*partial sums addition algorithm
*explore area
Science/Social Studies: We are wrapping up our plant unit as we watch many of our bean plants wither away. Our field trip to O'Tooles' Nursery was a great way to extend our knowledge of plants. The plant soup was also a real hands on (mouths on) approach to gaining a greater understanding of plants. Students are currently researching biomes and discussing the weather, plants, animals, food chains of each habitat. We will also study George Washington Carver which will lead us into our new social studies unit: Connecting the Past to the Present.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
We are so thankful for the parent volunteers who were able to attend the field trip to O'Tooles' Nursery. Also, we appreciate all of your support with the pumpkin project, and sending in plant parts for our soup. All of these activities help make your child's learning experiences fun and memorable! The Halloween parties were a huge success! Thank you for the food items, crafts, games, and help that you gave. We couldn't have done it without you. A special thanks to all of the parents who are able to help out in the classroom on a regular basis. We appreciate you support and the children look forward to working with you!
We wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
The Second Grade Team
*Friday, November 11th - Veterans'/Special Guests' Day- 10:30-11:45
*Thursday, November 17th - Report cards go home
*Monday, November 21th - Friday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Break
*Friday, December 16th - Holiday Party 2:30-3:45
*Monday, December 19 - January 2 - Winter Break
*January 3rd - No School - Staff Development
*January 4th - School starts for students
*Monday, Janauary 16th - Martin Luther King Day - No school
*Wednesday, January 25th - Early Release Day - Dismissal is at 1:15
Reminders:
*Please send in the following for Veterans'/Special Guests' Day on Friday:
Girls: Cookies
Boys: Juice bags or boxes
*Be filling out reading minutes for November.
*Be sure your child has a warm coat for recess, we will be going outside.
*Have your child practice his/her math skills by playing Everyday Math online games.
Literacy
Reading: Reading instruction continues to cover comprehension, fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary. The children have been doing a great job memorizing their poems for Veterans'/Special Guests' Day! This is a wonderful way for them to practice their fluency. They are making great progress as they work independently, in partners, and small groups. Continue to have your child share the story elements (characters, setting, problem/resolution, beginning, middle and end) with you after reading a book independently or with you. For an extra challenge, see if your child can make connections to the story, tell you the main idea and/or author's message.
Fundations: Our instructional focus has been on words with suffixes. The children are learning to mark the base words and circle the suffix. We have discussed how each suffix changes the meaning of the root word and when to use each suffix. We are currently focusing on the following:
*vowel-consonant-e syllables
*two syllable words with closed and vowel-consonant-e syllables
*compound words
*exception and suffix -ive
Writing: We continue to work in the genre of Personal Recount. We are getting more comfortable with the timeline and providing details. The children are excited to share and write about their personal experiences. Our targets still include conventions (capitals & punctuation), descriptive words (modifiers), complete sentences, and proofreading. We have added transition words, commas in a series, and providing more details to enhance their stories. In addition to writing narratives, we have been working on descriptive poems in the form of acrostic, couplet, shape, and free verse poems. This is a great way for us to share our creative sides!
Math: We are currently working on Unit #4 in math. Our learning goals for this unit include:
*change to more number stories
*parts-and-total number stories
*reading temperatures on a thermometer
*estimation to solve problems
*adding 2 digit numbers mentally
*adding 2 and 3 digit numbers using paper and pencil
*measure lengths and distances
*partial sums addition algorithm
*explore area
Science/Social Studies: We are wrapping up our plant unit as we watch many of our bean plants wither away. Our field trip to O'Tooles' Nursery was a great way to extend our knowledge of plants. The plant soup was also a real hands on (mouths on) approach to gaining a greater understanding of plants. Students are currently researching biomes and discussing the weather, plants, animals, food chains of each habitat. We will also study George Washington Carver which will lead us into our new social studies unit: Connecting the Past to the Present.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
We are so thankful for the parent volunteers who were able to attend the field trip to O'Tooles' Nursery. Also, we appreciate all of your support with the pumpkin project, and sending in plant parts for our soup. All of these activities help make your child's learning experiences fun and memorable! The Halloween parties were a huge success! Thank you for the food items, crafts, games, and help that you gave. We couldn't have done it without you. A special thanks to all of the parents who are able to help out in the classroom on a regular basis. We appreciate you support and the children look forward to working with you!
We wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
The Second Grade Team
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Leawood Lions' News - Grade 2
October News
Dates to know:
*Monday, October 24th - Send in Pumpkin Project - More info. to follow.
*Wednesday, October 26th - Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 1:15
*Wednesday, October 26th & Thursday, October 27th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Please sign up outside the front office if you haven't already!
*Friday, November 4th - Silent Auction
*Thursday, November 17th - Report Cards go home!
*November 21st - 25th - No school! Thanksgiving Break
TBA: Plant Soup & Tree Project
Reminders:
*When sending in money and permission slips for field trips, PLEASE put the slip and money in a sealed envelope or ziplock bag with your child's name and what the $ is for. We appreciate your help with this.
*Turn in September reading minutes. Our reading party will be on Friday, October 7th.
*Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the fall season; we will be going out for recess. Write your child's name in coats, mittens, and gloves.
*Play online Everyday Math Games for homework on Friday nights. See login and password card in your child's Homework Folder.
Literacy
Reading
We continue to do shared, partner, independent, and guided reading activities. Our instructional focus has been:
*Using schema (background knowledge) to make connections
*Predicting - Checking and changing
*Questioning - Ask questions before, during, and after reading
*Author's purpose - to inform, describe, or entertain
*Main Idea
*Fluency - fix up strategies: rereading words & phrases
*Use word knowledge to decode new and unfamiliar words (Fundations)
Fundations
We are wrapping up Unit #3 in Fundations. The following concepts have been covered and are being practiced:
Digraphs, Blends, Glued Sounds, Closed Syllables, Closed Syllable Exceptions, Story Retelling, Trick Words, and Vocabulary.
Writing
We continue to study the genre of Personal Description.
Our Targets include:
*Correct paragraph structure - Indent & Return Sweep
*Naming topic in first sentence
*Capitalization & Punctuation
*Use of modifiers (descriptive words) to convey meaning
*Use of complete sentences
*Proofreading own writing (notice and correct errors)
Math
We are in the middle of Unit #2 in Everyday Math.
Our learning goals include:
Addition and Subtraction Number Stories
Doubles Facts
Turn-Around Facts and the 9 Shortcut
Fact Families
Exploring Weights, Scales, and Equal Groups
Name Collections
Frames -and- Arrows Routines
"What's My Rule?" Routines
Math Homework: We will be sending home the students' Homework Folders on Fridays. We are asking that you have your child play 15 minutes or more of an online Everyday Math game for Friday homework. The extra practice will really help your child build a deeper understanding of concepts being taught. Thank you for your support!
Science
The plant unit has been quite a success! The children's bean plants have grown taller than ever. We are acting as scientists by questioning, investigating, observing, using tools, recording, and sharing ideas.
Essential questions for our plant unit:
*How are structure and function related?
*Why are there different forms of life on Earth?
*What is the relationship between living and non-living things in the world?
Parent Volunteers: Thank you for all of your help! We have been able to enrich, practice skills, and use technology because of you. The children really enjoy the extra special attention!
Thank you to those parents who were able to help out on our Hudson Gardens Field Trip. The weather was perfect and lots of wonderful learning blossomed!
Dates to know:
*Monday, October 24th - Send in Pumpkin Project - More info. to follow.
*Wednesday, October 26th - Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 1:15
*Wednesday, October 26th & Thursday, October 27th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Please sign up outside the front office if you haven't already!
*Friday, November 4th - Silent Auction
*Thursday, November 17th - Report Cards go home!
*November 21st - 25th - No school! Thanksgiving Break
TBA: Plant Soup & Tree Project
Reminders:
*When sending in money and permission slips for field trips, PLEASE put the slip and money in a sealed envelope or ziplock bag with your child's name and what the $ is for. We appreciate your help with this.
*Turn in September reading minutes. Our reading party will be on Friday, October 7th.
*Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the fall season; we will be going out for recess. Write your child's name in coats, mittens, and gloves.
*Play online Everyday Math Games for homework on Friday nights. See login and password card in your child's Homework Folder.
Literacy
Reading
We continue to do shared, partner, independent, and guided reading activities. Our instructional focus has been:
*Using schema (background knowledge) to make connections
*Predicting - Checking and changing
*Questioning - Ask questions before, during, and after reading
*Author's purpose - to inform, describe, or entertain
*Main Idea
*Fluency - fix up strategies: rereading words & phrases
*Use word knowledge to decode new and unfamiliar words (Fundations)
Fundations
We are wrapping up Unit #3 in Fundations. The following concepts have been covered and are being practiced:
Digraphs, Blends, Glued Sounds, Closed Syllables, Closed Syllable Exceptions, Story Retelling, Trick Words, and Vocabulary.
Writing
We continue to study the genre of Personal Description.
Our Targets include:
*Correct paragraph structure - Indent & Return Sweep
*Naming topic in first sentence
*Capitalization & Punctuation
*Use of modifiers (descriptive words) to convey meaning
*Use of complete sentences
*Proofreading own writing (notice and correct errors)
Math
We are in the middle of Unit #2 in Everyday Math.
Our learning goals include:
Addition and Subtraction Number Stories
Doubles Facts
Turn-Around Facts and the 9 Shortcut
Fact Families
Exploring Weights, Scales, and Equal Groups
Name Collections
Frames -and- Arrows Routines
"What's My Rule?" Routines
Math Homework: We will be sending home the students' Homework Folders on Fridays. We are asking that you have your child play 15 minutes or more of an online Everyday Math game for Friday homework. The extra practice will really help your child build a deeper understanding of concepts being taught. Thank you for your support!
Science
The plant unit has been quite a success! The children's bean plants have grown taller than ever. We are acting as scientists by questioning, investigating, observing, using tools, recording, and sharing ideas.
Essential questions for our plant unit:
*How are structure and function related?
*Why are there different forms of life on Earth?
*What is the relationship between living and non-living things in the world?
Parent Volunteers: Thank you for all of your help! We have been able to enrich, practice skills, and use technology because of you. The children really enjoy the extra special attention!
Thank you to those parents who were able to help out on our Hudson Gardens Field Trip. The weather was perfect and lots of wonderful learning blossomed!
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