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Curriculum NightMrs. Lawrence~ 2nd Grade

B.J. Hooper Elementary

All About Me*My Background- Live in Round Lake Beach

-Grew up in Racine, WI

*My Family

*My Experience-Graduated from College of Charleston

-Degree in Elementary Education (K-8)

-Masters in Curriculum and Instruction

-This is my 14th year at BJ Hooper

The Second Grade Team

»Sue Frick»Dee Groenwald»Jennifer Lawrence

We will be working together closely this year. Our teamwork will include the following:

Planning common lessons and activities

Effectively utilizing and maximizing the time in each school day

Modifying lessons to meet students’ needs

Common Core Standards

Illinois has adopted the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and Math beginning the 2012-2013 school year.

District 41 curriculum is aligned with Common Core Standards.

PowerSchool

Attendance

Communication

Grades

Report Cards

PowerSchool parent informational video is available at www.district41.org

PowerSchool is our online resource that is used for:

H.E.R.O.BooksHelping Everyone Remain

Organized

You can expect to see your child’s HERO Book everyday. Inside, you

will find a(n):

Money PocketHomework FolderImportant Papers FolderSuperhero Work FolderHomework Log

*Take Note: Please check and remove items from your child’s folder each day. This helps me

to know that you received the information.

Envision MathThe Envision Math program allows students to participate in mathematic activities that:

Incorporate hands-on experiences in which students utilize math manipulatives

Encourage math discussion that allow for a deeper understanding of math vocabulary

Engage students to explore mathematic concepts through visual and animated images presented on the Smart board.

*Take Note: Homework will be differentiated to meet the needs of your child. However, the concepts presented

will be the same.

Writing Instruction

2nd Grade writing instruction focuses on:

Opinion

Narrative

Informational

6 + 1 Traits of Writing

Writing Process

Writer’s Workshop

These skills are achieved through journal writing, guided/independent writing, and shared writing.

Social StudiesThe focus of Social Studies in 2nd Grade includes the following units of study:

Communities

Technology

Map Skills

Government

Economics

Landforms

ScienceIn Science, we use inquiry based methods to study…

Matter/Physical Changes

Habitats (Plants and Animals)

Plants and their Life Cycles

LiteracyYour child will be exposed to a variety of literacy concepts in these areas:

Reading

Word Study

Writing

Sharing and Expressing Ideas

Researching and Presenting

Reading GenresWe will be learning about different genres and identifying what makes each type of genre unique.

Literature

Mystery

Informational

Poetry

Daily FiveThe Daily Five includes 5 types of

activities for children to do independently to build their

reading skills.

The five types of activities include:

Read to Self

Read to Someone

Listen to Reading

Write to Read

Word Work

Guided Reading

In Guided Reading, the teacher works with small groups of children.

We will focus on:

Reading Strategies

Comprehension

Accuracy

Fluency

Expanding Vocabulary

We will be focusing on mastering all the second

grade core words.

The priority list provided to you has the first grade words

highlighted that your child has not yet mastered.

Word Preview

Word Test

Word Study

HomeworkWord Study

An assignment will come home for each word study unit.

Reading15-20 minutes of reading each nightPractice Poem from Great Poetry Race

Envision MathHomework assignments M-Th

*Take Note: Time will be given to complete in class work during the day. Unfinished work may

be sent home as homework if student is not using time wisely.

*Friday Homework: I do not send homework to be completed over the weekend.

Daily Schedule– Homeroom 8:10-8:25

– Intervention/Enrichment8:25-9:05

– Math 9:05-10:15

– Word Study/Handwriting 10:15-10:55

– Recess 10:55-11:15

– Lunch 11:15-11:35

– Writer’s Workshop 11:45-12:25

– Reader’s Workshop 12:25-1:30

– Science/Social Studies 1:30-2:00 (Pack Up)

– Specials 2:15-2:45 (Library is Thurs. 2:00-2:15)

– Dismissal 2:45-2:55

Behavioral Expectations

A positive approach to discipline is implemented in our 2nd Grade

classrooms.

Students are rewarded for…

Responsible behaviorBeing kind to othersTurning work in on timeFollowing directionsReceiving compliments from

adults Bucket Fillers

This year we have our own buckets. We are striving to be bucket fillers all the time throughout

our days by making people feel good.

If we make poor choices we dip into our buckets .

Celebrating Birthdays

Your child will be recognized on his/her birthday and is more than

welcome to bring in treats.

If your child was a summer baby, we would love to celebrate his/her half-birthday.

Please notify me prior to your child’s birthday so that we can make arrangements.

If you want to send in a treat, you may send in store bought treat, stickers, erasers, pencils, bookmarks, snacks, or a book to donate to the class library.

We currently have 21 students in our class. Please send enough for everyone.

Snack TimeYour child is more than welcome to bring a snack to

school. We have snack every afternoon.

Please try to send healthy snacks that are quick and easy to eat. NO CANDY! Suggestions:

*Fresh fruit *Packaged crackers

*Pretzels *Granola bars *Cut Veggies

If you would like to donate extra snacks for forgetful students,that would be fantastic!

Transportation Notes

It is very important to call the school or send a note when your child’s transportation routine changes for

any reason. In addition, please send a note if someone different will be

picking your child up from school.

If the school is not notified, your child will be sent home in

the regular manner.

CommunicationIt is extremely important to keep the lines of communication open

between home and school.

I will make every effort to keep you informed of your child’s progress here at school.

I hope you will also feel comfortable contacting me with any concerns, questions or celebrations.

I can be reached by email and phone.

Book OrdersBook orders are a wonderful to build

your

child’s home library.

If you choose to order, please send a check, made out to Scholastic Book Clubs. You can also order online with our class code.

Book orders will be sent home once a month.

*Did you Know?- When you order books, I earn points that add up to free books for our

classroom library!

VolunteersTyping or assisting in typing

writer’s workshop

stories

At home pencil sharpeners

Copying

At home cutting, gluing, etc.

PARTY MOMS or DADS

Please sign parent info formsbefore leaving.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend Curriculum

Night. I especially want to thank you for having such a WONDERFUL and precious

child! I truly love what I do and am looking forward to a fabulous year!

Star of the WeekEach student is a unique and

valued member of our classroom. Children will be given their own special week to show how bright they can shine!

PicturesFavorite BookDemonstrate/Share a Special Talent

Classroom Expectations

Students are expected to be respectful and responsible, do their personal best and be prepared! We have discussed

that we all have the right to:

Be happy and have fun!

Make mistakes

Teach

Learn

Have an opinion

Safety

Ask Questions

Possible Consequences

*Verbal Warning from Teacher (s)

*Teacher/Student Conference

*Phone call, email, or letter sent home

* Alternative Recess

*Student/Principal Conference