Welcome to Second Grade

Curriculum Night

Introducing: Mrs. Mendez, Mrs. Lowery, and Mrs. Smith

Lights, Camera, Action!

Spotlight on

Success!!!

Second Grade is now departmentalized and here are the subjects each teacher is responsible for teaching:

Mrs. Lowery- Reading and Writing Workshop

Mrs. Smith- Social Studies/Science and Skills Block

Mrs. Mendez- Math

**Each class lasts for 1 ½ hours.

Reading Workshop•Curriculum: First 30 Days of Reader’s Workshop, Comprehension Toolkit, Interactive Read Alouds and more… (following the district scope and sequence)

•Workshop Model:

Opening: Teacher introduces a strategy or tool and models how it can be used when reading(10-

15min)

Working Period: Students read while practicing their new “tool” while teacher conducts guided

reading groups (25 min)

Closing: Students discuss how they were able to use their “tool” when reading, teacher closes

the lesson (10 min)

•Establishing routines and rituals for the workshop

Writing Workshop•Curriculum: First 30 Days of Writing Workshop, Lucy Calkins, Write from the Beginning and more…. (following district scope and sequence)•Workshop Model:

Opening: Teacher introduces a skill or tool and models how it can be used when writing(10-

15min)

Working Period: Students write while practicing their new “tool” while teacher works with small groups

(25 min)

Closing/Author’s Chair: Students discuss how they were able to use their “tool” when writing, students share their writing, and teacher closes the lesson (10 min)

•Establishing rituals and routines for workshop

Math

•Number Corner- Calendar math

•Target the Question

•Math Workshop: Opening or Mini-lesson (introduce a new concept, strategy, or game)

Work Period (allow them to practice that skill individually, in pairs, or

groups)

Closing/Discussion (we discuss strategies they used and they share their thinking)

•Curriculum- Math Investigations and Envision

Math Investigations

Math Investigations is a curriculum that we began using last year, It really challenges the students to really think about how they do mathematics. They are better able to explain their thinking, perform tasks in

different ways, and explore new strategies as they solve problems. Please support us

by asking your child about the way they solve problems and let them explain their

thinking!

Science•Science Days – Monday, Wednesday, and Alternating Fridays•Learning about –

Scientific MethodHands-on Science (lab activities)

•Science Inquiry Showcase- March 25th (class projects)•Curriculum is vertically aligned with other grade levels•Following district scope and sequence

Social Studies•Social Studies Days – Tuesday, Thursday,

and Alternating Fridays•Learning about—

Life in a communityMap skillsTo become a responsible citizenOur state and country

•Following district scope and sequence

Skills Block

Daily Activities:•Phonics•Handwriting•Proofreading•Parts of speech•Spelling - Test on Friday•Following district scope and sequence

•Students visit the library on Tuesdays

Lowery – 8:45 – 9:30amMendez – 10:50 – 11:35amSmith – 1:20 – 2:05pmLibrary Programs: Reading Champions and Reading Takes Me UP and Away

Library

Homework and AgendasEach week your child will have homework in the following subjects:

Reading- read a total of one hour each week (please record in the reading log)

Math- weekly homework (a few problems each day)

Spelling –practicing spelling words using different methodsEach day your child writes the objective or

guiding questions for each subject. The purpose of this is so that parents are able to stay up to date about what they are learning in each subject, as well as to give parents questions to ask their children so that the concepts are reinforced at home.

Grading Policy

•Formative grades are worth 40% of their grade

(examples: daily grades, spelling, practice)

•Summative grades are worth 60% of their grade

(examples: units tests, assessments)

•Each six weeks your child will have a minimum of 8 Language Arts grades, 8 Math grades, 6 Social Studies grades, and 6 Science grades. If your child makes a higher grade on a summative grade than on the formative grades, the teacher shall drop the lowest formative grade associated with that summative grade.

Standard Based Bulletin Boards

Purpose: to showcase student work that meets the standards and expectations

Commentary is provided by the teacher explaining how that student met the standard.

New boards will be put up monthly.

•DRA Reading Assessment- completed 3 times a year (goal is to be a level 28 when leaving second grade)

•NO TPRI this year (we will be adding another component to DRA)

•Math Assessment- completed 3 times a year

•COGat/ITBS Testing- All 2nd Graders will be tested in

March 2010

Assessments

Reminders:Please help your child remember to:

-have their behavior chart and agenda signed nightly

-complete all homework and return on Fridays

-wear tennis shoes on PE days

-return library books on Tuesdays

-get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast

Please remember to visit our team website and individual teacher websites for spelling activities, helpful academic websites, our weekly newsletter, and specific contact information for all the teachers.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail.

Let’s work together to make it a great year for your

child!