Writing:
The second graders have started writing their first narrative piece. Everyone finished a plan and was able to try out a few different leads. We have been focusing on the structure of the personal narrative, or small moment story. It really helps to have the structure figured out before trying to add details and elaboration, so we will continue to make structure our focus next week too. We will talk about using transition words, and how to write a strong conclusion.
Math:
We had a really busy week in math! We talked about organizing data and graphing and started our Number Corner routine. The second graders also worked with partners to make number racks this week. Number racks are great tools for adding and subtracting, seeing the relationships of math facts to 20, counting by 5s and so much more. We will continue to use them next week and then they become an as-needed tool. They are pretty fun though and would be a great place to start a conversation about math with your second grader.
Phonics:
This week we reviewed some of the things we learned in first grade, and started working on adding to our phonics knowledge. This week we touched on the silent e and some of the vowel teams that help make the vowels say their name. We learned that usually it takes two vowels to make a long vowel sound, and we also started to learn about open and closed syllables. Next week we will continue that work, and honestly long vowels and syllable types will be a focus for most of the year. So don't be surprised if I mention long vowel patterns or syllable types in many more newsletters!
Reading:
We have been working so hard on our reading stamina, and are doing really well with it! We have not only been practicing picking good-fit books, but also picking good-fit spots to read in the classroom.We started a discussion on fluency by talking about the many ways a book can be read, how readers can match their voice to the character's. We will work on fluency next week as well.
Homework:
In case you haven't checked your child's yellow folder yet (no judgement - that was always me!) there is a page of homework in there. No worries though! It isn't officially due until next Friday. This week's practice is a silly picture sentence just like the ones we worked on in school. There is a rubric on the bottom of the page that your child can use to see if they wrote a 5-Star sentence. He or she can check off or color in a star for each of the things they included in their sentence, like punctuation, correct spacing and capital letters. Pro tip: Make fixes and then color in the star so you can turn in a 5-Star sentence! Thanks for helping your child practice at home!
A reading log also came home in your child's folder. Since our goal for homework is not to load you down with tons of extra work I would love it if you could help your second grader get about 20 minutes of reading every day. Remember that while reading outside of school is important, it is a goal, and somedays will fall short of the goal. On the days that your child is able to read please sign or initial the box on the calendar. In class we talked about leaving these calendars in the yellow folder so they don't get lost. We will talk about them a little more next week too. This is something new that we are going to try out as a class so we don't have all the details worked out yet.
Extra Information:
*The second grade teachers plan A LOT of fun activities for the second graders to do throughout the year. We would be very grateful if you would be willing to help us with any of the items we need to make the fun happen. When you look at t he list please check the dates next to the items, since some are coming up sooner than others. THANK YOU in advance! SignUpGenius
*Hot lunch IS free again this year! However, if your child just would like a milk it is not free. The cost is $0.60. Just a heads-up from our food service!
*September 20- Early Release Day
*September 24- School Pictures
*September 27- Color the Park! Mark your calendars for our FUNdraiser!
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