September/October Newsletter

Hello parents,
We are off to a fabulous start in Second Grade! 2A has been working very hard this month on learning new routines, and getting to know each other. Our classroom community is becoming stronger and stronger each day. I have especially loved hearing "CARES" phrases out of their mouths when trying to work through day to day routines or lessons.

Curriculum:

Reading: The students are just beginning to read The Library in their Open Court Reading book. Our focus on this story is rhyming. It would be helpful to ask your children to find rhyming words in the stories they are reading at home. We have also been working on using comprehension strategies while reading. When reading with your child at home, ask him/her questions about the story to check on comprehension. It would also be helpful to discuss the story as you read, so you are modeling good comprehension skills. Vocabulary will also be a main focus this year, so ask your children if they have learned any new words when they come home. Our word of the week last week was eerie. They also learned about the words nimble, strive, adventure, and searched. Thank you for your support in this area.

Math: We are still reviewing a lot of first grade skills in the math book. Students have been counting money, telling time, and learning place value. If the homework seems easy this month, that is a good thing! We are working on reviewing and making sure the second graders are solid with their skills from last year, before progressing into new skills. You will notice the Math Minutes that are sent home for homework will get progressively harder as the year goes on. If there is a problem your child doesn't understand, just circle it and we will go over with him/her when they return to school. Thank you for your support in this area! Also, please make sure your child is studying his/her math facts at least 3-4 times a week. Flash cards are a great tool to help with this.

Spelling: Each week the students have been pretested on the first 6-7 words on the weekly spelling test. If the students are passing with 100% accuracy, they are given a challenge list. If your child misses any of the pretest words he/she is given the original spelling list. If your child misses any pretest words, this would be helpful to focus on studying those words more throughout the week. Spelling tests are given every Friday, unless we don't have school or did not give a spelling list that week. Please refer to the homework log if you are unsure if there is a spelling list.

Social Studies: The students have been studying North America. They have been doing an excellent job of prompting discussion about mapping skills, and where thins are located on the continent. It would be helpful to discuss the U.S.A. at home, and quiz them from time to time about where they live, what state they live in, what country, what continent, etc. Thank you for your support with this!

Important Dates to Remember:
School Pictures: Tuesday, September 25- 8:25 AM

Happy Birthday Esther - September 27

Monday, October 1: 1:45PM Doris the Recycleasaurus comes to visit the Second Grade

Santa Maria- Oct. 4 We ask that parents are here by 9:00 AM. We also have a policy that we do not bring younger siblings on field trips. If you would like to meet us downtown, please be there by 10:00 AM, right in front of the ship! The tour usually lasts around 1 hour or so.

October 8: Columbus Day- No School

Lynd's Fruit Farm-Oct. 10 If parents want to attend they can meet us there at 11:30.

FYI for Lynd's: We will leave around 10:45, the tour starts at 11:30 and lasts about 30-40 minutes. We then can pick and lunch in the orchard (weather permitting) meaning we will leave there around 1, returning here about 1:30-2:00.

Also, we have Campfire Stories on October 18 with our PreK buddies, so if one parent would like to come and take pictures and help with handing out snacks...they can meet us out there around 10:00. It will last until 10:45.

October 26: Parent Teacher Conferences- all signups will be conducted online

October 31: Halloween Party 2:00 PM -More details to follow from the room mom.

We will also be attending the Art Museum with Lloyd Cicetti on November 2. He will arrange for parent volunteers.