Weekly Update 9/12

Week two was another great week here in second grade.  I hope your child enjoyed it as much as I did!  We accomplished all that we had set out to, including introducing one Daily 5 choice, beginning our new science unit, and getting writing and math routines going.

In the past I have used my BLOG to update you on what's to come in the following week.  However, starting this week I am going to use this forum to inform you of what we've already done in the classroom.  This will give me an opportunity to share photos of our classroom and students, as well as get the kids involved in helping me write the BLOG updates.  I hope you will find these types of updates informative and fun.

On that note, here are some photos from this past week I'd like to share:

We kicked off Daily 5 by introducing and practicing the "Read to Self" component.  The kids did a great job, increasing their "stamina" to stay on task and read quietly for up to 12 minutes by the end of the week!

The first science unit, Plant and Animal Survival, kicked off with some great discussion and a chance to take a nature walk to observe plants and animals around Robinson School.  Despite the heat, we were able to see quite a variety of living things.

"Star of the Week" was introduced to the children on Friday.  Each week one child will be chosen to be our "Star" for the week.  That child gets to bring in photos and other special items that tell about themselves.  We will display those items for the entire week, and the child will get to present their items to the class on Fridays.  This week I got to be the 'Star"!!  It was a fun way to demonstrate what "Star of the Week" might look and sound like.

**Second Grade Homework starts this week!  Please check your child's folder daily for homework assignments, beginning Monday, September 12th.  We will start with only the Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe and Reading Log. Your child will be expected to practice their spelling words at least three nights per week. The Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe sheet will have a variety of choices for your child to pick from in order to practice their words. Also, second graders are expected to read for at least 15 minutes per night. Your child will record what book they read and the number of minutes they read on their weekly Reading Log. There is also a place for parent initials. Both the Reading Log and Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe sheets should remain in your child's Take Home Folder all week and will be passed in on Fridays. Thank you for your help and support on homework.

**Just a reminder that Curriculum Night for 2nd Grade Parents will be on September 19th from 7:00-7:45pm.  



Have a great week.  I look forward to meeting you all very soon!