Friday, September 15, 2017

Weekly Update 9/15

It's been a pleasure meeting all of the children over the past few weeks! I can already tell that it's going to be a great year! We have been very busy in room 7, so I wanted to share some of the things we have been doing. Along with continuing to get to know one another, we have also begun establishing routines in many of our academic areas.


We have spent most of our reading blocks reviewing the Daily Five structure. For those new to Robinson or those unfamiliar with Daily Five, it is a literacy structure that allows for differentiation in the classroom and provides consistency. It is an integrated literacy instruction and classroom management system that is used during our literacy block. While I am working with small groups for Guided Reading, the other children have literacy “tasks” that include: Work on Words, Work on Writing, Read to Self, Read to Someone, and Listen to Reading. It takes a few weeks for me to assess all of the children and to determine their reading levels and while I am doing that, the children will build their stamina in each of the "task" areas. So far we have begun practicing Read to Self and Work on Words.

In math we are off and running with Unit 1. This unit does a lot of review of concepts learned in first grade and allows time for us to establish math routines in the classroom. We focused on number scrolls and number grids this week as tools to help us solve addition problems.

I also had a chance to assess the children on the 100-second grade high frequency words. This is done periodically throughout the year to see what words your child needs to practice. These words will become part of their weekly spelling words that they will practice at school and home. Hopefully your child shared their first spelling list with you this week. Spelling will be a weekly homework routine from this point forward. Please help your child practice their spelling words at least 3 times per week. There is more about homework at the end of this post.


"Star of the Week" was introduced to the children last 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. It is a great way for us to learn about one another and practice speaking in front of the large group. Last week I got to be the 'Star"!! It was a fun way to demonstrate what "Star of the Week" might look and sound like. Andrew was chosen as our "Star" for this week.

Finally, we began our first social studies unit on "Apple Economics." In the first lesson, the students learned about the apple tree and the "goods" that come from the tree. We then discussed some important vocabulary words that go along with our unit. Ask your child to tell you about these words: economics, goods, services, consumers, producers, and community. We had a chance to put the words in context by performing some plays for each other. This was a great way to see some kids really shine!

**Homework: Please check your child's folder daily for homework assignments. We started this past week with only the Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe routine mentioned above. 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. Please return the Tic-Tac-Toe to school each Friday.

-In addition to spelling, most night's your child will have a math worksheet that reviews a concept taught that day in class. This should be a quick, independent activity. All math assignments are due back the next day. If your child feels frustrated or doesn't seem to understand a certain concept, please send the homework sheet back with a note letting me know.

-Lastly, 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, which will be sent home on Monday. There is also a place for parent initials. The Reading Log should be passed in each Friday.

Thank you for your help and support on homework.

Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, September 19th is Curriculum Night from 6:00-6:45. This is a night for parents only as we will spend time sharing the second grade curriculum and routines. Robinson is providing childcare for children who currently attend Robinson or Crisafulli. If you're unable to make it, I will send home a folder with all the handouts on Wednesday with your child. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!



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