September 6th Post

Hello Parents!

     Have we got an exciting week planned or what?  It all kicks off with our very first Open House of the 2011-2012 School year on Tuesday at 6pm.  There will be a short PTA meeting and then everyone will be free to visit our classroom and ask me any questions you have.  It may help things if you come ready with questions or email me with your questions so that I can have a response ready. 
     Before breaking to our classroom the entire 2nd grade Team will go through standard grade level items in the Media Center.  These items include:  Homework for the Year, Math Differentiation, Fundations, The Healthy Snack Mandate from WCPSS, and Field Trips for the year.  Afterward, in my classroom (107A) I will explain things unique to my room such as an upcoming Social Studies Project, K.I.T.S. (Kids into Thinking), and how I hope to utilize you amazing parents for volunteers!  I will also have a conference schedule ready but please keep in mind that those dates will start in October after the first grading period has ended.

In the Classroom...

     this week your student will begin their 1st Lesson in FuNdAtIoNs!  This is a terrific spelling curriculum that I whole-heartedly believe in.  Please remember to keep the spelling homework packet at home so that your student can continue to practice the words and sounds over the entire two week unit.  This first unit will have your student reviewing blends (sh, ch, th, wh, ck) as well as how to mark them.  We will also have the extension word of the week which is Sham.  The definition of Sham is:  something false or empty that is purported to be genuine. 
     In Math, we will continue to examine word problems and problem solving strategies such as identifying key words and double checking our work.  Students who qualified will begin being pulled out for differentiation with Mrs. Tally Evans however I will continue to differentiate within my classroom so that all student receive the education which they deserve. 
     In Social Studies we will spend the next two weeks to learn about our community and how it has changed.  Specifically the Harvey's Heroes will take a quick look at the Colonial America, The Revolutionary War, and War of 1812.  On Friday, September 9th we will briefly discuss September 11th using some WCPSS recommended tools.  The following Friday (9-16) we will observe Constitution Day.  I'm hoping that some of you amazing parents will feel brave enough to prepare a few colonial recipes I found lying around the house:) 
     In reading we will continue to learn Comprehension Strategies from the Daily 5 and the Cafe.  I will also begin instructing small reading groups at the half-moon table in my room.  During our reading the individual reading groups will examine spelling patterns in the words that they see (in alignment with Fundations) as well as work on understanding the setting of a story.  Specifically, we will discuss how the setting can change over time.  This skill will help your student understand how a character changes over time in the future.  The books we will be reading are: Dom's Dragon, I Love You the Purplest, A Barrel of Gold, and Anansi and the Impossible.  Please be sure to ask your student which book they are reading! 
     Last week in writing we discussed how all good writers indent the first line of each sentences and use punctuation marks.  Each student also completed their unassisted writing sample which will be available to see at our first school conference in October.  This week, we will work on writing responses to what we have read in our Reading Journals.  You can help at home by having your student respond to what they thought of shows you have watched at home (Wizard of Waverly Place, etc).

Don't forget...

     *Open House is at 6pm in the Media Center.  The Second Grade Team will begin their explanation of procedures immediately after the PTA meeting.  Upon the conclusion of the Second Grade Presentation each teacher will take parents back to their respective classrooms for a question and answer session. 
     *Elective Registration is Wednesday and Electives begin next Monday!
     *The First Early Release of the Year is on Friday, September 16th at 1:15pm.  Please be sure to email me or send in any transportation changes by 8:45am that Friday or call the office.  I cannot be responsible for any emails regarding transportation changes after 8:45am as checking my email is very difficult once the school day has begun.