Getting into the swing of things!

It is hard to believe that today marked the 15th day of school! We have been so busy here in 2nd grade! I have really enjoyed getting to know your children these few weeks.

In Language Arts, we continue our author study of Kevin Henkes. We are also doing some reading comprehension and writing activities with fairy tales. During Writer's Workshop students are working on the elements of sentences, as well as how to use question words like "who", "what", "when", "where", "how", and "why" to make good sentences into home run sentences. Later this week, we will talk about subject and predicate and what makes a sentence a complete idea.

In science, students are getting prepared for the arrival of our Monarch caterpillars next week! We have studied some different life cycles, as well as what makes an insect an insect. Today, we looked at the parts of a caterpillar and discussed the word "metamorphosis". When our larvae arrive, we will begin to make written scientific observations and learn about butterflies!

In Math Expressions unit 1, we continue to look at story problems, money, and addition/subraction strategies. Students have been practicing making "proof pictures" to show their math strategies. I will soon be sending home login information so that you can get into the Math Expressions website and do some exploring. Thank you for your diligence in helping your children complete math homework each night! So many students have already filled up at least one homework punch card.

Students will take a spelling test and receive new spelling words tomorrow. Please remember that some form of spelling homework is due between new spelling words being given on Wednesday and the following Tuesday. Even a note from you saying your child practiced spelling at home that work is fine and earns a punch on a homework punch card!

Two forms came home today for you to fill out. The first is a blanket authorization form to participate in field trips inside the Lawrence area. This will need to be on file for students to go to the Lied Center this winter for a production, so please send it back as soon as possible. The other form is information about our school celebration of Grandparent's Day! Students are inviting their grandparents to our school on September 10 at 3:00 for refreshments and reading. We will meet in our classroom. If grandparents are unable to attend, students are welcome to invite a parent, great-aunt, uncle, etc. to take their place! This should be a fun afternoon, and we are all really looking forward to it!

If you did not have a chance to stop in and sign up for a conference on either November 10 or 11, please contact me as soon as possible to set up a time. If you have any questions or concerns and would like to set up a short meeting before then, let me know!

Have a great week!

Welcome back!

I am so excited to be starting a new school year! It has been great getting to know your 2nd graders the past few days. Rather than sending home a paper newsletter this year, I will be posting important class information on this blog. When there is an update, I will send out an e-mail. I plan to update at least every other week. I encourage you to check in often. To the right, there are several links that will be helpful to you and your 2nd grade student this year! These links will change periodically to tie in with our curriculum.

Don't forget that the 2nd grade curriculum night is this Thursday, August 19, at 6:00 in our classroom. I hope to see all of you then!