September News

I hope that you all enjoyed a long, relaxing Labor Day weekend!  As always, we have been very busy in 2nd grade.  Here's what's going on!

In math, students continue working on basic number sense with addition and subtraction facts, missing partner problems, story problems, counting change, and additional money problems.  This year, your child will learn many strategies for solving various types of problems.  Thank you for your continued support with homework at home as your child teaches you these many strategies!  We started our math break-out groups last week.  Students have really enjoyed working on math activities at their instructional level. 

During our language block, we are currently working on a study of fairy tales.  We have been looking at many traditional fairy tales (as well as some non-traditional versions!) and working on various comprehension activities with them.  So far, we have reviewed comparing and contrasting two different stories, story mapping, goal mapping, and writing about opinions.  During this time, 2nd graders are also learning how to write friendly letters and continue practicing sentence structure.  Please look for your child's first spelling list to come home next Monday.  Students will be tested on Friday. 

Reading testing is finishing up this week and next.  We hope to start our guided reading groups the week of September 17.  Please e-mail or call if you would like information about your child's reading level for the beginning of the year. 

I'm sure you have heard all about the special guests in our classroom...Monarch butterfly larvae!  It has been so fun observing the different stages of the Monarch life cycle.  We are now waiting, in eager anticipation, for adult butterflies to emerge from our 11 chrysalises.  During this unit students are learning how to classify insects, identify the body parts of different insects, differentiate moths from butterflies, make careful observations, and read and write about butterflies.  Our next health unit (beginning in two weeks) will be on the human body and its many systems. 

Thank you for remembering to check and sign your child's calendar each night.  I appreciate all that you do to support our classroom!

Please make note of the important dates below. Have a wonderful weekend! 

September 7 - Grandparents' Day

September 11 - Library check-out (all Tuesdays)

September 12 - Reading MAP test (selected 2nd grade students only)

September 19 - Math MAP test (all 2nd grade students)

September 21 - Butterfly assessment

September 26 - Birthday breakfast (Suyash, Gavin, Chance, Cameron)