In English Language Arts and Reading we will learn more about: Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development, Reading Comprehension, Literary Response & Analysis, and Recreational Reading. Our focus is to teach your child to learn with depth and complexity. Please have your student read for 15 - 20 minutes and predict, clarify, ask/answer questions, and summarize. For homework there will be weekly reading log due every Friday. Our Language Arts program is new this year. We are using Benchmark Education which focuses on 2nd grade California Common Core standards. An example of these standards include: asking and answering questions; recounting stories; character analysis; story structure; compare and contrast; speaking and listening skills; and lastly, language. These reading comprehension skills will build in the intermediate and middle school grades. In addition, we will be using Core Ready for writing. Writing is focusing on students writing clear, coherent sentences, and a paragraph that develops a central idea. Their writing shows that they consider the audience and purpose. Students will also progress through the writing stages: prewriting, drafting revising editing, etc. During the course of the year, students will write opinion pieces, informative text, informative/explanatory text, and personal narratives.
In Math we will learn about: Addition and Subtraction within 20, Addition within 200, Lengths and Shapes, Subtract 2-Digit Numbers, Time Graphs, and Word Problems, 3-Digit Addition and Subtraction, as well as Arrays, Equal Shares, and Adding or Subtracting Length (preparation for 3rd grade). Our key focus for your child is for him/her to be able to fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies. To be successful in 3rd grade your child needs to know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers. Knowing multiplication and division are key standards in 3rd grade, if your child knows from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers he/she will be more successful with multiplication and division.
Science will be taught in room 17 throughout the week with Mrs. Claassen and Fridays ( lab) with Mrs. Dimitrova. The 2nd grade focus is: Rocks, Soil and Fossils, Using Resources, Magnets, Making Sounds, Forces, Plant Life Cycles, and Animal Life Cycles. You can go to www.eduplace.com/science/hmsc/ca/ to access our Science book.
In Social Studies, we will explore the following: Long Ago and Yesterday, Map Skills, Our Government, Producers and Consumers, and People in History. Learn more at: http://www.sfsocialstudies.com/g2/
Technology will be used daily in 2nd grade. We are fortunate enough to have one laptop cart for every 2nd-6th grade classrooms. Students will learn how to use several online programs such as Lexia, Reflex Math, Typing Club, Google Classroom, and Accelerated Reader. Students will be assessed on typing skills throughout the year. In addition, we will learn how to navigate the internet safely, how to research, and create projects.
Physical Education (PE) will be formally taught two-three times per week by either Mrs. Waterhouse or Mr. Biggam on Monday, Tuesday, and every-other Wednesday. Please dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes every day. PE will focus on: motor skills and movement patterns, knowledge of movement concepts, principles and strategies, and assess and maintain a level of physical fitness to improve health and performance. Refer to the Brier physical education information letter for more details.