Welcome Parents!

1. Welcome Parents! • While you are waiting… • Please write a letter to your child on the paper provided. Your letter will be left on your child’s desk to be enjoyed first thing in the morning. • Thank you! 

2. Curriculum Night Mrs. Lawrence~ 2nd Grade B.J. Hooper Elementary

3. All About Me • *My Background • - Live in Round Lake Beach • Grew up in Racine, WI • *My Family • *My Experience • Graduated from College of Charleston • Degree in Elementary Education (K-8) • Masters in Curriculum and Instruction • This is my 14th year at BJ Hooper

4. The Second Grade Team • Sue Frick • Dee Groenwald • Jennifer Lawrence • We will be working together closely this year. Our teamwork will include the following: • Planning common lessons and activities • Effectively utilizing and maximizing the time in each school day • Modifying lessons to meet students’ needs

5. Illinois has adopted the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and Math beginning the 2012-2013 school year. District 41 curriculum is aligned with Common Core Standards. Common Core Standards

6. PowerSchool • PowerSchool is our online resource that is used for: • Attendance • Communication • Grades • Report Cards • PowerSchool parent informational video is available at www.district41.org

7. H.E.R.O.Books • Helping Everyone Remain Organized • You can expect to see your child’s HERO Book everyday. Inside, you will find a(n): • Money Pocket • Homework Folder • Important Papers Folder • Superhero Work Folder • Homework Log *Take Note: Please check and remove items from your child’s folder each day. This helps me to know that you received the information.

8. Envision Math • The Envision Math program allows students to participate in mathematic activities that: • Incorporate hands-on experiences in which students utilize math manipulatives • Encourage math discussion that allow for a deeper understanding of math vocabulary • Engage students to explore mathematic concepts • through visual and animated images presented on the • Smart board. *Take Note: Homework will be differentiated to meet the needs of your child. However, the concepts presented will be the same.

9. Writing Instruction • 2nd Grade writing instruction focuses on: • Opinion • Narrative • Informational • 6 + 1 Traits of Writing • Writing Process • Writer’s Workshop • These skills are achieved through journal writing, guided/independent writing, and shared writing.

10. Social Studies • The focus of Social Studies in 2nd Grade includes the following units of study: • Communities • Technology • Map Skills • Government • Economics • Landforms

11. Science • In Science, we use inquiry based methods to study… • Matter/Physical Changes • Habitats (Plants and Animals) • Plants and their Life Cycles

12. Literacy • Your child will be exposed to a variety of literacy concepts in these areas: • Reading • Word Study • Writing • Sharing and Expressing Ideas • Researching and Presenting

13. Reading Genres We will be learning about different genres and identifying what makes each type of genre unique. • Literature • Mystery • Informational • Poetry

14. Daily Five The Daily Five includes 5 types of activities for children to do independently to build their reading skills. The five types of activities include: • Read to Self • Read to Someone • Listen to Reading • Write to Read • Word Work

15. Guided Reading • In Guided Reading, the teacher works with small groups of children. • We will focus on: • Reading Strategies • Comprehension • Accuracy • Fluency • Expanding Vocabulary

16. Word Study • We will be focusing on mastering all the second grade core words. • The priority list provided to you has the first grade words highlighted that your child has not yet mastered. • Word Preview • Word Test

17. Homework • Word Study • An assignment will come home for each • word study unit. • Reading • 15-20 minutes of reading each night • Practice Poem from Great Poetry Race • Envision Math • Homework assignments M-Th *Take Note: Time will be given to complete in class work during the day. Unfinished work may be sent home as homework if student is not using time wisely. *Friday Homework: I do not send homework to be completed over the weekend.

18. Daily Schedule • Homeroom 8:10-8:25 • Intervention/Enrichment8:25-9:05 • Math 9:05-10:15 • Word Study/Handwriting 10:15-10:55 • Recess 10:55-11:15 • Lunch 11:15-11:35 • Writer’s Workshop 11:45-12:25 • Reader’s Workshop 12:25-1:30 • Science/Social Studies 1:30-2:00 (Pack Up) • Specials 2:15-2:45 (Library is Thurs. 2:00-2:15) • Dismissal 2:45-2:55

19. Behavioral Expectations • A positive approach to discipline is implemented in our 2nd Grade classrooms. • Students are rewarded for… • Responsible behavior • Being kind to others • Turning work in on time • Following directions • Receiving compliments from adults Bucket Fillers This year we have our own buckets. We are striving to be bucket fillers all the time throughout our days by making people feel good. If we make poor choices we dip into our buckets .

20. Celebrating Birthdays • Your child will be recognized on his/her birthday and is more than welcome to bring in treats. • If your child was a summer baby, we would • love to celebrate his/her half-birthday. • Please notify me prior to your child’s birthday • so that we can make arrangements. • If you want to send in a treat, you may send in storebought treat, stickers, erasers, pencils, bookmarks, snacks, or a book to donate to the class library. • We currently have 21 students in our class. • Please send enough for everyone. 

21. Snack Time • Your child is more than welcome to bring a snack to school. We have snack every afternoon. • Please try to send healthy snacks that are • quick and easy to eat. NO CANDY! Suggestions: • *Fresh fruit • *Packaged crackers • *Pretzels • *Granola bars • *Cut Veggies • If you would like to donate extra snacks for forgetful students,that would be fantastic!

22. Transportation Notes • It is very important to call the school or send a note when your child’s transportation routine changes for any reason. In addition, please send a note if someone different will be picking your child up from school. • If the school is not notified, your child will be sent home in the regular manner.

23. Communication • It is extremely important to keep the lines of communication open between home and school. • I will make every effort to keep you informed of your child’s progress here at school. • I hope you will also feel comfortable contacting me with any concerns, questions or celebrations. • I can be reached by email and phone.

24. Book Orders • Book orders are a wonderful to build your • child’s home library. • If you choose to order, please send a check, made out to Scholastic Book Clubs. You can also order online with our class code. • Book orders will be sent home once a month. *Did you Know?- When you order books, I earn points that add up to free books for our classroom library!

25. Volunteers • Typing or assisting in typing writer’s workshop • stories • At home pencil sharpeners • Copying • At home cutting, gluing, etc. • PARTY MOMS or DADS Please sign parent info forms before leaving. 

26. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend Curriculum Night. I especially want to thank you for having such a WONDERFUL and precious child! I truly love what I do and am looking forward to a fabulous year!

27. Star of the Week Each student is a unique and valued member of our classroom. Children will be given their own special week to show how bright they can shine! • Pictures • Favorite Book • Demonstrate/Share a Special Talent

28. Classroom Expectations • Students are expected to be respectful and responsible, do their personal best and be prepared! We have discussed that we all have the right to: • Be happy and have fun! • Make mistakes • Teach • Learn • Have an opinion • Safety • Ask Questions Possible Consequences *Verbal Warning from Teacher (s) *Teacher/Student Conference *Phone call, email, or letter sent home * Alternative Recess *Student/Principal Conference