Welcome to 2 nd Grade !

1. Welcome to 2nd Grade !

2. Integrated Language ArtsILA • In second grade the students are reinforcing and learning reading skills to help them become independent life long readers. These skills are taught in a variety of learning styles and classroom settings. • We use the Houghton Mifflin Journey’s reading program. The reading program is theme based. It provides a variety of phonemic awareness activities, phonics instruction, spelling, and practice in all areas. Fluency and comprehension skills are a focus in second grade reading. • Please visit Houghton Mifflin's Journey’s website for more information on our reading program: http://www.hmhco.com/parents

3. Everyday Mathematics In Everyday Mathematics you can expect to see... • A problem solving approach based on everyday situations. • An instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly. • Frequent practice of basic skills, often through games. • Lessons based on activities and discussion, not a textbook; and Mathematical content that goes beyond basic arithmetic. • This is a spiral math series. Mastery of concepts comes with repeated exposure and practice, not just after one lesson. Parent activities for at home. • http://www.everydaymath.com/tips_activities.php • http://www.mrnale.com/Math_Activities_Grade_2.htm

4. Social Studies • Neighborhoods is the title of our textbook and it has six different units. • In 2nd grade Social Studies will help your child become familiar with a textbook. • We have some tests, but the students will be provided with a review guide. • http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/ma/books/bkb/ • It helps to study a little each night.

5. Religion • Grade 2 Blest Are We Faith helps students learn, love and live their faith. Student Books include five units, each with four chapters. • Each chapter includes Scripture and church teaching including statements of faith and Faith Words. Children respond through written work, activities and prayer. Chapters conclude with review exercises. • Students will be tested, but not on every chapter. • http://www.blestarewe.com/chapreviews/chapterreviews.html • It is an important year in 2nd grade because we will be receiving both Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. I understand that not all students will be receiving these sacraments, but they will be able to participate in our various activities. • My idea for this year is to make everyone feel welcome no matter what Religion you participate in. Also that we will be able to share all about different religions and learn from one another.

6. Reading and Me • A monthly writing assignment. • The class will be assigned a particular book that could be used for one Reading and Me (picture book) or multiple Reading and Me assignments (chapter books). The reading level of each book will increase throughout the school year. • The new structure will be set up like a book club. All students will summarize the book, write their opinion, and create one question to be used during the discussion. • Children’s Book World has received a copy of our book list for the year. They will be granting a 20% discount if you mention the Reading and Me assignment.

7. Extras… • Copybooks • Homework Book • Folders • Behavior Calendar

8. Questions?