Handwriting

2. I received my undergraduate degree in elementary education and my masters degree in special education from Northern Illinois University • I have worked in Wheaton schools my entire career teaching autistic, third grade and second grade students. • I attended the wedding of two of my second graders!

3. Please take a moment to write a note to your child in their writing journal. They are looking forward to reading the notes in the morning!

5. Handwriting • There is no longer formal grades for handwriting, but you will see achievement in the ‘Characteristics’ section of the report card • Develops legible handwriting for written communication • Receives cursive instruction 2nd half of year • Spelling • Sight word tests and tests over learned patterns/rules • Children will develop word building skills • Spelling will be graded based on application

6. Writes in complete sentences using subject/verb agreement, proper capitalization, and punctuation • Writes narrative, expository, and opinion writing pieces Uses process writing in Writer’s Workshop • Writes a paragraph with a topic sentence, transition words, at least 3 details with elaborations, and a concluding sentence.

9. Math Facts CC.2.OA.2 Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies. By the end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two digit numbers. Fluency is a known fact or correct response in either oral (2 seconds) or written form (3 seconds). Also master 10+facts. Timed Tests Children demonstrate fluency through timed tests. They are asked to accurately complete thirty problems in 90 seconds. This matches the expectations on the D200 Fact Assessment. D200 expects mastery of addition facts 1st trimester and mastery of subtraction facts 2nd trimester. Practice While instruction of mental strategies will take place at school, for most students, additional practice at home is required to master the facts.

10. Energy: Heat, Sound, and Light • Identify and compare sources of sound and heat energy • Identify sources of energy- natural and artificial • Learn the rules of experimentation • Space • Identify and describes characteristics of the sun, the Earth as a planet, and the moon • Observe the phases of the moon • Compare the day and night skies

11. Biology Plants/Life Cycle/Habitat Describe how living things interact with each other and their environment. Learn how plants function adapt and change. • Habitats/ Recycling • Recognize different habitats in the environment • Describe how living things depend on one another for survival • Describe and identify ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle

12. Discuss rules and laws of various communities including Wheaton • Identify basic economic concepts • Compare/contrast historical figures • Interpret a timeline and create a timeline of past, present, and future events including the history of Wheaton • Discuss the history and traditions of holidays • Identify various items on a map Health • Learn to care for your teeth • Understand ways to stay healthy • Understand body systems and how we grow • Discuss ways to stay safe and avoid danger

13. 2nd grade classrooms follow the same homework policy. Second grade students may be given homework. In most cases, the homework is due back the next day. Daily reading and practicing of math facts is also expected. This policy is in place to encourage responsibility and to allow for review/practice of concepts covered in the classroom.

14. Art 45 minutes weekly with Mrs. Roche Music 25 minutes weekly with Ms. Novak Library 30 minutes weekly with Ms Grudzien Computer 45 minutes weekly with classroom teacher Gym 20 minutes daily with Mrs. Minser or Mr. Orlow

15. Wheaton College Children’s Concert Waubonsie Planetarium Theater production Fullersburg Forest Preserve Penpal picnic End of the year picnic