First Post of 2015

January 10, 2015

Happy New Year!!!

We have completed our first week of the new year, and it seems like we never left!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday and break with your family and friends.  I had a delightful “staycation”, and I was able to spend time with my now 24-year old twins, who make me very happy and proud :)

Since this was not a “Friday Letter” week, I will give you a summary of some the things we are doing in second grade:

• In math we are studying addition and subtraction up to 100.  Ask your child about some of the strategies we are using (ie. number lines, base 10 blocks and symbols for these, using vertical pencil-and-paper methods, adding ones and tens, etc.)
• In reading we are focusing on the elements of a fiction story, in order to better understand and enjoy our literature.  These elements include:  characters, the setting, problems and solutions, and retelling using “Beginning, Middle and End”. We also talk about how characters change and develop throughout the story.
• We are writing about our Opinions of the stories we read.  We state reasons, and then back up these reasons using “evidence from the text”.  I hope you enjoyed the letters that came home in December- the students worked very hard on these!!
• We are just wrapping up a unit on Map Skills.  You will see a booklet coming home that children started in class, and we have completed the most important lessons.  Encourage them to complete the other lessons- it is a great way to have them practice “reading and following directions”... an essential skill in school!!!!
• This coming week we will be starting a unit on ‘Changes in States of Matter’... a very engaging science unit that involves lots of experiments.  We could use parent volunteers for this… so please email me if you can help!!!
• Finally we are using a few different themes to help children with their social skills, self control, and good citizenship.  Ask them about Superflex and the things we talk about in Open Circle.  Our Guidance Counselor, Beth Santomenna, has been teaching lessons every week that help with this curriculum.  

Volunteer Opportunities:

1. Please continue to sign up for Math Stations.  It is so much more effective with one more adult in the room… you don’t have to been “good in Math” or feel under pressure.  The students and I will be glad to help you!!
2. Science material preparation.  This takes a good deal of time for me alone, so I would LOVE to have your help.  You can come in before school, after school, or even when students are at a Special.  Please consider giving ½ - 1 hour per week.  I will need someone for the next 2-3 weeks.  Thank you!!!

As you know I am in the thick of preparing report cards.  There is much data and a relatively new system.  I will do my best to reflect your child’s progress in every area of their school life, and I hope you will let me know if you have any questions.  This is truly a partnership and I am thrilled to be working with you to educate and inspire these wonderful children!!