Welcome to Second
Grade Curriculum
Night
Lights,
Camera,
Action!
Introducing: Mrs. Mendez, Mrs. Lowery, and Mrs. Smith
Spotlight on
Success!!!
Second Grade is now
departmentalized and here are the
subjects each teacher is responsible for
teaching:
Mrs. Lowery- Reading and Writing
Workshop
Mrs. Smith- Social Studies/Science and
Skills Block
Mrs. Mendez- Math
**Each class lasts for 1 ½ hours.
Reading Workshop
•Curriculum: First 30 Days of Reader’s Workshop, Comprehension Toolkit, Interactive Read Alouds and more…
(following the district scope and sequence)
•Workshop Model:
Opening: Teacher introduces a strategy or tool and
models how it can be used when reading(10-15min)
min)
min)
Working Period: Students read while practicing their
new “tool” while teacher conducts guided reading
groups (25
Closing: Students discuss how they were able to
use their “tool” when reading, teacher closes the
lesson (10
•Establishing routines and rituals for the workshop
Writing Workshop
•Curriculum: First 30 Days of Writing Workshop, Lucy Calkins, Write from the Beginning and more…. (following district
scope and sequence)
•Workshop Model:
Opening: Teacher introduces a skill or tool and
models how it can be used when writing(10-15min)
Working Period: Students write while practicing their
new “tool” while teacher works with small groups
(25 min)
Closing/Author’s Chair: Students discuss how they were able to
use
their “tool” when writing, students share their writing,
and teacher closes the lesson
(10 min)
•Establishing rituals and routines for workshop
Math
•Number Corner- Calendar math
•Target the Question
•Math Workshop: Opening or Mini-lesson (introduce a new
concept, strategy, or game)
Work Period (allow them to practice that
skill individually, in pairs, or groups)
Closing/Discussion (we discuss strategies
and they share their thinking)
•Curriculum- Math Investigations and Envision
they used
Math Investigations
Math Investigations is a curriculum that we began using last year, It
really challenges the students to really think about how they do
mathematics. They are better able to explain their thinking, perform
tasks in different ways, and explore new strategies as they solve
problems. Please support us by asking your child about the way they
solve problems and let them explain their thinking!
Science
•Science Days – Monday, Wednesday, and
Alternating Fridays
•Learning about –
Scientific Method
Hands-on Science (lab activities)
•Science Inquiry Showcase- March 25th (class projects)
•Curriculum is vertically aligned with other grade levels
•Following district scope and sequence
Social Studies
•Social Studies Days – Tuesday, Thursday,
and Alternating Fridays
•Learning about—
Life in a community
Map skills
To become a responsible citizen
Our state and country
•Following district scope and sequence
Skills Block
Daily Activities:
•Phonics
•Handwriting
•Proofreading
•Parts of speech
•Spelling - Test on Friday
•Following district scope and sequence
Library
•Students visit the library on Tuesdays
Lowery – 8:45 – 9:30am
Mendez – 10:50 – 11:35am
Smith – 1:20 – 2:05pm
Library Programs: Reading Champions and Reading Takes Me
UP and Away
Homework and Agendas
Each week your child will have homework in the following
subjects:
Reading- read a total of one hour each week
(please record in the reading log)
Math- weekly homework (a few problems each
day)
Spelling –practicing spelling words using different
methods
Each day your child writes the objective or guiding questions for each subject.
The purpose of this is so that parents are able to stay up to date about what
they are learning in each subject, as well as to give parents questions to ask
their children so that the concepts are reinforced at home.
Grading Policy
•Formative grades are worth 40% of their grade
(examples: daily grades, spelling, practice)
•Summative grades are worth 60% of their grade
(examples: units tests, assessments)
•Each six weeks your child will have a minimum of 8 Language Arts
grades, 8 Math grades, 6 Social Studies grades, and 6 Science grades. If
your child makes a higher grade on a summative grade than on the
formative grades, the teacher shall drop the lowest formative grade
associated with that summative grade.
Standard Based Bulletin Boards
Purpose: to showcase student work
that meets the standards and
expectations
Commentary is provided by the
teacher explaining how that student
met the standard.
New boards will be put up monthly.
Assessments
•DRA Reading Assessment- completed 3 times a year (goal is
when leaving second grade)
to be a level 28
•NO TPRI this year (we will be adding another component to
DRA)
•Math Assessment- completed 3 times a year
•COGat/ITBS Testing- All 2nd Graders will be tested in
March 2010
Reminders:
Please help your child remember to:
-have their behavior chart and agenda signed nightly
-complete all homework and return on Fridays
-wear tennis shoes on PE days
-return library books on Tuesdays
-get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast
Please remember to visit our team website and
individual teacher websites for spelling activities,
helpful academic websites, our weekly newsletter,
and specific contact information for all the
teachers.
If you have any questions or
concerns, please feel free to contact
us by phone or e-mail.
Let’s work together to make it a great year for
your child!