Vol.IIa
BLOOMINGDALE’S
2ND GRADE NEWS
September/October 2012
OPEN HOUSE WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!
On Thursday 2nd grade parents met with 2nd grade teachers to hear
about the curriculum and upcoming events. Ms. Davis, Dr. Geddie and
Ms. Howell explained the new reading requirements and how the
curriculum has changed from last year.
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Storytown is the series 2nd grade uses for both reading and language arts. It
is a comprehensive program and offers terrific technology connections.
Attached are directions for accessing the Storytown website for additional
resources to be used at home, including Spelling City.
Students complete a lesson weekly and take both a reading and spelling test
on Friday. All 2nd grade teachers use the same spelling words and read the
same stories. Spelling tests are leveled and students are assigned a level
according to their current skill level. Students may move in and out of levels
as the year progresses.
In addition, we will be reading chapter books to the class and doing
activities to enrich the literacy component of our curriculum.
Reading Logs and AR Requirements:
Students are asked to read a minimum of 20 minutes a night. In order to
improve their reading levels students must practice reading. Please help
them fill out their daily reading log and initial that they have completed the
assignment. Some days they can read more if they had to skip a night.
Students can fulfill this requirement by reading books, magazines, web
pages and even newspapers. It is also recommended that students take and
pass with an 80 or better a minimum of two AR tests a week to maintain
their comprehension skills.
What’s Lexile Framework for Reading?
The Lexile Framework for Reading is a research based measure of a
student’s reading ability. Library books will also carry a lexile score similar
to the AR score. This year students are required to achieve a lexile score that
falls into a certain range in order to be promoted to third grade. The
assessment tool that determines the lexile score is called SRI (Scholastic
Reading Index) and students will be given several computer generated tests
throughout the year. An accepted score on this assessment is required for
promotion.
Students are also assessed on their reading fluency. Fluency is the ability to
read smoothly, without hesitation and with expression. Students are given
multiple fluency assessments in order to track their growth. At the end of
second grade we hope to have all students reading 90 words per minute.
During the second grade year students are moving from learning to read to
reading to learn. One of the keys to becoming a successful reader is
practice. All second grade teachers require students to keep reading logs and
to record the time they have spent reading. Please help your child keep up
with their logs. If you have any questions regarding your child’s reading
program, please contact a second grade teacher.
CHARACTER PARADE
On October 31 students may dress up as their favorite storybook character
for a special celebration. More info to follow next month!
SNACKS AND WATER BOTTLES
Students are encouraged to bring snacks and a water bottle. If possible,
please donate to our “Snack Bank” to help provide a snack to kids who
didn’t bring one. Thank you to all who have already donated.
OATLAND ISLAND FIELD TRIP
Monday, December 3, 2012
Amazing Animals
Animals are truly amazing. During this program, students will observe a variety of
animals in several different habitats. They will have opportunities to compare various
animal groups by the way they look, grow, move, and develop. Along our nature trail,
they will identify characteristics of animals that enhance their ability to survive.
Georgia Performance Standards: S2CS1(a), S2CS4 (b,c,d), S2CS5 (a,b), S2CS7
(a,d), SC2E3 (a), S2L1 (a)
Field Trip forms will be coming home soon.
Communication:
If you have any concerns, please call me at school or email me at
Beatrice.Geddie@savannah.chatham.k12ga.us
Angie.Davis@savannan.chatham.k12ga.us
Lori.Howell@savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us
DIRECTIONS FOR ACCESSING
SPELLING CITY FOR 2ND GRADE
SPELLING WORDS
To go to Spelling City you will need to first go to Storytown – here
is the website:
http://www.pcboe.net/les/elderweb/Second%20Grade.htm.
If this does not open do a Google Search for Storytown Resources
and go to the one with www.pcpoe .
When you go there be sure you are in 2nd grade. Then go to the
Spelling box at the top of the page and click:
Direct Link to Lakewood's 2nd Grade webpage at
Spelling City
This will take you to Spelling City.com
Find the lesson we are working on – (all 40 lessons are list).
There are tons of games and practice test for students to explore.
If you have problems email me at
Beatrice.Geddie@savannah.chatham.k12ga.us