What's Second Grade like in Room 6?
Read on to see what we cover in each subject!
Math
We are beginning our second year of using the Envision Math Program, which uses an online "video" to help teach math concepts. Students then practice the taught concept by completing a math "packet", with contain both guided and independent practice pieces. Some second grade concepts that are taught are: mastering math facts, addition and subtraction with regrouping, time, money, geometry, and data collection.
In addition, students will also be tested on their math facts 2-3 days a week using the online program Xtra Math. These tests will be on addition or subtraction, and will challenge your child by targeting his/her specific needs. Please make sure your child practices his/her math facts frequently at home to ensure progress.
In addition, students will also be tested on their math facts 2-3 days a week using the online program Xtra Math. These tests will be on addition or subtraction, and will challenge your child by targeting his/her specific needs. Please make sure your child practices his/her math facts frequently at home to ensure progress.
Reading
We are very busy readers in second grade, and study reading concepts in a variety of ways. This year we are piloting a new literacy program, and are also continuing to follow the Walk to Read model. This means that in a way, we have reading twice! We meet as a whole class, where we practice comprehension strategies, study grammar, and read and discuss the stories of the week together. In Walk to Read, students meet in leveled groups to work on strategies that are most beneficial for their needs.
Finally, I happen to LOVE a lot of second grade books and enjoy sharing them as a whole class Read Aloud. Reading out loud to children is beneficial at any age and helps promote fluency, so we try to squeeze in some Read Aloud time for about 10-15 minutes each day.
Finally, I happen to LOVE a lot of second grade books and enjoy sharing them as a whole class Read Aloud. Reading out loud to children is beneficial at any age and helps promote fluency, so we try to squeeze in some Read Aloud time for about 10-15 minutes each day.
Spelling
Spelling lists and tests are assigned weekly, though there may be a week here or there when we do not have them due to other tests being given that week. We take a pretest on Mondays, and the result of that determines how many words the student studies that week. The graded test will be given on Friday. Throughout the week, we will practice phonics and the spelling pattern frequently.
Writing
Second grade is where our writing really begins to shine! As better spellers and readers than in first grade, we can really start applying our skills to entertain and inform people through writing. To keep our creative juices flowing, we keep a Writers' Notebook for freewriting. We keep a list of story ideas in the back and pictures that remind us of stories on the cover so we can fight that dreaded writers' block! In addition, we will also be spending a lot of time learning how to organize our writing into one or more paragraphs! It may sound like a lot of work, but the Paragraph Dance will help us remember the proper order! Who knew there was dancing involved in writing?!?
Science
We study many exciting areas in Science! Topics include Animals, Life Cycles, Adaptations, Simple Machines, Layers of the Earth, and Rocks and Minerals! We also end our unit on Adaptations by having Jim Parks from Wingmasters bring some birds to us! We greatly enjoy meeting and learning more about his feathered friends!
Social Studies
In Social Studies we cover a lot of important topics! These topics include Families/Ancestors, Communities/Neighborhoods, Citizenship/Government, World Geography, and World Cultures. We do a lot of map skills practice and sing the continent song to help us remember them. When we study our Ancestors, second graders love completing the Heritage Project!