Second Grade Update – Week of 1/20

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday!

This week, students were amazing collaborators! They finished their group continent posters and practiced presenting! It is quite something for second graders to work on a group project and then present together as well! Together, each group considered how to introduce themselves, who would share first, the logistics of making space for each other as they each presented, and how they would wrap up. We talked about using speaker voices, never turning your back to your audience, etc. 🙂 I was very proud of their effort and appreciated their enthusiasm. I look forward to sharing some pictures of their presentations next week! 

We were also blessed to have Mrs. Valenzuela share about a historic hero! From his clothing choices to his music, Michael Jackson is truly an icon. Not only has his popularity stood the test of time, but so has his hard work, positivity, and charity to those in need. He was definitely a hit with our second graders! 

Next week, students will recite their Oratorical Fest selections! Please help them to be prepared. No notes will be allowed, and students should use speaker voices, good eye contact, and a good pace (not too slow and not too fast). Thank you for your support! They will start with:

• Good afternoon. My name is _________ and I am in the second grade. The (poem, speech, prayer, etc.) I will be reciting is _________, written by _________.
• When finished, say, Thank you.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

• Reading –
  • In reading groups, students will finish SUPER magazine. We will focus on identifying text features and key vocabulary to support our comprehension. As always, there is a focus on speaking and listening skills as we work together in a small group.
  • At night, students should read aloud to practice fluent reading skills. Please encourage your child to observe punctuation, read at a good pace, and read the words as they appear in the text (no deletions or substitutions).
• Grammar/Spelling – In Superkids, students practice with decoding and encoding words with -īld, -īnd, -ōld, -ōst (ex. child, find, told, host). Students will also review compound words. They should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
• Writing – Students will focus on proper punctuation and capitalization in all written work. The goal is fewer reminders and more self-editing! 🙂
• Math – The class will continue with measurement by practicing measuring in inches. They will also identify real-life objects and decide whether it would make sense to measure with inches, feet, or yards. Students will continue practicing strategies for subtraction of 3-digit numbers when regrouping is required.
• Religion – We will continue our chapter about the sacraments with a focus on the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. A prayer we will start learning is the Act of Contrition, and this will be part of homework in February. We will also begin Family Life – information will come home in your child’s homework folder next week.
• Social Studies – Students will present continent posters with their groups. In addition to reinforcing content knowledge, the goals of the project include using collaboration as well as speaking and listening skills. We will also continue reading about and discussing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s accomplishments and why he is an inspirational change maker.

Other Updates for this Week:

• Baby Wipes – We still need a refill of baby wipes – 1-2 packs from all families. We use them after each recess, so they go quickly! If you’ve already contributed – thank you!
• AR Reading – Many students are reading more challenging books these days. I am encouraging all students to use their AR book for their homework reading time (15 minutes each afternoon/evening). This means they can bring their AR book back and forth to school. As soon as students finish reading at home, they should put their book right back in their backpack each evening.
• Dates to Remember:
  • Monday, Jan. 20 – No school – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Free dress January birthdays
  • Wednesday, Jan. 22 – Spirit Day – Pajama Day AND NOON dismissal, Teacher Professional Development
  • Sunday, Jan. 26 – Catholic Schools Week kick-off with All School Mass, 9:00 am at SPN; Open House immediately following Mass, 10:00-11:30
  • Friday, Jan. 31 – Noon dismissal; No Share and Care; Teacher Appreciation Day

We look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday!

All the best,
Catherine