Mrs. Chadderdon's Classroom Page
GOOD BYE, SECOND GRADE!
HELLO, SUMMER!
We've worked hard this year in the second grade
and now it's time to relax and enjoy summer before school starts again!
See you in September!
Second Grade Highlights
Second grade is a year for children to discover the world around them. They find their world includes other people and it isn't as ego centered anymore. Everything about second grade has to be "fair and equal" because children at this age now become a part of the whole.
Exciting things will happen during a child's second grade school year. Students will study weekly themes with all academic curriculum subjects integrated into these themes.
Math and reading are our main focus in the morning each day. We use the Scotts-Forsman Math series as a guide for curriculum units. We start each chapter with a hands-on approach and use the book for independent computation. After each chapter there is an opportunity to try a challenge with a math workshop. This would include something that relates to the the concept being covered but above grade level. Some of our major second grade concepts include addition and subtraction multiple digit regrouping, multiplication and division, fractions, measurement, time, and money. An "Incentive" money project allows the students to work with coins and bills every week by earning play money for responsible actions. This program culminates with a week long shopping project with the third graders.
Our reading program includes trade books related to our weekly themes. At least two selections are used each week. Oral reading is emphasized to build on fluency and expression. Many readers' theaters and plays are a part of our program. Building reading comprehension and higher level vocabulary are also important in second grade. Every student takes the Star Reading Tests throughout the year to measure growth in their individual reading abilities.
Reading is only a part of our complete language arts program. Writing and spelling are two othr important parts. Second graders will have six long term writing projects throughout the year. They include both creative and expository writing, including reports on whales, presidents, and planets, as well as poetry units.
Spelling is a combination of the Sitton language program and weekly spelling concepts. Twenty-seven units are covered during the year. Each week fifteen words are introduced on Monday by having students go on a "word search". The spelling test is on Friday morning.
One of the most exciting things about second grade is that they will be writing in cursive by October.
Afternoons in second grade start with a read-aloud story which is a cool down time after recess. Most of our specials occur in the afternoons as well. They include gym, music, art, computers, and library (Spanish instruction is in the morning). Students go to two specials each day.
Second graders need to get up and move around in the afternoon which is why we do hands-on centers work each day. Centers are based on the weekly themes. They include math, science, social studies, and art. Students rotate through them doing one each day in small cooperative learning groups.
Fun and exciting times await your child coming into second grade. Not only will their day be filled with all these wonderful academic areas of study, but they will also have the opportunity for special projects on "Fun Fridays" including buddies and cooking projects. They will be highly motivated and enthusiatic about learning everyday.
If you have questions about our second grade program, please contact me by e-mail or by calling KCDS 329-0116 X310. I look forward to a wonderful 2010-2011 school year.
Summer Important Dates
June 4 Binder Park Zoo Trip (first and second grades)
June 8 Field Day
June 11 Last Day of School (half day)
June 16 Faculty Meeting
June 11-September 6 Summer Vacation
August 29 Ice Cream Social
August 30-September 2 Faculty Meetings/Workshops
August 31 Fall Clean Up
September 7 First Day of School Year 2010-2011
Second Grade Supply List
Backpack
Scissors
Glue sticks (2 large or 4 small)
Crayons/Twistables
Crayola washable markers-8 primary colors (not fine tip)
2 Pencil boxes (8"x5") - not larger
1 Spiral Theme book
2 boxes Tissues
1 box Pencils (8-10)
1 pkg. pencil end erasers
Clipboard
4 2-pocket Folders (1 w/ 2 pockets w/paper fastener clips)
Ruler (inch and centimeter)-not plastic flexible
Sticky notes - 1 pad
Yellow highlighter
Colored pencils (erasable, Twistables)
Pencil sharpener w/ shavings storage area
$20 for cooking projects
$6 for expandable folder provided in classroom (check to KCDS)
1 paint shirt for art
Gym Shoes (M,Th, F)
Bandaids
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