March 28th- April 1st

Wow! I know spring break was only a week, but I swear the kids grew over that time. They seem older to me. I'm impressed in how much they've grown this year. They have so many great things to say. I know we have more learning to do, but I'm proud to send them off to third grade. 

Book fair is this week. Students may go at anytime to purchase books. 

Math

For the next two weeks we are diving into multiplication and division. It's going to be very easy so I can already hear the kids complaining they want a challenge which I'm happy to give. On Wednesday, students will have a math PSA focusing on one step and two step word problems. This test will be on the computer. Should on consist of 10-12 problems. I've been reviewing word problems in our daily math warm up to get the kids ready. 

Reading

We are going back into non fiction. Our focus will be main idea, text structure, and previewing the text. Students will be put in book clubs based on their interest. The next two weeks should be fun!

Writing

Students will get the opportunity to write about what they know. They will choose a topic to teach/write about. We will discuss different non fiction structures (Q and A, How to, etc.) Once students decide on a text structure, lessons will focus on how we can elaborate and make our writing interesting. 

Science

For science we will be talking about living organisms. 

February 21-25th

 What a busy week we have ahead of us. 

2/22 "Two's Day" Don't forget to dress up for tomorrows celebration. (Two stepping boots, tutu, ties, etc.) Totally optional. We have a couple of fun activities planned, including popsicles. 

2/24 Go Texan Day/ Library

2/25 Spelling test 

Math

We are moving on to graphing. We will analyze picture graphs, bar graphs, etc. and answers questions. Tomorrow's math activity will include fruit loops. Should be a fun week! 

Reading

The kids are excited about their new books clubs. The focus in reading is to pay attention to our main characters in our books. We will discuss character traits, how they react to certain situations, etc. The kids have been working on having discussions around books without raising their hands. I love the language the kids are using such as " I agree with you..... or I'm going to change the subject and add..." The kids would talk all day about books if I'd let them. 

Writing

Last week we reviewed how stories are structured. This week we will start to notice different craft elements and how authors use them to enhance their writing. 

Science/Social Studies

We will wrap up food chains and then move on to government for social studies. 

February 7-11

 Important dates: 

Early dismissal on 2/10 and 2/11

Valentines box/bag due on 2/14

Math

We will take our end of unit word problem test on Monday. I told the kids they are responsible for knowing what operation to use and to show their work. We will start our money unit on Tuesday. 

Reading 

Our focus this week is character traits. We will be using text evidence to support how characters are acting and feeling. 

Writing 

With our short week, we are working on a fun writing activity. 

Science

We will discuss basic needs of animals and plans. 

January 24-28th

Last week of January. This month flew on by! A BIG THANK YOU goes to the class. They worked so hard Wednesday and Thursday for MAP testing. Then I had to be out Thursday and Friday because Reese got COVID. She had one bad day, but was fine afterwards. If anything, I think she's dying of boredom. 

The kids are troopers and I thank them for their flexibility. I'm thankful this coming week is a normal one. 

MAP testing: The kids did awesome! I will share the results with the kids this week and then send home the results. 

Math

We are still working on word problems. Last week we worked on multi step addition problems. This week we will work on subtraction and mixed multi step word problems. We will have a math PSA (priority standard assessment) on the computer. This is a district test and will cover the material the kids have learned in the past month. 

Reading

We are currently on bend three of our reading unit. We are working on meeting the challenges of longer books. Students will continue to stop jot to share thinking, write down any confusions, etc. In small group, I'll review expectations for active discussion. 

Writing

The kids are working step by step on their persuasive letters. Last week the kids worked on writing their lead and events of the story. This week the kids will add text examples to support their claim. 

Social Studies

Natural disasters! 

January 18-21st

It's a short week with a lot going on. 

Tuesday- Garden day

Wednesday- Reading MAP test @ 8:15

Thursday- Math MAP test @ 8:15

Math 

This week we are getting into multi-step word problems. Students will see word problems where they have multiple numbers they need to work with or need to do multiple steps in order to solve the problem. We will have lots of practice with word problems this week. 

MAP- I will have a talk with the kids about math strategies. Please encourage them to work out the problems on scratch paper when needed. 

Reading

This is a fun week. The kids will work in their small groups to work on question stems to help hold their thinking when their books get longer. We will also work on active discussion skills to help us have meaningful discussions around books. 

Writing

The kids are slowly writing their opinion letters around a book. They are working on their letters bit by bit. This week they will work on the retelling of their letter without spoiling the ending. 

Science 

Let's talk about the weather! We are talking about weather tools and tracking the weather. 

January 10-14th

 Hi Parents, 

This week is a little bit wonky with the upper grades testing for MAP. Originally, second grade was scheduled to MAP test this week, but with all the logistics, we will test the week of the 17th. 

We have a schedule change this week, but that just means the kids will have specials in the morning instead of the afternoon. 

Remember we will have a half day on Thursday. 

Math

This week we will name different kinds of word problems. We will work on part/part/whole, comparing, start unknown, etc. The kids have been good so far identifying key words to help them identify the correct operation. My main goal is for the kids to match the correct bar model to the correct problem and understand what the question is asking. 

Reading 

This week our focus is on literary language. We will name and notice different types of literary language and discuss what the author really means. During reader's workshop, book clubs will be up and running again. 

Writing

We are writing about our reading. The kids are learning to form an opinion about their characters and supporting their opinion with examples from the text. Lessons will focus on writing to our audience, retelling important parts, and using a checklist to set goals. 

Snap words: Snap word test on Friday 

Social Studies

Maps! The kids will learn/or review parts of a map. 

January 4th-7th

 Welcome back!

Happy New Year! I'm wishing everyone the best for the 2022 year. I spent the first half of the break with COVID. I had mild symptoms but having to quarantine was not so fun. Luckily, my family and I tested negative right before Christmas so we could spend time with family. 

We will slowly ease into things this week. I haven't seen the kids in forever and want to spend some time just catching up and bonding. With that said, we do have curriculum we need to get to. 

Library- we do not have library this week, but I can send students in small groups to check out new books. 

MAP- Heads up, we will have MAP testing next week. Tuesday will be math and Wednesday will be reading.

Math

We are diving into mixed word problems. This week I will talk through my thinking when working on word problems. The kids now will have to figure out what operation to use by looking at key words and understanding what the problem is asking.  

Reading

We are starting a brand new unit called "Bigger Books Mean Amping Up Our Reading Power" We will review the importance of tracking our thinking, how to hold on to the story line as our books are getting longer, etc. I definitely want to spend some time reading and building our reading stamina. I'm sure there have been lots of fun things planned over the break so reading took a step aside. 

Writing

We are moving on to opinion writing. We will discuss the difference from fact and opinion and work on making claims. 

Science

This week is natural and man made resources. 

November 29th- December 17th

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving week. It was nice to sleep in and enjoy time with family. I love that we are about to be in December. Love this time of year! 

 The next three weeks are going to go by quickly! We have a lot going on. 

Dates: 

December 7th we have our first field trip to the Altharetta Yeargin Art Musuem. This museum is walking distance to the school. I will send field trip forms this week with more details. 

Dress Up days for 12/13- 12/17th

• Monday, Dec. 13th - Holiday Headgear
• Tuesday, Dec. 14th - Favorite Holiday Character
• Wednesday, Dec. 15th - Crazy Holiday Sweater
• Thursday, Dec. 16th - PJs

Friday, Dec. 17th (early release at noon) - Winter Holiday Parties/Festive Party Wear 

Math

We will spend the rest of the three weeks over subtraction with regrouping. The kids need to be able to subtract in all place values. Most of my teaching will be in word problems. Please have your child practice their math facts up to 20. Example: 18-9= or 12-5=?  Some kiddos have been pretty good with their math facts. If they are looking for a challenge, they can practice skip counting by threes and fours to get ready for multiplication in the spring. 

Reading

We will spend some time in traditional literature. The kids will learn the characteristics of this genre and know the different kinds of traditional literature. This is a fun genre! I'm finishing up my mid year running records. Please know once the kids get in the higher levels  (K and up) they will spend a good while in these levels so they can dig deeper and work on their comprehension. 

Writing

We are finishing up our poetry unit. The kids are having a lot of fun listening to different kinds of poetry and writing them. 

Science

Get our those dusty rocks. I never knew that teaching rocks could be so exciting for the kids, but they love this unit. We will discuss the properties, how are they similar and different, etc. Feel free to have the kiddos bring any cool rocks they may have.  

November 8-12

It's carnival week! The second grade team just realized this is the first carnival for many of the students. I know they're super excited. 

We are FINALLY having library on Thursday. Please have your child bring their library book. Most have already turned them in. 

Weekly News

Math

We are continuing with addition with regrouping. I will spend this week looking at word problems that require the students to add multiple addends. We will have an addition test on Thursday or Friday. (I'm thinking Friday is going to be crazy with the carnival so Thursday might be a better day for us) Here's an example the students might see on the test. 

Ex: Wilchester has a total of 617 students, Rummel Creek has 452 students at their campus, and Frostwood has 729 students total. How many students are there if all three schools combined their number of students? 

I've been stressing to the kids to show their work and what "show their work" looks like. I know they know how to solve the problems, but they need to know how to solve it in different ways (pictorial or expanded) as well as drawing a part/part whole. 

Reading

I'm getting ready to start my mid year formal running records. Running records is how I test their reading levels. I've been meeting with the kids individually last week and this week to get them to practice how to give a retelling and having them read out loud in front of me. Official running records will start on Friday. 

Snap Words: test next week on Friday. Words cover the soft g and c sounds we discussed in class last week. 

Writing

We are continuing with poetry. The kids received a poetry book today which they were very excited about. They will work on a different kind of poem each day. My lessons will focus on line breaks, stanzas, etc. 

Social Studies

This week we are discussing Native American Indians. We will learn about different tribes around America. 

We will make totem poles on Friday. Please have your child bring a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll by Friday.  If you happen to have extras, please bring them. 

November 1-5th

Wow, can't believe November is here. Bring on the pumpkin bread and sweaters. We have our November Rock N' Roll this Friday. I apologize, but I will not be here. Katy ISD does not have school on Friday and I need to be home with my children. 

The kids have worked hard on their non fiction writing. I plan to have their writing on their desk Friday morning so you all can spend some time reading them. 

Library Thursday! 

Here's the news for the week. 

Math

I'm impressed in how well the kids are doing with addition with regrouping. I definitely need to make sure I'm challenging them. Not only are we working with addition, but we are also working on word problems. The kids have been introduced to a new problem solving graphic organizer. This allows them to draw a picture, solve them problem, and check their answers using different methods. 

Reading

We have moved on to a new unit. We are working on strategies to tackle tricky words. We have also started a new read aloud, "How to Eat Fried Worms" The kids did a great job at telling me what good readers do before they start reading. 

Writing

Where are all my poets? What a fun genre to study. This unit allow the kids to show me their outside of the box thinking. We are discussing how we can look at things differently using our poets eyes. 

Snap word test on Friday! 

Science

What a fun week it has been. The kids have had many fun experiments so far. Making mazes, catapult stations, etc. We will continue the fun this week. Vocabulary words for force and motion: motion, position, force, rolling, sliding, spinning, direction, etc.  

We have garden day tomorrow. Please make sure your child dresses appropriately. 

October 18-22

We are back to a full week! It's been great meeting with you all and getting to know you. As I said to all of you, I thoroughly enjoy this class. They are the sweetest. Makes my job easy. 

Here's the weekly news. 

Math

We are wrapping up place value. We will have an end of unit test on Tuesday. I will spend some time reviewing place value tomorrow.  After looking at the test, the kids should do fairy well. I want the kids to get practice with test taking skills. Wednesday the kids will have a PSA (Priority Standards Assessment) on the computer. This is new to me so we will do the best we can. The PSA is over place value so it should go well. Just need to learn how to navigate the computer tools. We will then start addition on Thursday.  

Reading

This week for non fiction, we will look at keywords and how we can gather facts on the same topic from a variety of books. I will continue to discuss text features and the characteristics of non fiction. The kids will also have new book clubs this week. 

Snap word test on Friday

Writing

My focus this week will be on leads and editing. My goal is for the kids to start working on their second non fiction piece. 

Social Studies

We are moving on to explorers. We will learn about Christopher Columbus, Lewis and Clark, Marco Polo, etc. 

October 4-8th

This week is a short week. Don't forget we have Friday and Monday of next week off. Enjoy your four day weekend! 

Math

This week in math we are putting numbers (up to 1,200) on a number line, comparing numbers, and placing numbers in order. We will spend more time working in their Think Up math workbook. This is where the reading gets tricky. The kids are spending more time thinking about what the question is asking them. 

Students have been working on the IXL diagnostic test in math stations. I love this test because it tells me what TEKS the kids need to work on and what grade level. I've noticed some kids are ready for multiplication, place value up in the millions, etc. I will work on these skills in small group. My goal is to always challenge the kids and believe me.... they love a challenge. 

Reading

We are continuing with non fiction. So far we have worked on the following lessons....

This week we will focus on text features and key words. If you're reading non fiction together at home,  have the kiddos point out the text features and their purpose. 

Writing

We discussed how non fiction writers write about topics they are an expert on. The kids brainstormed topics they're own topics. My focus for this writing unit is for the kids to write multiple books and then choose one to edit. 

Social Studies

We had some fun exploring times lines. The kids spent time researching past decades. Please see our timeline posted outside our classroom next time we have Rock N' Roll. 

September 27-October 1st

Can't believe October is here on Friday! I'm loving the cooler weather and give me all the pumpkin food/drinks. 

Important Dates: 

Tuesday, 28th- I will be attending a training that will include an overview on our new language arts units. I will be on campus, but just not in the classroom. 

Friday- Rock N' Roll. See you Friday morning to walk your child to class. 

Math

We have finally reached numbers to the 1,200. We will continue place value which includes: ordering numbers, comparing numbers, composing/decomposing, etc. 

Reading

We are starting a new genre this week. We will spend some time in non fiction for awhile. We will discuss the purpose of non fiction and characteristics. I'm starting book clubs this week.  

Writing

We've wrapped up small moments. I will spend this week grading their small moment piece. I'm taking two grades on this assignment. One grade will be on structure and the second grade will focus on  conventions. 

We will start learning about non fiction writing. 

Grammar: Subject/Predicate

Social Studies

What a fun week. Students will be creating timelines with important events. We will look back at important events that happened here at Wilchester and put them on a timeline. Then students will do some research on past decades and placing important events on their decade timeline. 

Homework: a new snap word menu will be passed out tomorrow. Math worksheet will be due on Friday. 

September 20-24

Housekeeping: 

Monday: We have pictures tomorrow. 

Tuesday: See you at 5 for curriculum night. Please start in the cafeteria and then we'll make our way to the classroom. 

Math

We are continuing with place value but working with numbers up to 900. The kids have been doing well. Just need a little practice with number lines and looking at numbers in a pattern. 

Reading

This week we will be talking about what authors are trying to teach us. We will look at different themes using the picture books we've read so far. I love teaching themes because it brings good conversation. If you're looking for talking points when reading at night, you can ask "What do you think the authors message was and how do you know?"

Writing

The kids first writing piece is due this week. I've given the kid a checklist to help them with their piece. Lessons this week will focus on noticing and naming craft in writing. 

Science

This week's focus is forms of energy. We'll end the week with a fun Kahoot game. 

September 13-17th

What a crazy week! I hope you all are safe and with power after storm Nicholas. I lost power from 3 am - 10 am, but I can't complain too much. Glad to be back tomorrow because we have a lot to cover. 

Math

We are continuing with place value up to 600. We will end the week with composing and decomposing numbers. For math stations, I've been introducing new math games that allows the kids to practice their math facts. They are having fun. 

Reading

Two more running records and I'm about done! Whoo-hoo! I'm looking forward to starting my reading groups. This week we will notice what craft moves authors do and discuss the message the author is trying to teach us. For reader's workshop, we are continuing to build our reading stamina. 

Writing

The kids are working on their graded small moment piece. I've been stressing the steps to writing a small moment piece. We've discussed writing a small moment worth telling, writing across the pages, and developing our characters by making the talk and think. Some students are having a hard time thinking of an idea. Ask your child what they plan on writing about and/or think of small moments together. 

Snap words: A new snap word menu was passed out yesterday. Test will be next Friday. 

Social Studies

This week is all about Freedom Week. 

Please make sure your child brings a set of headphones to bring to school. We use them daily and I have limited ones in the classroom for the kids to share. 

Let's make it a great week! 

September 6-10th

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. The weather was hot but I'll take hot/sunny over a rainy weekend. 

We have Garden day tomorrow. Please make sure the kiddos wear their tennis shoes. 

Math

We are continuing with place value but with numbers up to 600. We will discuss how to represent numbers in different ways, place numbers on a number line, and compare numbers. I've been impressed with how well the kids are doing with place value. I'm working on having them read word problems that involve place value. This is an area where the kids are a little unsure. 

Reading

We are in bend two of our  "Second Grade Reading Growth Spurt" unit. This bend contains lessons on how to solve tricky words. I will discuss how to use different strategies to sound out words, making sure what we read makes sense, and working on vowel teams. 

The kids are continuing to check out just right books during readers work shop. I am half way done with my running records. I will continue to assess their reading this week, 

Snap Words: Students will be tested on their snap words this Friday. They also need to complete two activities from their snap word menu by Friday. 

Writing

This week in writing, lessons will include writing our stories in small steps, unfreezing characters, and making our characters think and feel. We are continuing to share seed ideas to give the the kids plenty of ideas to write about. 

Science

This week is all about changes in matter by adding and removing heat. We have a couple of experiments lined up. Fun times ahead. 

Homework

Read 20 minutes, complete two snap word menu activities, math sheet to be passed out Tuesday morning, and practice math facts up to 20. Ex. 9+7=? or 13-6= ? (this could be done by using flash cards, Xtra Math, parent asking math facts, or there are plenty of kid math apps to help) We do practice our math facts daily during station time as well. 

August 30- September 3rd

 I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Week 3 of school is a busy one. 

-Thursday, September 2nd is a half day. Students will be dismissed at 12pm.

- Homework will start this week. Students will have a math sheet and two snap word activities to complete that will be due on Friday. Students should also read for 20 minutes each night if possible. 

* Please remember to have your child bring headphones to school. They will be kept in their desk. We use them on a daily basis. Thank you! 

Math

We are continuing with place value. We will compare numbers, place numbers in order from greatest to least or least to greatest, and compose/decompose numbers. 

Reading

Readers workshop has been going well. I'm impressed with their stamina so far. This week we will discuss how readers keep tabs on comprehension by jotting down our thoughts on sticky notes. 

Writing

It's been fun sharing stories about my past with the students. They're funny because they would love for me to share a new story everyday, but I told them I have all year to tell them stories. Students are working on their small moment piece. 

Science

Whoo hoo! This week is a fun one. We are learning states of matter. On Wednesday there will be a fun experiment including gummy worms. Can't wait. 

August 23-27th

Hi Parents, 

We had a great first week. I've been thoroughly impressed with the kiddos. They got back into the swing of things quickly, learned the new routines, and were so happy. Here's what's happening this week...

Math

We are starting our math unit with place value. We will be working with numbers up to 300. We will discuss odd/even, expanded form, pictorial form, etc. We will start our math rotations as well. The kids will need their own headphones for the technology station. Please have them bring a pair that can stay in their desk for the year. 

Reading

This week in reading we are discussing how second grade readers will be reading longer books. This week starts my running records. I'll be sharing this data at our October conferences. The reading MAP test will be given this week. Students are taking a different MAP test than last year. This year it's a 2-5th grade test. There is a lot of reading on the test. The kids tend to get tired so I'll make sure to tell the kids to take breaks. 

Grammar: Nouns, proper nouns, singular/plural nouns

Writing

For writing, we are starting with small moments. Please talk with your child about small moments they can write about. This could be the first time they rode a bike, one part of a vacation they took, first homerun, etc. I love this unit because I can share my stories with the kiddos and it's the perfect way for them to get to know me. 

Social Studies

We are discussing the Pledge of Allegiance this week.

I have a class wish list. If you would like to contribute, please see the list here. 

 Welcome to Second Grade!

I'm so glad you're here. Can't believe the school year is right around the corner. Goodness, summer went by fast. Things to know for Monday....

1. Please have your child bring a dry snack. We will have snack time around 12:30ish. 

2. Monday students will have Mindful Movers so the kiddos need tennis shoes. 

3. Make sure your child know how they're getting home. :) 

I think that's it for now. It's going to be a great first day!