August 24, 2018
Mr. Mulligan 2nd Grade Families,
Good day my fantastic families! I hope you and your child had a fantastic week in 2nd grade. This week, students had their first week of learning new routines and exploring new curriculum.
Reading: During our reading block this week, students explored our learning targets of predictions and reading stamina. Students have been grabbing books at their level, placing a sticky note on their book and doing picture walks of the book. From here, they decide how a book wants to be read. When authors write books, they sometimes want 2nd graders to read the book in certain emotions and tones. After exploring the book with a picture walk, students write their emotion, read the book and then determine if this was the proper tone. Students also have been working on stamina. We read this week or 20 minutes at a time. During this time, students sit in the same spot and explore the same book for this period of time. Reading logs are filled and comprehension is tested by having students explain what they read with partners. Next week, students will be working on scooping words. This is a practice where students scoop as many words in one breath instead of sounding like a robot as we read.
Writing: Students created circle maps this week on what they did over their summer break. From here, students picked transition words, wrote a topic sentence and explained their exciting break in 6 – 12 sentences. Next week, students will start their study of narrative writing by writing as many stories as their heart desires. We will be focusing on small moments and using as much detail as we can to create stories that provide plenty of visuals to the reader.
Spelling: Our first spelling test will be Monday. I apologize that I said this last week, but we did not have a spelling test. During the course of this week, I gave 2nd graders their pre-tests and conducted a word assessment test. Next week, we will have our closed syllable spelling test. All words will follow the pattern of closed syllables.
Math: This week, students worked with their number-racks. We are working on our number fluency to 20 and this tool helps us practice different combinations to numbers up to this number. Our pre-test for unit 1 was given this week and sent home in the homework folder. Please note that the concepts your child was tested on have not been taught yet. These concepts will be explicitly taught over the course of the next month. Next week, students will be working more with equations up to 20. Students will be utilizing their number racks and playing different games to practice these concepts.
Science & Social Studies: Students have started their practice of communities. This week, we explored urban, suburban and rural environments. Next week, we will study what kind of community Aurora is and how our community impacts our lives.
Announcements:
Next Tuesday is Back-to-School. I cannot wait to see you all there so I can further explain all of the great learning that will take place in class this year. Please download ClassDojo by this time so you can follow as I go over this app.
Spelling starts next week. Please study with your child nightly to guarantee that he/she is prepared for Friday’s test.
School picture sheets were sent home this week. Please send in your order if you wish to have a copy of your child’s pictures.
If you are interested in volunteering in class, I am going to be setting up a Signup Genius in about 2 weeks. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help with reading check-ins, mail organization, spelling test help on Monday and Friday, and future party organizing. If you are someone who wants to be a “Room Leader,” please let me know via e-mail. This important job will be a huge help because you will organize all parties in class such as the Halloween Party, Fall Party, Winter Party, Valentine’s Day Party, etc. You will not be responsible financially for the parties, but just the help in planning and running the parties.
