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Issue #13 January 13, 2006
Word Wall Words
Due to the next two short weeks we will not have any spelling. Please have your child practice spelling the word wall words on the back of this page.
Theme: Air and Weather
Next week we begin our exploration of air. The students will be using feathers, straws and other items to learn about the properties of air. Next week we will also record daily observations of the week’s weather.
Cold Weather Reminder
Even though it has not been extremely cold, we still need a cold weather reminder. Please make sure your child comes to school with hats, gloves/mittens, boots and a warm coat. Boots are especially important when there is snow and slush. If you do have boots for your child, please have them bring an extra pair of shoes to change into after recess (we’re trying to avoid wet feet).
Spelling Routines for Home
Every five-day week, your child brings home a list of spelling words. We have a spelling test every Friday. You may be wondering how you can help your child study these words. Here is list of simple things you can do to help your child:
1). Make flash cards and have your child practice reading them
and spelling them out loud.
2). Give your child a written practice test. This will help them
see which words they need to study.
3). Practice spelling words aloud in the car.
4). Write words three times. Have your child look at the word,
take a picture of it in their head, then write it without
looking back at the word. Check to see if correct.
**You can also help by making sure the list your child brings home is all correctly spelled (since they choose their own words).
--Please read the back for all of our second grade word wall words!--
Family Literacy Tip
Model for your child how to read with expression. Reading with expression helps communicate meaning as well as hold your child’s interest in the story. Have your child practice reading with expression, too.
Upcoming Events
Mon. 1/16 No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Fri. 1/20 Gathering 1:40
Thur. 1/26 Field trip to Orchestra Hall. We leave at 10:50 and
return at 1:00. We will see “How the Gimquat Found
Her Song.”
Fri. 1/27 No School - Professional Day for Teachers
Fri. 2/3 Gathering 1:40
Word Wall Words
best they
black tell
brothers too
because them
city then
friends their
found there
gym with
girl will
house what
have was
I won’t
little where
make when
made how
many who
new again
not said
other
one
our
pretty
saw
sister
snap
slow
stop |
Issue #12 December 16, 2005
Theme: Air and Weather
When we return from winter break it will be sun and wind week. Second graders will read The Sun is Always Shining Somewhere by Allen Fowler and make a class book of sun facts. We’ll read the poem Sun and acted it out. We’ll also include wind in our weather journals. Here’s a preview of wind words we will learn: calm or no wind, gentle breeze, moderate breeze, and strong breeze. We have an anemometer (made of straws and plastic cups) that we’ll take outside for recess to measure wind speed. We’ll also read a poem called Wind Song and use instruments to create wind sounds as we read the poem. The week after will be water cycle week. In reader’s workshop we will do a reader’s theater about the water cycle. Here are some of the water cycle words they will learn: evaporation, precipitation, and water vapor. Second graders will act out the water cycle and make drawings too.
NNAT testing for Gifted Services will take place the second week in January according to the following schedule: Monday, Jan. 9 at 9:20 all 2nd graders in Ms. Hanson's and Mrs. Wilson’s room. Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 9:30 all second graders in Ms. Lund's room.
Family Literacy Tip
The holidays are a wonderful time to get in touch with family and loved ones. Encourage your child to write a letter or make a card for someone they care about. This can be an art activity as well as a writing activity.
Upcoming Events
Fri. 12/16 Gathering 1:40 Multicultural Celebration of Light
Winter Break 12/19-1/2
Tues. 1/3 School resumes
Fri. 1/6 Gathering 1:40
Fri. 1/13 Gathering 1:40
Mon. 1/16 No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Fri. 1/20 Gathering 1:40
Thurs. 1/26 Field Trip to Orchestra Hall from 9:15 - 11:30 Let us know if you would like to chaperone!
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Issue #11 December 9, 2005
Word Wall Words
Practice these new word wall words at home:
slow where because when
Air and Weather
Next week we will observe clouds and record them in weather journals. Second graders will learn about the three main cloud types: cirrus, cumulus, stratus. They have already started their cloud study in dance class.
Multicultural Celebration of Light Performances and Gathering
Second graders have been working with Francis Kofi all this week and will continue next week. They are learning African dances and songs. On Friday, December 16 second graders will perform what they have learned in the dance studio. Mrs. Hanson and Mrs. Wilson’s class will be performing from 9:30 - 10:20 and Mrs. Lund’s class will be performing from 10:30 - 11:20.
Francis Kofi and three other guest artists will present student work during the Gathering. We hope to see you that day!
Distracting Items
We have noticed a number of items that second graders have brought to school that distract them during instruction. Some of these items are bracelets, necklaces, watches, and other items. Please keep these items at home so your child can focus on learning.
Family Literacy Tip
Help your child expand their vocabulary by brainstorming related words. (What other weather words can you think of? Food words? Feeling words? etc.)
Upcoming Events
Fri. 12/16 Gathering 1:40 Multicultural Celebration of Light
Winter Break 12/19-1/2
Tues. 1/3 School resumes
Fri. 1/6 Gathering 1:40
Fri. 1/13 Gathering 1:40
Mon. 1/16 No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Fri. 1/20 Gathering 1:40
Thurs. 1/26 Field Trip to Orchestra Hall from 9:15 - 11:30 Let us know if you would like to chaperone! |
Issue #10 December 2, 2005
Word Wall Words
Practice these new word wall words at home:
they then our their found
New Theme: Air and Weather
Our classes will begun a study of air and weather. We will observe temperature, wind, and clouds and record them in weather journals. We will also study the water cycle and learn about air. Second graders will learn about the three main cloud types: cirrus, cumulus, stratus. They have already started their cloud study in dance class.
What is Reader’s Workshop?
You may have heard your child talk about Reader’s Workshop. This is a time when the class comes together for a mini-lesson on reading strategies. After the mini-lesson, your child chooses a just-right book to read on their own and then writes a response. At the end, students have the opportunity to share their reading responses. At the end, students have the opportunity to share their reading responses. During this time, the teachers (Mrs. Lund, Mrs. Hanson, Ms. Beck, and Mrs. Marks) also meet with small groups for reading instruction. The second graders are excited about their reading successes.
Conferences
If you have not met with the second grade teachers to discuss your child’s progress in school please call to make an appointment 293-6606. Conferences are important for your child’s education. We look forward to hearing from you!
Math
Next week we will finish another unit in math. Your child’s test and math skills checklist will be sent home once we have graded all of them. Call us if you have questions.
Cold Weather Clothing
Please make sure that your child has all the necessary clothing for staying warm and dry at recess. Hats, mittens, winter coats, boots, and snow pants are a must. If you have extra winter gear that your child has outgrown, please consider donating them to second graders who are in need.
Family Literacy Tip
Help your child build their reading comprehension. How? Ask them questions about the book they are reading. Examples: What did you like best about this book? What did this book remind you of? What did you learn from this book?
See backside for more information!
Upcoming Events
Wed. 12/7 Early release day. School is dismissed at 12:30.
Thurs. 12/8 Winter Choir Concert 6:30 Second graders performing in the concert need to be on the second floor by 6:10, wearing a white top and dark pants or skirts.
Thurs. 12/8 Art from the Heart 6:00 student art and craft sales to raise money for hurricane and earthquake victims
Fri. 12/9 Gathering 1:30, Winter Choir Concert
Fri. 12/16 Informal residency performances throughout the day. Come see Mrs. Hanson’s and Mrs. Wilson’s class at 9:30 and Mrs. Lund’s class at 10:30 in the dance studio.
Fri. 12/16 Gathering 1:40, Winter Solstice--celebrations of light from around the world.
Winter Break 12/19-1/2
Tues. 1/ 3 School Resumes
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Issue #9 November 18, 2005
Word Wall Words
Next week there will be no word wall or spelling words.
Community Faces and Places
This theme is soon coming to an end. We have learned many things: how community workers help people, and how communities change over time. To celebrate all we have learned we took a field trip to the Minnesota Children’s Museum. We had a short class on features of a community. The second graders will also had a chance to build their own community with blocks and other materials. In addition to the class they explored the museum exhibits.
Cold Weather
Please make sure your child is dressed for the cold. Hats, gloves/mittens, a warm coat and boots are a must. We go out every day for recess (unless it is raining).
Conferences
Please read your child’s conference slip and let us know if the time works for you. It is important for us to get this information as soon as possible. Thank you!
Family Literacy Tip
Use the pictures in books to help your child understand the story. Have your child point to details in the pictures to highlight them.
Upcoming Events
Fri. 11/18 Evening Conferences 4:00 - 8:00
Tues. 11/22 Evening Conferences 4:00 - 8:00
Wed. 11/23 No School - Conferences 8:00 - 11:00 and 12:00 - 3:00
11/24-11/25 Happy Thanksgiving!
School resumes on November 28.
Fri. 12/2 Gathering 1:40
Thurs. 12/8 Chorus Concert and Natural Disaster Fund Raiser
Fri. 12/9 Gathering, 1:30 Chorus Concert |
Issue #7 November 4, 2005
Word Wall Words
Next week we will assess the second graders on all of the word wall words we have studied so far. Here is a list for you to practice at home:
black brothers city friends house I many make
made new one other snap saw sister to
too tell them with pretty little what will
not
Community Faces and Places
Second graders have been studying about community helpers. On November 17, we will go to the Children’s Museum for a class on building a community and exploring the museum. We still need chaperones!!!! If you are interested, please call or send a note with your child. Thank you!
Silent Auction
Thank you so much to the families who donated items for our gift baskets. The Silent Auction will be next Thursday, November 11 (see the Wednesday Weekly for more details). We hope to see you all there. It is sure to be a special occasion.
Borders Bookstore
at Hamline Avenue & University Avenue in Saint Paul
is Offering a Fund-Raising Opportunity to All K-12 Schools
Soon you will be receiving a flyer with an attached voucher.
On November 18th, 19th, and 20th
You may take that attached voucher to Borders in the Midway and present it to the cashier at the time of your purchase.
At the end of Benefit Days, the total sales are added up and a check for 10% of the total before taxes will be issued to Linwood A+.
Please take advantage of this offer!
Did you know that the ideal bedtime for a second grader is 8:00? We, as teachers, have observed that students who go to bed early do better in school! You can help your child do their best in school by getting them to bed by 8:00.
Family Literacy Tip
Encourage your child’s personal response to stories. Ask, “What part did you like best? Why?... How did that make you feel?... Do you think that was a good idea? ... Would you want to do that, too?” etc.
Upcoming Events
Thurs. 11/17 Field trip to Minnesota Children’s Museum
11:45-2:15. 7 second grade chaperones needed.
Fri. 11/11 No School - Conference Prep Day
Fri. 11/18 Second Grade Sponsored Gathering 1:40
Fri. 11/18 Evening Conferences 4:00 - 8:00
Tues. 11/22 Evening Conferences 4:00-8:00
Wed. 11/23 No School - Conferences 8:00 a.m. -12:00
Thurs. 11/24-25 No School - Thanksgiving Holiday |
Issue #6 October 28, 2005
Community Faces and Places
Second graders have been studying about community helpers. The students have been learning how different groups of people live and work in a city and how mapmakers use symbols to show things on a map. Here are some of the vocabulary words your child has been introduced to: map key, symbols, compass rose, directions, goods, services, laws, city, community, map, neighborhood, needs, group, leader, and rules. Ask your child what these words mean.
Writer’s Workshop
Please read the back for a letter about our current writing unit.
Reader’s Workshop
We are learning the elements of story in reading. The elements we have learned so far are: character, setting, and plot. We have been reading books by Ezra Jack Keats. Ask your child about some of the characters we have met.
Silent Auction, November 17
PTA is sponsoring the Silent Auction to raise needed money for Linwood A+. For the Silent Auction, our grade level is sponsoring a special basket full of goodies. Our theme will be “Welcome New Baby!” We need help from you to fill the baskets! Second grader’s can bring items that fit the theme, they must be new as we will be selling these baskets at the Silent Auction. Please call us if you have any questions and thank you in advance.
Math
It was great to see so many families at the Family Math Night! Here are some web sites to help you understand more about Everyday Math and how you can help your child:
http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/index.shtml
(this is an information website
Literacy Tip
Make a Halloween costume based on his or her favorite book character.
Upcoming Events
Wed. 11/9 Picture Retake Day
Thurs. 11/17 Field trip to Minnesota Children’s Museum 11:00-2:00
8 more second grade chaperones needed. Please write
a note if you’d like to come with us. Thank you!
Fri. 11/11 No School, conference prep day |
Issue #5 October 14, 2005
Reading
Second graders are learning and practicing to make predictions before and while reading a story. They learned to make a good prediction by looking at the picture, the words, and thinking about what they already know about something. You can practice making predictions when you read with your child. They will understand the story better and have fun.
Spelling and Word Wall Words
On short weeks there will be no new spelling words. Instead, we will be reviewing all word wall words. Please keep practicing these words over the next two weeks.
friends I many make new
one other saw to tell
city made them with black
Gym
The second graders have learned how to work together as a class to play Link Tag. Soon we will start practicing ball handling skills and learning new games.
Due to safety reasons, please remember to send tennis shoes with your child on gym days. Gym days are Wednesdays for both classes.
Community Faces and Places
The second graders got to explore the Community Faces and Places trunk from the Children’s Museum. They are learning about how they help their community (even at home) and how other people in the community help them meet their needs.
Family Literacy Tip
How do you choose the right book for your child? Use the 5 finger rule!
Have your child read a page in a book. For every word on that page they do not know or misread, have them put 1 finger down. If all their fingers are down at the end of the page, the book is too difficult. Find an easier book. Having just-right books makes reading enjoyable for your child.
Upcoming Events
Thurs. 10/20 No School - State Teacher Meetings
Fri. 10/21 No School - State Teacher Meetings
Thurs. 10/27 Family Math Night, 5:30-7:00
Fri. 10/28 Gathering 1:40
***Being that next week is short, there will be no news letter.*** |
Issue #1 September 16, 2005
Dear Second Grade Families,
It has been an exciting first two
weeks of school! It’s wonderful to see familiar faces as well as new
faces here at Linwood A+. We enjoy working with your children and look
forward to learning more about them.
This newsletter is an
overview of our general operating procedures. Please keep this letter
for reference throughout the school year. You have received a Family
Folder in which to keep all this information and other important papers
you collect throughout the year. Please keep this folder at home.
Busses and Picking up your child
Students
are dismissed at 2:35 p.m. and escorted to their bus by the classroom
teacher. Under no circumstances is a child allowed to ride a bus for
which they are not assigned.
If your child normally rides a bus
but is going to be picked up you must send a note with your child in
the morning. If we do not have a note we are required to put your child
on the bus. If your plans change during the day and you will be picking
up your child please call Mary Kay before 1:00 so she has time to
notify us.
We are asking parents who are picking up their
children at the end of the day to meet them outside of the second grade
classrooms. You do not have to sign your child out, unless you are
taking them home early.
Attendance
School begins promptly
at 8:05 a.m. If you drive your child to school, please drop them off on
the Oxford St. side of the building between 7:45 and 7:55. This will
give them enough time to unpack their backpacks and get organized
before school begins. If your child is ill and needs to stay home,
please call the office between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. to leave a message
regarding reason for absence. Please send a note ahead of time if you
know your child will be absent on a particular day.
Lunch Money
Please
send lunch money in a sealed envelope with your child’s first and last
name and “Lunch Money” printed on the outside. Your child lunch number
is also helpful (ask your child for this). Envelopes are collected each
morning in class.
Take Home Folders
Every student has a Take
Home Folder for homework, newsletters and notes, and any notes you need
to send to school. Your child should bring this folder to and from
school every day. Please look for their folder every night.
Homework
Second
graders have homework every day. It should take about half an hour to
complete assignments. Also your child should read at least 20 minutes a
day at home. We will be participating in the St. Paul Reads program
again--the goal is to read 25 books this year. We’re sure our second
graders will meet and surpass this goal.
Newsletters
On
Fridays look for the rocket red “Second Grade News” newsletter in your
child’s folder. Our newsletter has highlights for the week and
reminders for important dates for you to mark on your calendar. On
short weeks there will not be a newsletter. Let us know if you do not
receive a newsletter and we will send another copy in your child’s
folder.
Field Trip Money
We need to collect money for
field trips at the beginning of the year in order to reserve our
tickets to Orchestra Hall and the Ordway. A total of $10 for these
concerts is due Friday, September 23. As we plan other field trips
throughout the year, more money will be needed later. An additional
donation may help pay expenses for all.
Birthday Treats
You
are welcome to bring birthday treats with your child to share with the
class. However, all treats must be purchased from a store or made in a
commercial kitchen. Homemade treats are not allowed. Also, please no
candy! This rule also applies to snacks.
Water bottles
Your
child may bring a water bottle to school. This cuts down on the time we
spend on drink breaks in the hallway, giving us more learning time in
class. Plus, water is good for the brain! The only rule about water
bottles: you must be able to tip your bottle upside down without any
water spilling out.
Volunteers
We love to have your help in
our classrooms! Our children benefit so much from parental
participation in the classroom. Please look in the newsletter for
upcoming field trips and chaperone needs. Please look at the volunteer
sign-up for Math Explorations. Our first exploration day is Friday,
September 23.
Phone Calls and Notes
If you need
to speak to any of the second grade teachers, please call us at
293-6606 between 10:30 and 11:20 or after 2:45. It is difficult for us
to talk during teaching time. Please leave a message on our voice mail
if you call during regular school hours. We will always try to get back
to you. Written notes are the best way to get in touch with us.
Upcoming Events
Tues. 9/20 2nd and 3rd grade chorus begins. Bring permission slips by Tuesday.
Wed. 9/21 First Day of Library
1:30-2:00 2L
2:00-2:30 2H/W
Fri. 9/23 Gathering 1:40
Wed. 9/28 Early Release Day
Dismissal at 12:30
Fri. 9/30 Gathering 1:40
**Have your second grader bring an empty paper towel roll. We’ll be using them for our number scrolls. Thanks! |
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