Welcome to 2nd Grade!

Miss Van Matre’s Moose

Basic Info: Red Daily Folder

Includes:Behavior Chart

Reading LogAssignment Pencil

HomeworkWord List in Spiral

Please check daily

Behavior Chart

I give one or more verbal warnings. If the undesired behavior continues the student will then be instructed to change his or her color. Please initial the behavior log if your child has changed his or her color from green.

Reflects child’s behavior each day

Red: 2nd reminder

Blue: 3rd reminder and/or severe infraction

Green: doing great

Yellow: warning (reminded of appropriate behavior)

Do not be alarmed if your child changes his/her color to yellow, this is a warning and a wake up call for your child.

Red: 2nd reminder

Reading Log

Record any reading outside of school2nd graders should read at least 15 minutes per night all year.Record the date and minutes read on the logPlease initial next to each entry1000 minutes = GOLD MEDAL and recognition in morning assembly on the first Wednesday of every month.

Assignment Pencil

Updated weekly

Includes homework and the Phonics rules for the week.

Also contains 5 Words of the Week, special events, Library and Specials reminders, etc.

Needs to stay in the red folder in case of changes

Homework 

Recorded on the Assignment Pencil Unfinished class work may be sent home to complete.Assigned Mondays and is to be turned in by Thursday.Late homework is a responsibility infraction and the student will be expected to complete it during Fun Friday.

 Folders

BLUE Folder EVERY TuesdayContains school notes and class workPlease remove the papersSign the sheet inside before returning it each Wednesday

Reading & Language Arts

Warm- Up: Daily “get in gear” activities such as, Making Words, journaling, and Daily Language ReviewSpelling using phonetic patterns. In 2nd grade we do not have a spelling list, but a spelling rule for the week. In addition there will be 5 word wall words for the week. Writer’s Workshop: Students will use the Writing Process to compose original writing pieces.Handwriting: Improving on modern manuscriptVocabulary- We will be expanding our vocabulary in all subject areas using vocabulary activities to help us make connections with new words

Writing Workshop

2nd graders will learn the writing process and take original compositions through each step.

Using literature examples we will focus on various aspects of writing

Math

Graphing and probability Focus on: Addition, subtraction (one and two digits), problem solving, time, fractions, estimation, money, and measurement Introduce multiplication and divisionReinforced through Math games and songsOnline textbook, games, and activities on my website

Science

Weather and SpaceForce and MotionPlants and Animals Matter (Solids, Liquids, Gas)Natural Resources and Conservation

Hands-on Science using:FOSS (Full Option Science System) United Streaming and Educational Videos Computer Games and Science Lab

Social Studies

People and Communities-Communities ProjectMap Skills- Flat Stanley Project

Pioneers- Pioneer DayLandformsBiographies-Biography project

Computer & Library Times

Library Time: Thursday 1:30-2:002nd graders may check out 2 books at a timeEncourage your child to check out appropriately leveled books2 week check out period per bookComputer Lab: Tuesday 1:15-2:15 (for 2nd)Various projects relating to topics studied Students will use Brain Pop Jr., Powerpoint, Microsoft Word, etc

Grading & Report Cards

You will see checks, smiles, or ratios on graded student workThe report card is skills-basedThe student is graded on a scale from 1-3.1: The student has not mastered the skill2: The student is making progress toward mastery3: The skill is mastered

*Do not be alarmed if the report card reflects 2’s in any skill.

Snacks

Every day your child may bring a snackHealthy and nutritious Some suggestions include yogurt, granola bars, fruit, cereal, crackers, or pretzels Only water is permitted in the classroom. Your child may bring a water bottle to keep at his/her desk.

Student Birthdays

District policy states: On the last Friday of the month, the last 15 minutes of the day, the classroom will celebrate those children’s birthdays for the month in the classroom. 2:15-2:30 Celebration The homeroom parent will organize who brings cupcakes for that monthOnly cupcakes and water are permittedThe room parent will coordinate celebrations

*Birthday invitations: If your child is passing out invitations at school please make sure the whole class is invited

Conferences

Planning Period: 9:45-10:35

Feel free to schedule a meeting during this time as neededEarly Release Day Conferences:

Oct.15Oct.16

Afternoon Times AvailableSign up afterwards

Please Keep in TouchCommunication is the key to success!Please do not hesitate to contact me through notes, e-mail, or phone. E-mail is an effective way to reach me during the day: vanmatrea@ltisdschools.orgContact office about last minute transportation changesPhone messages: 533-6500 x 5513

Thanks for coming!