2B Mrs. Maffey

Classroom Parent  Mrs. Meg Laska

 

2B Specials Monday - None Tuesday - Gym & Library Wednesday - Computer, Music & Gym Thursday - Art, Library & Spanish Friday - None   Second Grade Curriculum:  Religion:  We start our day with Religion.  Actually, Religion permeates our entire day.  It is an exciting year – celebrating two sacraments, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  Information will be announced at the Meeting with the PCL, Patty Del Re in January.         Kindness and caring are encouraged through the use of our “Sunny Thoughts” box, our “Good for You!” jar and our Power of Prayer book.  We always ask ourselves WWJD.        Tests – When you see the Chapter Review come home for homework, you will know your child will have a Chapter test the next day.  Both will be graded.  Please go over the Chapter Review with your child.   Language Arts: We are starting an exciting new reading series (Pearson SuccessNet.)  This includes Reading, Writing, Spelling, Phonics, Grammar, and Oral Language.  In addition, this year, second grade will have a splendid new Vocabulary book.    Your child will have Spelling homework M-Th.                     Monday:  Write words in pad 3X each.                      Tuesday:  Write Spelling words in ABC order.   Wednesday:  Pick 10 (may vary) Spelling words and use in a sentence.  Underline the Spelling word.  Only 2 sentences may begin with a pronoun.                    Thursday:  Study for Spelling Test.  Child will be asked to correct any misspelled words by writing them on the back of test 5X.        Every night, your child is encouraged to read aloud for 15 mins. or more with a parent or older sibling.  Starting in October, a reading calendar will be sent home to keep a log of daily reading.  Parent will sign and your child will return the calendar to school at the end of the month.   Mathematics:  Don't be alarmed if we don't follow the book's order.  Some pages will be skipped but no concepts will be skipped.  Online remedial and enrichment activities are available at www.sadlier-oxford.com. Hopefully, this will make math interesting and fun for all.        Make sure your child has a firm foundation in Math.  Please review basic addition and subtraction facts with your child.  This can be done with the online program, games, flashcards, etc.  This is so important.        Homework to reinforce what was learned in school that day will be sent home almost every night.  This is your opportunity to see how your child is faring.  Please let me know if you see your child struggling in any area.        Starting in October, 2B will take turns bringing in items in our Estimating Jar.  This is a very popular activity.  The jar is sent home each Monday with the student who was the best estimator.  There must be at least 18 items in the jar to “share”.  Please have your child write the number of items on a piece of paper, fold it, and tape it to the bottom of the jar.  Please make the items non-edible.  We may have food allergies in our class.   Science:  This year, we are starting an exciting new Science series (Pearson’s Interactive Science).  Unit A covers The Nature of Science as well as Technology and Tools.  Unit B explores Plants and Animals.  Unit C contains Earth Science.  Unit D covers Physical Science.  Each chapter will conclude with a test.  I will do my best to make sure this class is as "hands-on" as possible.   We alternate Science and Social Studies Units.   Social Studies:  The SS units are made up of 5 lessons followed by a test.  The topics covered are: Where We Live, Our Earth, Working Together, Our Country Today, Our Country Long Ago, and People and Places in History.   Other Items of Interest:    Discipline – Kids at Work/Caution/STOP – After 3 warnings, children who reach STOP will write a note home to their parents explaining in their own words why they ended up on STOP.  The child signs the note, the teacher signs the note, and the parent signs and returns the note to school.        We are a team.  We are the 2B Family.  Jesus is our Teacher and our Guide.  To help us make good choices, we always think WWJD.   Parent Participation:  The children in 2B love to see our parents come into the classroom.  Please consider spending some time with us.     Mystery Reader – Parent will share child’s favorite story with class (10-15 mins.)  The child is surprised when Mom or Dad shows up in the doorway.  This is a simple activity – no snacks or treats, please.  Please sign-up with Classroom Parent.  Please write me a note with 2-3 alternate times on Mon. of your scheduled week.   Monthly Craft – Seasonal, age-appropriate craft to be presented by 2-3 parents if possible.  The children will love it.  It helps to have a sample to show them.  Again, sign up with Classroom Parent and please contact me for a time.      Homework:  Homework should take no longer than one half-hour.  If it is taking longer, please let me know.  It is my belief that second graders need supervision with homework.  Please check their assignment pad each day and set up a plan for completion.  Homework is to be placed on the back table when you child arrives at school.  If your child is absent and you wish to have work sent home, please contact the office.  Let us know how the work will get home – will you pick it up or will a sibling or neighbor bring it home?  No Homework on Fridays in second grade!    Please note:  Each Sunday night, weekly homework is posted on Powerschool.  Check under Class Content.  I use this area to post information regarding projects, important dates, etc.   Tests to be signed will be sent home on Mondays.  Please return on Tuesday.  Thanks.     Please check periodically to see if your child needs to refresh their school supplies.  Pencils, glue sticks, etc. don’t last long.     Scholastic Book Club: I would like to offer you the opportunity to purchase books at reasonable prices for your child.  Order forms are sent home at the beginning of each month.  You can also order and pay online - quick, easy, and safe.  I was able to purchase so many new books for our classroom library with bonus points earned in the past.  I am excited to see what treasures we can add to our library this year!  If you have any questions, please contact me.     My Contact Information:  Please send in a note or call the school.  My school e-mail address is jmaffey@sjsbr.org.  I will get back to you as soon as possible.     It is going to be a great year full of learning!  It is a privilege to teach your children.   Mrs. Jo Maffey