Super 2nd Graders

Important Dates & Reminders

• Please make sure you send your child with a coat on cold days.  Recess will continue to be outside unless we are notified of a wind advisory.

• Check backpacks regularly for important information.

   

Language Arts

What are we learning?

• Complex consonants are groups of letters that combine to represent a single sound. Often, complex consonants are groups of letters that include two consonants that stand for the sound of a single letter (e.g., know) or consonants paired with a vowel that represent a distinct sound (e.g., edge). In this unit, students explore complex consonants that make the /ch/ and /j/ sounds (e.g., catch, badge), as well as the hard and soft sounds of c and g (e.g, cash/ city, give/gem). Students also explore silent consonants in the context of high frequency words (e.g., write, know). 

Math

What are we learning?

• Students understand of the base-ten numeration system and place-value concepts
• Students have fluency with basic addition facts and the related subtraction facts 
• Students develop fluency with multidigit addition and subtraction

Science

What are we learning?

• Students understanding of scientific and engineering practices
• Students investigate and understand that there are different types of weather on Earth.

Social Studies

What are we learning?

• Students learn about the lives and contributions of 3 Native American tribes.

Specials

• Library: We are building our vocabulary and STEAM skills through interactive read-alouds of picture books and connected STEAM challenges, focusing on the scientific method of questioning, forming a hypothesis, experimenting, and drawing conclusions. Contact Ms. Wixtrom on Talking Points or email with any questions or anything you’d like me to know! I want to help your child thrive in their reading journey!
• PE: Thank you to all families for being strong co-teachers with us. Regarding pacing, we completed our “Gymnastics Unit” and “Routines Review” with all grade levels. Now, all students will move into their “Basketball Unit.” Learners will better understand the anatomy of a basketball court, and how to dribble with hands, bounce pass, chest pass, and shoot the basketball. Towards the end of the unit, we hope to teach different “playground games” such as “H.O.R.S.E.” and “Knock-Out.” As always, Mr. Bergin ([email protected]) and Ms. Brod ([email protected]) are here for any questions or concerns.
• Music: 
  • Ms. Shaw’s 2nd graders are working on Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,”  identifying instrument families and instruments, and storytelling, creating their Peter and the Wolf storybooks.
  • In Mr. Sawasky’s music class, All grades are learning a frame drumming composition called, “Jennifer Bobby Bobby.” We are also learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and the song, “Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson. K – 2^nd grade will be exploring rhythms through frame drumming and melody with xylophones.
• Art: 
  • In the Forestdale art program, the primary goal is to create an environment in which every student feels confident, safe, and supported by Ms. Barrett and by the other students. The goal is that each student will reach a level of technical mastery and self-confidence that allows them to take risks with their own artwork and create work they value.
  • In January, all students will be wrapping up their COLLAGE units and doing planning drawings for the upcoming CLAY units! 
  • All students’ collages are fantastic! They would look great in a frame, hanging on the wall – or at least on the refrigerator!
  • Thank you to all families for returning the Interview Forms for each Art unit! Students in grades 1st - 6th continue to use their Art Planning and Reflection Books, increasing their literacy skill practice during art classes!
  • As always, Ms. Barrett ([email protected]) is here for any questions or concerns regarding the art program.
  • 2nd graders are creating cut paper collages of butterfly molas. They have been inspired by cloth Molas that are sewn by the Cuna Indians of the San Blas islands near Panama. Students were able to hold and look at many examples of real Molas to see the tiny stitches up close.
• CCT: Students are learning about the concept of change. Students discussed things that change and do not change. They will consider how change can be:
  • fast or slow
  • Happen naturally or be caused by humans
  • Be predictable or unpredictable

AAP Corner 

What are we learning?

• Students engaged in lessons from the Jacob’s Ladder comprehension unit. Students read various poems, analyzed them as a class, and shared their ideas about the meaning of the poems.

ESOL 

During the month of January, all ESOL students will begin preparing for our annual assessment of their English language proficiency. The state of Virginia administers the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment from January 16-March 15. This assessment monitors students' progress in learning academic English in the areas of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Families can find translated information about this assessment at this link: https://wida.wisc.edu/resources/what-access-ells 

Students in grades 1-6 can practice at home for the assessment through this link: https://wbte.drcedirect.com/WIDA/portals/wida/assessment_selection?adminId=596372