Second Grade Newsletter: March 2024

By Second Grade Team
Second Grade
March 04, 2024

Super 2nd Graders

Important Dates & Reminders

  • Send in T-Shirts for Tie Dying 
  • Field Trip forms are due!  Field Trip April 5th

Language Arts

What are we learning?

  • Students will learn how to write singular possessives.   They will learn to write an ‘s after a pronoun to show ownership of a noun.
  • Students will learn how to make a contraction by connecting two words that have been shortened to form one new word.
  • Students will learn how to add an ending to words like -ing,  -ed, -er, -est.
  • Students will learn how to write persuasive letters.  They will share ideas they have about things they want to change or keep the same or a problem in their community or world that they would like solved.

 

Math

What are we learning?

  • Students will use different strategies to solve 2-digit by 2-digit addition and subtraction equations.
  • Students will create and solve single-step and two step word problems involving addition and subtraction.

Science

What are we learning?

  • This unit focuses on matter & forces. Throughout the unit students develop a better understanding of matter and the forces that can cause motion.
  • They will use hands-on investigations and relate these complex concepts to everyday experiences. 
  • students will learn to inquire, observe, relate cause-and-effect  relationships, collect and record information, and investigate problems related to matter, force, and motion.

 

Social Studies

What are we learning?

  • Students will study Early Americans (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham LIncoln) and they will recognize the ideas and innovations of American leaders.

Specials

  • Library/STEAM: 
    • 2nd grade students are exploring the scientific method through fiction books with a science theme and conducting related science experiments. They will also learn how to use the library catalog to find books that answer their questions.
  • PE: 
    • Hello Forestdale Families! Your PE Team has completed the Winter round of fitness testing. We are now beginning our “Striking with Hands Unit” and will master these concepts through the sport of volleyball. Students will complete skill repetitions, play team games, net games, and practice their athletic communication habits during this unit. We’ve also discussed safety factors for this unit and how EMOTIONS always factor into our playing.
    • Perhaps discuss with your student: “How do you act when you’re playing a game that you feel GOOD at?” “How do you act when you’re playing a game that feels DIFFICULT for you?” “What is it like when a friend shows anger or disappointment while you’re playing with them?” “What does it feel like when a teammate encourages you?”
    • Thank you and talk soon! ❤ Mr. Bergin and Ms. Brod
  • Music: 
    • Ms. Shaw’s second grade classes are dancing to the Irish Fiddle tune, The Rakes of Mallow. We are also learning the Orff xylophone arrangement Oliver Twist.
    • In Mr. Sawasky’s class, alll grades will be working on our frame drumming composition.  All students will know how to create their own rhythms.
      • We will practice singing our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” All students will have the opportunity to express themselves through playing xylophones, frame drums and percussion instruments.
      • K – 2nd grade will be exploring rhythms through frame drumming and creating their own rhythm.
  • 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 that they value.
    • In March,  all students will be creating planning drawings for the upcoming Clay units! 
    • 2nd graders will create clay "Texture Houses."
    • All students’ ceramic pieces are delightful.
    • Thank you to all families for returning the Parent 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.

 

  • CCT: 
    • I have been so impressed with your students and their ideas! Look for their work in their Thursday folders this month. I like to save their work for a couple of lessons to create a portfolio. They selected their best work to put on top. Some are unfinished and that is okay.
    • Ms. Spengler will be out for a week in March for AART related duties. Ms. Wixtrom will have a longer library time with the students.
    • We have practiced several critical and creative thinking strategies. This month will be about questioning. I always tell students that questioning is more powerful than answers. :) - Ms. Spengler 

AAP Corner

Hello! Each year we screen all students for new AAP services for the following school year. Information on referrals are in the Spring Newsletter. Please read and email Katelyn Spengler at @email with any questions.  Translations are included below:

Spring AAP Newsletter ES (PDF)
ArabicChineseEnglishKoreanSpanishUrduVietnamese

 

ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages

All ESOL students have now completed their WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessments. The ESOL Team is very proud of how hard every student worked on each of their tests! Results from this assessment will be sent to families before the end of the school year. We are looking forward to seeing how much growth our students have made in learning academic English.