Super 2nd Graders

Important Dates & Reminders

• April 5th - Field Trip to Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Language Arts

What are we learning?

• Inflectional endings are suffixes that attach to root words. They change root words in one of three ways: 1) turn singular nouns to plural (e.g., dog-->dogs); 2) change verb tense (e.g., look→ looked) and; 3) create comparisons (tall--> taller; short→ shortest). Sometimes, the addition of inflectional endings can result in a spelling change to a root word (e.g., skate→ skating). This process is referred to as assimilation. The root word changes slightly, or assimilates, to make the new word easier to pronounce. In this unit, students explore spelling changes that occur to root words when inflectional endings are added (e.g., run→ running; baby --> babies). The focus of this unit is on two commonly occurring spelling changes: doubling the final consonant and changing or keeping the final y. 
• Critical Literacy. In this unit, you have an opportunity to help students develop a critical lens and reflect on their own perspectives and the perspectives of others. Listen closely to what students are talking about. Once you notice the issues and topics students are talking about, select texts that allow them to critically analyze how these issues are constructed. It is your goal to not only help students become aware of biased messages and perspectives in the world around them, but to learn the fundamental truth that no text is neutral.
• Persuasive Letters. In this unit, students write letters to authentic audiences expressing their opinions with a goal to enact positive changes in their lives and the world. They use the letter-writing format to 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. In this unit, students have the opportunity to think, share, discuss, and write about things that matter to them the most. Helping students develop letters with strong reasons guides them to grow as writers and thinkers.

Math

What are we learning?

• Geometry
• Draw a line of symmetry in a figure.
• Identify and create figures with at least one line of symmetry. 
• Identify, describe, compare, and contrast plane and solid figures (circles/spheres, squares/cubes, and rectangles/rectangular prisms). 

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?

• Contributions of Early Americans 
• The student will explain why people honor and celebrate major holidays including George Washington Day (Presidents' Day) 
• The student will recognize the ideas and innovations of American leaders (Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln) and how they continue to impact us today  

Specials:

• Library: 
  • In April, we will have our Spring book fair! It will be from April 11-April 22. There will be evening hours during most days for families who would like to come after school.
  • 2nd grade students will continue to create questions about topics they are curious about, and find answers to their questions using keywords with the library catalog, books, and databases.
• PE: 
  • Falcon Families, We hope your Spring Break was full of smiles and activity. As always, we are grateful to call you our co-teachers and appreciate the work you do with your student(s).
  • Upon returning from break, we always revisit routines and expectations until students are back in “school mode.” The next actual unit will be SOCCER! Students have been looking forward to this unit because it’s many peoples’ favorite and we can finally play more outside. Falcons are lucky because Mr. Bergin is a working Varsity Soccer Coach in the county; what a valuable resource! Students will learn basic skills, rules for the sport, and practice in small games. At the end of the month, we will transition to a two-week biking unit! Families can stay alert because we will be asking for volunteers to assist with this unit. Volunteer sign-up information will likely be shared in Thursday Folders and/or Talking Points. Until then, Happy Spring!
  • ❤ Mr. Bergin and Ms. Brod

• Music:
• Ms Shaw’s class is working on composing our own rhythms and building on our xylophone ensemble pieces.
• Mr. Sawasky’s class:
  • All grades will continue our work on the frame drumming composition.  All students will know how to create their own rhythms and work on creating melodies.
  • We will practice singing the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” All students will express themselves through playing xylophones, frame drums and percussion instruments.
  • K – 2^nd grade will be exploring rhythms through frame drumming and creating their own rhythms.

• 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 April,  all students will be creating clay art projects! 
  • 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:
  • Students did a great job practicing their questioning skills in March. 
  • In April we will try another CCT strategy: Plus, Minus, Interesting. Sometimes we ask students to give an opinion on whether something is good or bad. We know there is more nuance to these answers. Using a plus, minus, interesting chart helps students consider different perspectives and ideas before determining their opinion. 

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)
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