Hi Families,
Here is what we have been working on in 2nd grade! You will notice that for each subject, we have provided you with some questions that will help guide a discussion with your child about their learning.
Reading
Building independence in Readers Workshop
Since school started, we have been building classroom norms for our reader’s workshop. Students are building their stamina to be able to read independently for longer and longer! We have also been practicing strategies that help students engage in their reading. Some strategies focus on decoding words and others support students’ comprehension. Ask your second grader: what are some strategies you use when you get to a tricky word?
How you can support your child at home: Read with your second grader! If they are reading to you and make a mistake or are unsure of a word, rather than telling them the word- ask “Does that look right? Does that sound right? Does it make sense?” Give them the chance to answer those 3 questions. This will help build their problem solving skills as a reader in order to support independence.
Writing
Narrative Stories
Our first writing unit has focused on personal narratives. Second graders are writing true stories about themselves. We are crafting small moment stories with a well developed beginning, middle and end. Students are making stories come to life by making their characters move and talk. They are also adding sensory details to help their reader visualize the story. Students will draft, revise, edit, and publish their writing. Ask your child: What is one narrative story you are working on in writer’s workshop? What are you proud of as a writer?
Math
Numbers to 20
In math we are building student’s number sense. We are focusing on addition and subtraction facts up to 20. It is important for second graders to build fluency with numbers up to 20 in order to solve math problems with larger numbers in the future. Students have learned math games that focus on addition, subtraction grouping numbers by 5s and 2s and doubles facts. Ask your second grader: What is your favorite math game you have learned so far? What is the goal of the game?
Science
Plants
Second graders are growing and observing plants! We have started out by growing our own lawns made of rye grass and alfalfa. Second graders have also planted wheat. They will continue to use the scientific process to make hypotheses, observations, and conclusions about what plants need in order to grow. Ask your child the steps they took to plant their seeds and what each plant looks like now.
