What a week!

We've been really busy here in second grade!  Here are a few of the highlights from the week: 

• The children learned all about cinquain poetry in writing.  Ask your son/daughter to describe the pattern  (1-2-3-4-1) for cinquains.  We will be continuing this format again next week.  The class also learned a really fun song and dance to help remember verbs.  Have you seen the Verb Dance yet?!
• We've been working really hard on addition and subtraction this week.  Please help your child remember to complete the nightly homework sheet.  The homework is always a review of what we did in class that day, so you really shouldn't need to provide much support.  
• We've had a jam-packed literacy block this week!  The kids have been working really hard on building their stamina during independent reading.  Right now we are modeling-modeling-modeling!  It's important to set high expectations and get all the routines in place so that we have a successful reading block for the remainder of the year.  I'm really excited about all the growth I know they're going to make as readers in second grade!
• Our social studies unit is all about communities.  We have been discussing the difference between needs and wants and resources within the community that help people meet their basic needs.  Next week we will explore the different communities in depth so that children have an understanding of cities, suburbs, and rural life.

I would like to thank everyone for coming out to Curriculum Night on Tuesday.  It was so great to meet everyone and talk about the upcoming year.  I know I covered a LOT of information in a very short amount of time, so if you still have questions about anything, please contact me.  I would also like to thank the families of Luke S. and Carter P. for donating supplies to our second grade pantry.  I really appreciate your generosity!

Finally, I'd like to remind you of a few very important tidbits:

• I need all papers from the left side of your Curriculum Night folder signed and returned as soon as possible.  These include:  class directory, behavior policy, Snazzy Snack permission, parent letter, Book Buddies permission, and Blog permission.  As soon as I have all the responses, I will be sending out more information.  
• Please remember to send in one healthy snack with your child each day.  The afternoons tend to be very long for a child with an empty tummy.  You may also send in a bottle of water, but no juices please.  
• Did your child have a green day today?  Did they have an entire green week?  I'm very proud of the awesome classroom behavior!  Remember that if your child has any color other than green that you must initial inside the box indicating that you are aware of their day.
• A yellow order form for Highlights Magazine was sent home earlier in the week.  Please check either yes or no and return it back to school by Monday.  
• The first Scholastic book order will be coming home next week; be watching your child's folder for more information.  
• Our Book Buddies program (for the children with signed permission slips), will be starting on Monday.  I explained the system to the class today and they are super excited to get started.  Remember to keep the books in a safe place so that they do not get damaged and return all SEVEN of them inside the bag on Thursday.  With your support, we can make this a very successful program.   

I appreciate all the notes, phone calls, and emails that I've received thus far.  With your continued support we can ensure the best possible experience for your second grader.  I'm really looking forward to this school year; we have such a terrific class!!  If you need to get in touch with me over the weekend, feel free to email at jweber@psd202.org.  Have a nice weekend!