Reading
Our 2nd graders are learning how to be grown-up readers that make decisions about their reading lives. In Reading Workshop, we have been learning ways to take charge of our own reading, such as choosing just-right books, recording our reading on a book log, building our reading stamina, and using post-its when we are confused or want to remind ourselves of something we read. We are also learning how to be good reading partners.
In the month of October, we focused on how to tackle tricky parts in books. By learning strategies to read and understand difficult words, we are becoming better readers who don't give up when we hit a bump in the road. For Word Study, we have been reviewing the different sounds and short and long vowel patterns.
Next month, we will begin looking at the journeys that characters go on in fiction books. As the year progresses, make sure your child is reading independently for at least 15 minutes each night. He or she should be reading books on their level. For help finding books on your child's level, you can visit http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/homePage.do.
Writing
During the month of September, we launched Writing Workshop, establishing workshop routines and procedures. We brainstormed lists of writing topics, and established writing partners. We also reviewed rules for capitalization and punctuation. During the unit, children drew upon their personal experiences to create small moment pieces, and they had opportunities to share these pieces of writing.
In October, each second grade class chose a mentor author. We read many books by that author, and focused on their craft techniques and writing styles. Our goal for the unit is for students to create an original piece of writing using a variety of craft techniques they observed from their mentor author.
During the month of November, students will be writing their own realistic fiction books!
Math
Grade 2mathematicians are off to a rolling start! We began the year by exploring number relationships. Some strategies we learned were skip counting, finding sums and differences, and using illustrations to help us solve story problem.. We also learned about related facts, fact families, and how to use a number line. During the next month, we will focus on understanding place value, and comparing numbers.
To help your child improve his or her math skills, we suggest using addition and subtraction flashcards. You can also improve your child’s understanding of numbers by asking him/her questions that require a number as an answer. For further suggestions and activities, log on to www.mmhmath.com.
Social Studies
Our first unit in Social Studies was centered around geography. We learned how to read maps and globes using a compass rose. We also learned how to identify and differentiate between cities, states, countries, continents, and bodies of water. In addition, we studied landforms, and the 5 boroughs of New York City.
Now, we have moved on to Unit 2, which focuses on New York City Over Time. We will touch on topics such as transportation, tourist attractions, and immigration. We suggest that you take your children to visit some of the many historical landmarks in New York City.