Dear Families,
Welcome to Room 18! Below you’ll find important information about classroom procedures, homework and curriculum. If you have any questions, please let me know. I’m always available to assist you in learning how to help your child succeed and grow to his or her potential. Let’s keep the lines of communication open to ensure your child has the best possible second-grade experience.
-Karen Ingle
Attendance/Absences
Please try to be on time for school. This year, the students will enter the classroom at 8:35. Attendance is taken during the morning announcements at 8:40. You can email the office with an absence notification, and please cc me also. Please keep your child home if he/she is running a fever, seems unusually lethargic, or is experiencing heavy coughing or excessive nasal discharge.
Wednesday Folders
Please be sure to check your child’s Wednesday Folder for important communication from the office and/or classroom. Work that is sent home in the folder can be kept at home. Any forms that need to be signed should be returned inside the folder by Friday.
Ingle-ish 101 (blog), Waags, and Updates
The blog is the first place to check if you want to know about homework, calendar events, or classroom highlights.
Waags - Every Sunday evening I will send you a link to the blog where you'll see a brief Week-at-a-Glance to let you know about events occurring that week (i.e., picture days, forms due, field trip days, special events, center cancellations, etc.).
Academic Updates will be posted periodically and will inform you about topics we’ve been learning about. I’ll always send you an email with a link when I post new information on the blog.
Classroom Management
All students are expected to follow the Edna Maguire P.R.O.U.D. guidelines. In addition, our classroom community is establishing guidelines to ensure everyone is treated fairly and allowed to work in a learning environment that enables everyone to do his /her personal best. Positive behavior and wise choices will be warmly rewarded with kind words and other incentives, including the accruing of PARTY POINTS. Every time the class earns 1000 points for collective positive behavior, we'll celebrate with a little party.
Unwise behavior will be addressed with the child first, then during a class meeting if necessary. If the problem persists, the appropriate adults will be brought into the picture. If I need to speak with you about your child’s behavior, I would prefer to meet with you before or after school.
Homework (25 min. per day: 20 minutes reading, 5 minutes of math)
Page 1: Reading Log and Daily Math (return this page)
Your child will turn in a Reading Log at the end of each week. The reading
log will ask him or her to record the number of minutes he or she read each
night. There will also be a place FOR YOUR CHILD to write the title of one book
he/she read each day.
Some students will be bringing home little readers assigned to help develop fluency and practice word patterns. If this is the case, your child should read the assigned book each day before going on to other reading material.
On the back of the Reading Log will be a math page with several problems. This is the only homework page that MUST be turned in.
Page 2: Spelling Pattern
Students will also bring home a page that will indicate the spelling pattern for the week with several examples of words that fit the pattern. Students can practice the words however they choose (see suggestions in the homework folder). Practice pages do not need to be turned in.
Page 3: Math Challenge
There will also be an OPTIONAL math challenge page. This is JFF (just-for-fun). Most students will need help or assistance from an adult, since these can be tricky!
The whole point is to stretch your child's mathematical thinking, and to get you talking about math. Do some, none, or all.
Speeches
Part of your child’s homework will be to prepare and deliver several speeches to his/her classmates. These speeches are intended to be short, interesting and fun. The topic for the speech will be assigned on Monday and speeches will be given on Friday. Speeches should be less that one minute in length and do not need to be memorized. Students should write their informationon index cards or any other small piece of paper. Over the years, these speeches have proven to be an effective and enjoyable way to improve students’ speaking skills and increase confidence in public speaking. Guidelines for each speech will be provided in the homework folder. If you help your child follow the guidelines, the speech will practically write itself. Introductions and conclusions can be especially tricky for youngsters, so feel free to assist with those as well. I'll provide a feedback sheet for each speech so you can see how your child is did.
Curriculum
Reading Instruction: Full-group, Small-group, Independent
Reading instruction takes place during Reader’s Workshop and CAFE. Lessons in comprehension and reading strategies are provided during full-group instruction. The children practice applying the strategy together and then practice in small groups or with partners. Finally, students are asked to individually apply the skill to their independent reading. These skills and strategies fall under the headings C-Comprehension, A-Accuracy, F-Fluency, and E-Expanding Vocabulary.
Some students might receive additional instruction while attending RAMP.
Student choice of reading material plays an important part in your child’s interest and eagerness to read. Time will be spent instructing boys and girls in how to choose books that are “just right” for their reading purpose. Students will use these books during independent reading time.
Writing
Kids learn to write (and to become better readers) by writing. Writer’s Workshop is the time when students write about topics they have selected. After a mini-lesson (a short 10 minute lesson geared toward writing processes or procedures), students write in various genres including personal narratives, stories, how-to books, lists, letters, fact books, recipes, poems, etc. The steps of the writing process are followed for several original pieces of writing throughout the year. Peer tutoring and teacher conferencing provide vital feedback during Writer’s Workshop.
Major Common Core writing units for second-graders are poetry, narratives, nonfiction, and opinion. At the end of some of our writing units we’ll be inviting parents to join us in the classroom for a celebration of our learning. We’ll be sharing selected pieces of our writing with our guests, and maybe enjoying a treat or two.
Spelling
Students in Room 18 will be practicing words with similar sounds and spelling patterns. Students will have an opportunity to show their mastery on Friday tests. They will include opportunities for students to apply the spelling rule to words in dictated sentences. Students are encouraged to keep their tests in the back pocket of their Homework Folders for reference.
Math
Our math program this year includes the Common Core curriculum developed by Math Solutions and Reagan Tunstall. Math tasks, games, Marcy Cook tile activities, and hands-on activities requiring skill application round out our math program.
Students will develop and practice computational strategies during our daily Number Talks. Many different strategies will be explored. We WILL NOT be using the traditional "stacking" algorithm for adding and subtracting two and three-digit numbers during Number Talks. We want students to develop an understanding of place value and to be able to “think” through problems as well as see patterns and relationships.
Please help your child develop his/her mastery of the basic facts.
An additional note…
Developing “number sense” happens over time through many experiences in reasoning numerically. Memorizing the basic facts, which can allow students to calculate more efficiently, enhances it, HOWEVER, fact mastery is not a sufficient indicator that children understand mathematical concepts and are able to solve problems. Children need to construct their own understanding through a process of thinking, reasoning, and making sense of mathematics.
Science/Social Studies
Our Science and Social Studies topics offer students the opportunity to learn about the world around them by participating in experiments and hands-on activities that promote thinking, working together, and problem solving. Our Science topics include geology, force and motion with simple machines, life cycles, and ecosystems. Please let me know it you have information you can share on any of these topics.
One of our social studies units focuses on family heritage and immigration. Each student will be compiling a book based on information he/she researches about a country from which ONE of his or her ancestors originated. We’ll invite families in to view our finished books at the end of this unit.
However... prior to this, we’ll be studying immigration and participating in a reenactment of the Ellis Island experience. This is a highlight of the year, and we’ll need several parent volunteers to make it a success!
Field Trips
We’ll be going on a few field trips to enhance our curriculum topics.
We always need drivers. Requests will go out a few weeks before a trip. If you want to be a driver, please be sure your car accident insurance covers you for the amount required by the district.
PTA
A huge thanks to the PTA for all of the wonderful support and funds you provide for the classrooms. You are the best!
Please remember to donate to PTA today!
KIDDO!
Thank you for supporting KIDDO! It’s because of you our children are able to enjoy and appreciate quality programs in PE, art, music, poetry, and drama.
Comments? Questions?
Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Karen Ingle
Some students will be bringing home little readers assigned to help develop fluency and practice word patterns. If this is the case, your child should read the assigned book each day before going on to other reading material.
On the back of the Reading Log will be a math page with several problems. This is the only homework page that MUST be turned in.
Page 2: Spelling Pattern
Students will also bring home a page that will indicate the spelling pattern for the week with several examples of words that fit the pattern. Students can practice the words however they choose (see suggestions in the homework folder). Practice pages do not need to be turned in.
Page 3: Math Challenge
There will also be an OPTIONAL math challenge page. This is JFF (just-for-fun). Most students will need help or assistance from an adult, since these can be tricky!
The whole point is to stretch your child's mathematical thinking, and to get you talking about math. Do some, none, or all.
Speeches
Part of your child’s homework will be to prepare and deliver several speeches to his/her classmates. These speeches are intended to be short, interesting and fun. The topic for the speech will be assigned on Monday and speeches will be given on Friday. Speeches should be less that one minute in length and do not need to be memorized. Students should write their informationon index cards or any other small piece of paper. Over the years, these speeches have proven to be an effective and enjoyable way to improve students’ speaking skills and increase confidence in public speaking. Guidelines for each speech will be provided in the homework folder. If you help your child follow the guidelines, the speech will practically write itself. Introductions and conclusions can be especially tricky for youngsters, so feel free to assist with those as well. I'll provide a feedback sheet for each speech so you can see how your child is did.
Curriculum
Reading Instruction: Full-group, Small-group, Independent
Reading instruction takes place during Reader’s Workshop and CAFE. Lessons in comprehension and reading strategies are provided during full-group instruction. The children practice applying the strategy together and then practice in small groups or with partners. Finally, students are asked to individually apply the skill to their independent reading. These skills and strategies fall under the headings C-Comprehension, A-Accuracy, F-Fluency, and E-Expanding Vocabulary.
Some students might receive additional instruction while attending RAMP.
Student choice of reading material plays an important part in your child’s interest and eagerness to read. Time will be spent instructing boys and girls in how to choose books that are “just right” for their reading purpose. Students will use these books during independent reading time.
Writing
Kids learn to write (and to become better readers) by writing. Writer’s Workshop is the time when students write about topics they have selected. After a mini-lesson (a short 10 minute lesson geared toward writing processes or procedures), students write in various genres including personal narratives, stories, how-to books, lists, letters, fact books, recipes, poems, etc. The steps of the writing process are followed for several original pieces of writing throughout the year. Peer tutoring and teacher conferencing provide vital feedback during Writer’s Workshop.
Major Common Core writing units for second-graders are poetry, narratives, nonfiction, and opinion. At the end of some of our writing units we’ll be inviting parents to join us in the classroom for a celebration of our learning. We’ll be sharing selected pieces of our writing with our guests, and maybe enjoying a treat or two.
Spelling
Students in Room 18 will be practicing words with similar sounds and spelling patterns. Students will have an opportunity to show their mastery on Friday tests. They will include opportunities for students to apply the spelling rule to words in dictated sentences. Students are encouraged to keep their tests in the back pocket of their Homework Folders for reference.
Math
Our math program this year includes the Common Core curriculum developed by Math Solutions and Reagan Tunstall. Math tasks, games, Marcy Cook tile activities, and hands-on activities requiring skill application round out our math program.
Students will develop and practice computational strategies during our daily Number Talks. Many different strategies will be explored. We WILL NOT be using the traditional "stacking" algorithm for adding and subtracting two and three-digit numbers during Number Talks. We want students to develop an understanding of place value and to be able to “think” through problems as well as see patterns and relationships.
Please help your child develop his/her mastery of the basic facts.
An additional note…
Developing “number sense” happens over time through many experiences in reasoning numerically. Memorizing the basic facts, which can allow students to calculate more efficiently, enhances it, HOWEVER, fact mastery is not a sufficient indicator that children understand mathematical concepts and are able to solve problems. Children need to construct their own understanding through a process of thinking, reasoning, and making sense of mathematics.
Science/Social Studies
Our Science and Social Studies topics offer students the opportunity to learn about the world around them by participating in experiments and hands-on activities that promote thinking, working together, and problem solving. Our Science topics include geology, force and motion with simple machines, life cycles, and ecosystems. Please let me know it you have information you can share on any of these topics.
One of our social studies units focuses on family heritage and immigration. Each student will be compiling a book based on information he/she researches about a country from which ONE of his or her ancestors originated. We’ll invite families in to view our finished books at the end of this unit.
However... prior to this, we’ll be studying immigration and participating in a reenactment of the Ellis Island experience. This is a highlight of the year, and we’ll need several parent volunteers to make it a success!
Field Trips
We’ll be going on a few field trips to enhance our curriculum topics.
We always need drivers. Requests will go out a few weeks before a trip. If you want to be a driver, please be sure your car accident insurance covers you for the amount required by the district.
PTA
A huge thanks to the PTA for all of the wonderful support and funds you provide for the classrooms. You are the best!
Please remember to donate to PTA today!
KIDDO!
Thank you for supporting KIDDO! It’s because of you our children are able to enjoy and appreciate quality programs in PE, art, music, poetry, and drama.
Comments? Questions?
Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Karen Ingle
