Hickory Elementary School

 

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF

Second Grade

 

Teacher: Ms. Suzanne Erving

ROOM 30

 

 

 

ROOM #30 CURRICULUM

 

We are having lots of fun learning!

 

 

LANGUAGE  ARTS

     Our Language Arts curriculum encompasses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

       We read a large variety of literature using our Houghton Mifflin 2nd grade textbook, short story books, beginning chapter books, library books, and self selected books from our book group baskets. Sometimes our class reads all together and at other times we read in small groups.  Everyday we spend 20 minutes reading independently from a self selected book.  We read a variety of fictional and non-fictional text.  In 2nd grade we focus on reading fluency, reading comprehension, and becoming chapter book readers! 

     In addition to reading we do lots of writing in response to what we read, along with journal writing, and Writers Workshop.  This gives us experience and practice in writing a rough draft, editing, publishing, and sharing our work with others.

    For a little extra grammar practice we work in our Daily Language Practice notebooks each morning.

 

 

SPELLING

    Another part of our language arts program is spelling. We focus on words we use frequently in reading and writing.  Our spelling weekly word list is made up of the words from our High Frequency word list. We work on spelling activities throughout the week and have a spelling test on Friday.

 

 

MATH

   Our Math program includes small group instruction; written practice, follow up work and a daily review test of basic math facts at our own individual levels.

      We are covering all the math strands in the California State Mathematics Framework. These areas include number sense, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics and mathematical reasoning.  We use the Houghton Mifflin 2nd Grade Mathematics textbook.

      In addition to the textbook we also spend some time each week working on Mountain Math and in our Daily Math Practice books. Both of these programs provide a continual review and practice of basic math concepts.

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

    In social studies we are using the new Harcourt textbook, Reflections, People We Know. We are learning about how families have changed over time, people who we remember for the important work they have done, and where people live (far and near) and how they use the land around them.

   In addition our weekly TIME FOR KIDS publication keeps us up to date with current events and encourages discussion of what is happening in our world.

 

 

SCIENCE

     Our science program covers life science, earth science, and physical science.  We study plants and animals, the earth's surface, and the investigation of matter and motion.  Science Fest, a program sponsored by Northrop Grumman, will also bring part of our science program to us.  This program provides us with many hands on experiments and activities to reinforce what our textbook covers.

 

 

Classroom Schedule

 

Time

Activities

9-9:30

Morning Business and

Calendar Activities

(Mon. – Hickory Flag Ceremony)

(Fri. – Library)

9:30-10:00

Math

10:00-10:30

P.E (Tues., Thurs, Fri.)

10:30-10:45

Recess

10:45-11:15

Complete Math Activities

11:15-12:30

Language Arts

12:30-1:15

Lunch

1:15-2:10

Literature, Journals, Independent Reading, Homework assignment

(Wed. – Little Buddies)

2:10-2:20

Recess

2:20-3:00

 

Science and/or Social Studies

3:00-3:13

End of day activities

(Fri. – computer lab 2:45-3:13)

3:13

Dismissal

 

 

 

Great places to visit on your computer:

 

http://www.aplusmath.com/

 

http://www.eduplace.com/

 

http://www.kidsclick.org/

 

http://www.timeforkids.com/

 

 

Parent Communication

    

    Please feel free to contact Ms. Erving anytime you have questions or concerns about the classroom, the curriculum, or policies and procedures at Hickory. Ms. Erving will be happy to talk to you. Our classroom phone number/ voice mail is (310) 533-4672 x3130. This is also a great place to leave a message for Ms. Erving when necessary.

 

 

Homework Corner

 

     Homework will be regularly assigned to students in order to provide practice in needed skills, promote individual responsibility, and contribute to or enrich a learning activity.  Second graders will have 30 to 40 minutes of homework each evening Monday through Thursday.  It will usually consist of 10-15 minutes of reading/discussion, review of basic math facts, spelling word list review, and a short assignment to reinforce daily work. 

     Students will fill in assignments each day in class and bring the assignment sheet home. A parent needs to review the assignments, provide time for homework and assistance, if needed, record time spent and sign the sheet when all work is completed.

     Parents, your cooperation with our homework procedures will be much appreciated and will help to ensure your child as a successful school experience.