Topics, Themes and Objectives for September 3-6,2013

Cougar Reading- We will continue to practice Daily 5 this week as we learn procedures for using the Listening Center and laptops during Independent work time. We will also learn how to pick "good fit books" (books that are on our level)  for independent reading. As a culminating activity we will create a rap video about choosing books that are right for us!

English Language Arts / Social Studies-  Adapting the second grade curriculum to the CCR (College and Career Readiness) standards  requires the infusion of reading, writing, speaking and listening into our current Social Studies theme. This week we will learn about citizenship while reading Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman and Johnny Appleseed by Stephen Kellogg. We will learn about the importance of citizenship at home, school, in our neighbohoods and country.  We will define the words: "rules", "laws" and "responsibility" and use our learning logs to write about what life would be like if we had no rules or laws.

Small group reading begins this week. Your child has been benchmarked and placed in a reading group with students at their level. These groups are fluid and your child may switch groups throughout the quarter.

Spelling- Your child's list of words will come home on Tuesday. Our first spelling test will be given on Friday, September 6.  Short vowel words are the pattern being studied this week.

Math- Topic 2 Addition Strategies begins this week. Your child will be taught tips and tricks for adding numbers. Doubles, near doubles, and the making ten strategies will be practiced this week.

Concepts, Themes and Topics For August 26-30,2013

Cougar Reading-  Next week we will review The Daily Five. A program that teaches students how to select books for independent reading and enables them to spend time reading, reflecting, retelling stories and sharing authentic literature. 

English Language Arts-   Showing good character is our theme for next week as we touch on the traits of courage and honesty. We will read literature such as Asha In the Attic, Junie B. Jones Is A Crook, and The Boy Who Cried Wolf in class. Each student will be benchmarked next week so that I can determine their independent reading level. My goal is to begin small group reading in early September.

Spelling  Next week spelling will be done in CLASS ONLY. No lists will be sent home. 

Writing-  We will begin writing in Learning Logs this week! Each child has their own binder filled with notebook paper in which they will respond to literature and poetry. We will also review letter formation and practice writing lower case letters this week.

Math- We began Topic 1 Understanding Addition and Subtraction in class this week. We will conclude this topic on Thursday August 29th and will take our first math test on Friday August 30th.