Our Day  

2007-2008

 (Our schedule is always flexible to meet the children’s learning needs)

Morning Meeting

We have a morning meeting each day to help strengthen our classroom community.  At our morning meeting we greet one another, children share with the group, we play a game or activity, we read our morning message, we talk about the day ahead of us, and we update our calendar for the day. 

Chinese

Each Wednesday Chun Thomas comes in to teach Mandarin Chinese.  Second graders enjoy this weekly experience.

Reading                      

I have small group and individual reading conferences while children work in reading centers.  Reading centers include independent reading, buddy reading, writing in journals, publishing on computer, using various computer programs, word games, poetry writing, manipulating words and letters, creating art projects related to stories being read, literature circles, handwriting practice, listening to books on tape and Fast Math.

Math

Math in second grade is a hands-on approach to problem solving.  Students will be actively engaged in the learning environment.

Learning Centers       

Children make learning choices in the centers around the room.  Children may choose to work in the reading center, math center, social studies center, science center, computer center, writing center, creative play center, art center, or on a research project.

Spelling

Spelling activities include dictation sentences & corrections, word wall activities, games and songs with words and other kinesthetic experiences with spelling words.  Spelling is individualized in second grade.  Students have their own individual lists based on results of spelling pre-tests.  We practice our class focus words each week as well as give opportunities for students to practice their individual words. 

Table Activities

Theme related concepts are presented to the students.  Language, science, and social studies curriculum goals and objectives are introduced through the use of themes.  The children are provided guided and independent practice using the concepts introduced.  Children move at their own pace and ability through the activities.  This time is an opportunity to work on social studies and science related theme related activities and often also incorporates writing and math skills.  Theme related activities are also used throughout our day in other content areas.

Special Classes

Second grade specials include Library (once a week) taught by Mrs. Terri Knight, Music (twice a week) taught by Mrs. Ginger Strohm, Guidance (once a week) taught by a counseling graduate assistant under the supervision of Mrs. Aleeta Shaw, Art (once a week) taught by Ms. Sharon Squibb, and Physical Education (four times a week) and Health (once a week) taught by Mrs. Sharon Cradic.

Writing Workshop

During this time children write in their class journals and participate in other writing workshop activities.  We will focus on works of literature to develop our own writing skills and will utilize all steps of the writing process.

 Weekly Guest Reader

Each Friday a guest is invited to come and read a favorite story with us.  Sign up sheets are posted on our door for this program.  All faculty, staff, friends & relatives are welcome to be a guest reader.

Closing Gathering

Children meet at closing gathering to participate in mini lessons that include word wall activities, analogies, daily oral language, geography lessons, poetry reading, sharing, grammar tip reviews, reading skills, math chats, and project presentations.  We also reflect on the day and end with a chapter book read aloud.

Environmental Multi-age Exploratories

Exploratory classes will be added this year that integrate math and science and focus on environmental issues.  Classes will be multi-aged with K-2 students mixed.  Students will be divided between Ms. Mary, Ms. Noell, Ms. Lisa, and myself.  Exploratories will focus on composting, recycling, reduction and reuse of resources, and collecting data and reporting information.

Revised 8-13-07