Mrs. Fredette’s Second Grade Class

Who is Mrs. Fredette?  Education: BA in Comparative Literature from Brandeis U. and post-baccalaureate in Education from Ramapo College.  This is my 8 th year teaching 2 nd grade at Harrington Park School.  This is my 2 nd career. Before teaching, I managed systems analysts in the insurance field.  Family: I have a supportive husband, a daughter, who graduated college in June and a son who is a sophomore in college.  I am passionate about teaching.

My Guiding Beliefs  Children genuinely want to learn.  If we set high standards, children will strive to meet them.  Children perform best when they know that teachers and parents are working together.  It is my job to find the best way to meet your child’s learning needs.

Second Grade Routines  My Promise  Daily Reading Workshop  Daily Writing Workshop  Daily Read-Aloud  Timed Math Fact Quizzes  Weekly Learning Reflection  Weekly Spelling Test  Weekly Sparkle Game!  Weekly Prize Box Drawing!

Math Curriculum Highlights  Math: 2- and 3-digit addition and subtraction, with regrouping  Telling Time to 5-min. intervals  Counting coin combinations  Solving word problems  Mastering addition and subtraction facts to 18

Balanced Literacy Approach for Teaching Reading and Writing  Reader’s Workshop  Writer’s Workshop  Guided Reading Groups  Read-Alouds  Shared Reading  Systematic Word Study  Daily opportunities for independent reading and writing

Science Curriculum Highlights  Earth’s Materials  Astronomy and Space Science  Plant and Animal Habitats  Hands-on learning opportunities  Videos  Zoo Field Trip

Social Studies Curriculum Highlights  Civics  Economics  Geography  National Holidays  Scholastic News Magazine for current events

Shhh! It’s a Secret! The Mystery Reader Program  Opportunity for parents and grandparents to come into the classroom and support our reading program  Bring a favorite read-aloud book to share with the class.  me to arrange date/time.  Surprise and delight your child!

Homework  Reinforces classroom learning. Never introduces new material.  Usually a spelling workbook page, a math workbook page, math fact practice, and 20 minutes of reading.  Never given over weekends or holidays.

Homework  You can help and/or check homework if you’d like. Homework is never graded.  Missed homework must be made up. Homework completion is factored into report card grades.  Written homework should not take more than 20 undistracted minutes.  Your child should read at least 20 minutes each night.  If your child is struggling with homework, please let me know.

Report Cards Major Academic Subjects:  Reading  Language Arts  Spelling  Math  Science  Social Studies  Handwriting

Grading Key for Major Academic Subjects  E = Excellent  S+ = Satisfactory, upper range of grade  S = Satisfactory  S- = Satisfactory, lower range of grade  N = Needs improvement

Skills Key + Strength * Satisfactory - Has Difficulty

Behaviors on Report Card Practices self control Participates in class Demonstrates organized work habits Starts and finishes work in an appropriate time frame Follows directions Works cooperatively within a group setting Shows respect for others; Resolves conflicts appropriately

Behaviors on Report Card Puts forth best effort Completes class assignments Shows thought, effort, and pride in assignments Completes homework and hands it in on time Shows self-confidence Displays responsibility in care of learning materials and property of others Takes responsibility for own actions

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Second Grade?  Help your child arrive at school on time each morning.  Make sure your child comes to school well-rested.  A healthy breakfast makes a big difference!  Help your child arrive at school prepared each morning.

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Second Grade?  Go through your child’s homework folder each night.  Sign graded work on time.  Update your child’s reading log each night. Sign and return it on Fridays.

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Second Grade?  Model strong reading habits. Set aside a time each night to turn off the TV and the computer and read.  Talk to your child about books. Ask questions about the book he/she is reading.  Encourage math fact practice. Keep it fun!

How Can You Help Your Child Succeed in Second Grade?  Ask questions about school. Take an active interest in what we are learning.  Let me know if you have any concerns. We are a team with a common goal.  Spark your child’s curiosity.  Celebrate progress, not just success!

My Website  Go to  Click on classrooms.  Click on Mrs. Fredette.  Information on birthday celebrations, ordering Scholastic Books online, and lots of great age-appropriate websites to supplement our curriculum.

Any questions? Just ask! Thank you for coming tonight!