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Investigations Math In Math we will focus on identifying coins, place value, patterns, problem solving skills, geometry, graphing, and measurement. Math Facts- practice, practice, practice It is also important to help your child write numbers correctly

Math Workshop This year for Math we are using FLEXIBLE groups in order to meet the individual needs of ALL students First, each child will take math assessments to determine the pace of their specific math concepts and skills. All students will be taught the second grade Common Core State Standards. The pace of instruction will be differentiated to meet the students’ needs. Your child may or may not have their homeroom teacher but you will be given information to contact your child’s math teacher with questions and information. OUR GOAL is to meet the needs of YOUR CHILD!

The NEW Balanced Literacy Block contains the following: 1. Shared Reading and Phonics 2. Reader’s Workshop 3. Word Work 4. Interactive Read Aloud 5. Writer’s Workshop

Shared Reading The teacher and students read the same text that is projected or on a chart. Students follow along while teacher reads aloud inviting them to join in from time to time. During this time, you have the flexibility to other subject areas while infusing vocabulary development, targeted strategy/skill, etc. We also take this time to focus on blending, decoding, and fluency.

Reader’s Workshop During this time, students are reading independently and responding to text, meeting with teacher in a Guided Reading group, interacting with other students in a book club/discussion or partnerships, working on an integrated project, and building their vocabulary/word study.

Word Study / Phonics Students will be provided effective instruction in phonics, spelling and vocabulary using the program, Words Their Way. Word Study will engage students in purposeful, meaningful and motivational activities rather than have students commit to memory a set of words. Word study will be used to guide spelling homework. ***Practice Word Sort

Interactive Read Aloud The teacher reads aloud text and shares their own thoughts/ideas at significant points while the students are actively listening and responding to brief discussions.  Interactive Reading versus reading out loud  An instructional read aloud with “accountable talk”  Experienced readers engage and think about text as they read

Writing We will expose our students to many different styles of writing including:  Narrative writing  Expository texts- How-To Books  Argumentative Writing – Share your opinion  Poetry  Informative Writing – Research and teach about a topic

Accelerated Reader Highland Creek will no longer use the Accelerated Reader program….however, we will be doing the following to monitor students’ reading:  Running Records (teacher meets with students to monitor reading progress – assesses fluency, comprehension, vocabulary.)  Reading A – Z and RAZkids (online program where students read books/selections at their letter level and answer questions)RAZkids  Book Adventure (a FREE online reading program – very similar to AR – where your child can take comprehension quizzes on books. This program can be accessed at home and at school.) 1. Click Log in/Register 2. Click Register Now! 3. Click Register as a Student 4. Click the green box: I want to register to use Book Adventure at HOME. 5. A username & password will be created for your child.

Science We have four big ideas that we will learn about in Science this year. Each one will incorporate science experiments, exploration, and hands on learning.  Weather  Life Cycles  Matter  Sound

Social Studies Our social studies curriculum is called Exploring Where & Why: Communities Here and There. We use hands-on materials like globes, maps, atlases, and online resources to develop 21 st century skills in social studies. Our major concepts this year include, communities, map skills, government, and history.

PBIS Our school adopted the Positive Behavior al Interventions and Supports plan two years ago. It focuses on reinforcing positive behavior in the school and classroom. Behavior Expectations PBIS notes home PBIS rewards

Homework Each week your child will be responsible for homework in the following areas:  Reading each night  Math  Spelling It will be your child’s responsibility to take home their agendas and folders, and turn in their work.

Thursday Folders We will use Thursday Folders again this year. Please make sure that they are emptied each week and returned to school. There are often important papers that need to be signed so make sure to look at them carefully.

Closing Don’t forget to check our class website for important information and updates.