Spelling has begun!

Today the students' first spelling list was sent home. An explanation of our spelling program was included in the blue packet that you received at Open House or the first day of school. Students will only be bringing home a list of 6 or 8 words. (This week they have 10 as it is the first week). These words fit into some type of common spelling pattern. (This week, we are focusing on short a sounds, and long a sounds using the a Consonant silent e pattern). The words are to be used as a comparison of sounds. On Friday, they will be taking the spelling test. To see if they have applied the pattern, I will be testing on 14 words. The additional words come from the sorts that we will be doing in school all week. Students will have opportunities everyday to work with these words and learn their spelling patterns. Please practice not only the words that are sent home, but also the patterns that they involve. Some ideas are to hunt for the pattern in a magazine or newspaper, or give your child additional words to spell that fit the pattern as practice.
Starting next week, I will divide the students into groups based on their developmental spelling level. We may have up to 5 different spelling lists in the class at one time- it just depends on what each student needs.
Enjoy your first week of spelling!

I PICK

Last week students learned a quick way to help them pick out "good fit" books from the library.
I- I look at the book
P- Purpose: Why do I want to read the book?
I- Interest: Is the book about a topic I am interested in?
C- Comprehend: Do I understand what I am reading?
K- Know words: Can I read most of the words?
Please encourage your students to use this strategy at home and in the community libraries as well!

First day jitters!

We have made it most of the way through the first day of second grade! Your students were lucky enough today to go to all 3 specials- gym, music, and art. This gave the specials teachers a chance to get all students on board with procedures so that they can jump into teaching tomorrow!
In class today we went over many procedures and "what to do ifs...". They were loaded with information about how to behave and have a fantastic year. We will continue with modeling behaviors and procedures most of the first two weeks.
A few quick notes...
* We will be having snack in the mornings. I usually have a back-up in case your student forgets, but try to remember if you'd like them to have a snack. Also, we talked today about how we will not be sharing snacks in second grade. This cuts down on hurt feelings and the spread of germs.
* I will be putting together our volunteer calendar by the end of this week. From the volunteers that signed up at Open House, it appears that we will be alternating weeks so that everyone can be included. If you did not sign up at Open House, the following are the subjects, days and times available:
Reading parents (slightly different from what you did in 1st grade, but similar)- M, T, W, Th from 1:45-2:30
Spelling parents (a regimented introduction of spelling words to a small group)- M (could be Tuesday if we skip a Monday) 10:45-11:10.
Send me a note, email, or comment before Friday if any of these interest you.
* It is very warm in our room, even with fans on. Please feel free to send a water bottle with your student.
* A detailed explanation of homework will be coming home soon...
I think that is it! Your students all seem to be excited and ready for a great year. Thank you for all of your support.

Welcome to a brand new year!

We are counting down the days to the beginning of a new year. It was so nice to meet those of you who came to Open House. I am looking forward to partnering with you to create the best second grade year for your student!
Stay tuned for frequent updates and please feel free to leave any comments- I will read them before (or if) they are published on the site.