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    Reader's Workshop   

     

    Every classroom in Springfield Township School will be using the Reader's Workshop model this year. Reader's Workshop is used in many school districts. The theory behind Reader's Workshop is if we provide opportunities for students to read on a daily basis, they will advance towards their highest student achievement. We need to give students TIME to read BOOKS at their level and TEACH them by using strategies and skills to help them to grow as readers. Then if we encourage them to TALK and WRITE about their reading, we can TEST how they are growing as readers!  It provides us information that enables us to give individualized attention and support to each one of our students.  

    Independent reading should increase as the year goes on.

    1st Trimester: 10-15 mins.

    2nd Trimester: 20-25 mins.

    3rd Trimester: 25-30 mins.

     

    The Mini-Lesson 

    Every Reader's Workshop session begins with a mini-lesson that lasts approximately 10 minutes. During this time, we will be introducing a specific concept known as the teaching point. The teaching point focuses on a reading strategy or skill. Then, students will have an opportunity to practice the new skill with a partner during the turn and talk.

     

    Independent Reading Time 

    After the mini-lesson, students will then be working from their self-selected texts in their reading spots. Students will use this time to practice skills that are taught during the mini-lesson and utilize other strategies independently. During this time, we will both be meeting with guided reading groups, hosting a strategy lesson, or individually conferring with students.   

     

    Closing/Share 

    There will be 5-10 minutes at the end of the Reader's Workshop period for students to meet back on the carpet (or in their seats) to reflect on their work as readers. During this time, we will reinforce the teaching point of the day and give students a chance to share their reading accomplishments!

     

     

    ~Home and School Connection~ 

     Students will be expected to read for homework every night and on the weekends. They should be practicing the strategies taught during Reader's Workshop in their home environment.  There will be some evenings when we will ask the students to bring home their Reader's Notebooks to write down thoughts and responses.  We encourage all parents to check in on their child and get to know them as readers. Thank you in advance for your continued support! 

     

     Writer's Workshop   

     

    Writer's Workshop is very similar in structure to Reader's Workshop. It is also composed of a short 10 minute mini-lesson, independent writing time, and a special time to share. First, we will begin with a teaching point. The teaching point will be about specific writing strategies pertaining to the writing process, a particular genre, or the craft of writing.  During the independent writing time, we will both be conferring with writers to find areas of strength and use them to support their areas of need.  Conferring with writers is such a meaningful time for both the teachers and students. It gives us the opportunity to give each and every writer our individualized attention and tailor our lessons specifically to their needs. Finally, writers will gather together again to share something they worked on as a writer that day

     
         Math     math
     
    Students will be continuing to use the enVision Math Program in second grade.
    Topics that will be covered this year include:
    • Add and Subtract Within 100-Understand Place Value to 1000
    • Use Place Value and Operation Properties to Add and Subtract
    • Equal groups of objects and measures in standard units-foundations for multiplication
    • Place value and measurement of lengths indirectly and by iterating length units
    • Represent data and reason with shapes and their attributes 

     

     

    As educators, we encourage the students to learn through self-discovery and teamwork as we support them in the learning process. Students will be working with many word problems that pertain to real-life situations. The enVisionMath Program is aligned to the Common Core. By using differentiated instruction, we are able to meet all the needs and levels of all students in our classroom.   

    Please remember you can always log on to: www.savass.com to access lessons learned in class, practice problems, and test preparation. 
     
           Science    science
     
    How much do you know about the world around you? Did you ever wonder why light helps us to see or how we can hear our favorite songs playing from our iPhones? Did you ever think about why it's 40 degrees in January and 90 degrees in August? Well, this year in Science we will be able to answer all those questions and more! 
     
    Topics that will be covered this year include:
    • Earth Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
    • Independent Relationships in Ecosystems
    • Engineer Designs: STEM
     
     Science in second grade requires lots of teamwork and deep thinking!  Through trial and error, students will be able to get many of their questions answered through experimentation. Lessons will be carefully planned with an appropriate balance of inquiry-based, hands-on learning opportunities and engaging content resources.  Technology will be integrated on a daily basis. Students will be required to do some note taking and are asked to always, "Think like a scientist!"
     
     Social Studies   tea party
     
    Sailing through social studies, second grade students will enjoy many opportunities to learn about our great country!
     
    Units of study this year:
     
    -Rules and Laws of Our Community
    -Black History
    -Wants, Needs, and Resources
     
     

    Group and class discussions are thought provoking and respectful celebrations of all members’ opinions.