Welcome to our nest!
Our First Few Days
The two days of
class will consist of building our class culture, practicing routines, and
understanding our learning expectations.
I will be getting to know your child; they will get to know a little
about myself and will have many opportunities to get to know one another. We will also be making a trail mix recipe, if
you could send in a bag or box of trail mix type food it would be greatly
appreciated! (pretzels, M&Ms, raisins, gold fish, nuts, mini marshmallows,
cereal, animal crackers, gummy bears and/or any other ideas!)
Our First Week
We will be jumping
right into our routines and curriculum, our time together is very valuable and
I look forward to starting our lessons. A few assessments will take place to
check for strengths and areas of improvement to work on throughout the school
year! The students will also be working on their penmanship, letter sounds, and
a few basic phonograms. We will
introduce our first weekly story “The Mixed Up Chameleon” while starting on our
DAILY 5 Literature program. Within the subject area of mathematics, we will be
reviewing first grade and foundational math skills. Finally, we will be jumping into our first
science and history units. Expect homework to be assigned, finding routines and
times at home that will be most productive is extremely important to ensure
success and completion throughout the year.
Behavior Management
I have been implementing the Love and Logic techniques within
my classrooms to create cooperative, respectful, and engaging attitudes and
choices. The Love and Logic techniques are based upon and followed through with
using these strategies:
- Respect,
appreciation and love prevents potential problems
When students feel respected, appreciated, and loved by their teachers, they are far more motivated and cause far fewer problems.
- Freedom to
problem-solve and make decisions fosters motivation
Students are far calmer and more motivated when their teachers allow them to make choices and solve their own problems within limits.
- Focusing energy
on problem prevention is rewarding
Successful educators focus most of their energy on simple tools for preventing misbehavior or keeping it small...rather than trying to provide consequences for every problem.
- Showing empathy
and compassion is effective
When consequences are necessary, effective educators provide them with sincere empathy or compassion.
I addition to Love and Logic I am using ClassDojo to
encourage positive choices, valued behaviors, and excitement for engagement and
active learning. There is a form attached that further explains the app,
notifications, and other important details. Please take the time to fill out
and send in as soon as possible, this way you can stay connected and see how
successful your student is within our class culture!
If you would like to know more about Love and Logic and
ClassDojo, use the links below:
Reading, Spelling and Grammar
We will be using Spalding’s The
Writing Road to Reading. The Spalding Method incorporates spelling,
writing, and reading. The curriculum
presents a practical, step-by-step, full language arts instruction, which
integrates all of the language arts components.
Spelling:
Phonemic Awareness
Systematic Phonics
High Frequency Vocabulary
Writing:
High Frequency Vocabulary
Sentence Construction
Compositions
An important component of this program is the
multi-sensory methodology used to teach it. Each student's "learning
style" is addressed through four sensory pathways to the mind:
1. Sight
2. Sound
3. Voice
4. Writing
Students see the symbols and hear the teacher say the sounds. Then they
repeat or say
the sounds and write
the symbols from dictated, oral instructions. In this way, the teacher teaches
through each student's stronger learning avenues, while simultaneously
remedying the weaker ones. During this process, the students will move from
initial phonograms to more complex phonograms. This will lead to spelling
words, where they will mark the phonograms to improve their writing and
reading. For more information on Spalding and how you can help your child study
please access the following links:
Reading
Groups
We will also work on grammar, fluency, and
reading comprehension in Guided Reading Groups. These groups will allow the
children to read on their grade level in small, well-functioning groups. The
students will be tested one-on-one to determine their placement in a level. We
will monitor closely to make sure each child is placed appropriately and is
reading successfully.
Math
We will be using the Eureka
Mathematics program. This is a highly challenging program that is delivered
through direct instruction combined with student interaction. It focuses on
mathematical thinking with immediate application of new skills to problem
solving. By encouraging students to solve problems in a variety of ways, this
program stretches the mind and promotes an understanding of the way
mathematical processes work. Other
programs that require students to simply memorize a series of steps to find an
answer do not allow the learner to understand the meaning behind the steps and
thus do not enable them to apply the process in new, more challenging
situations. Please be aware that the first few units may seem “easy”. We will
be spending a lot of time working with math fluency and number sense. Making
sure we all have a good understanding of addition and subtraction within 1,000
while using models, numerical operations, and explanation of thoughts and
processes.
Science
Effective
instruction in science requires hands-on experience and observation, which the
children will receive through our use of science concepts and units. Students
should be actively involved seeking answers, making and recording observations,
and discussing their findings. This year
we will engage the students in learning to view the world scientifically, while
seeking a deeper understanding of these scientific concepts: Living Things and
Their Environments, influential contributors to the studies of science, technological
contributions, states of matter, and weather.
Geography and History
The studies of
geography and history embrace many topics through the Arizona State Standards
Sequence. Geographic topics that we will cover this year include a spatial
sense of the world, a sense of the interactions between humans and their
environment, an understanding of the relationship between places and their
cultures, and an awareness of the characteristics of specific regions and
cultures at specific points in history. Throughout the year we will also learn
about continents and oceans of the world and how they are represented on maps
and globes, Early World Civilizations, and Modern Civilizations. We will also
spend time focusing on the historical development of our own country by
studying Early People and Civilizations, Early Exploration and Settlement, and
the American Revolution.
Interactive Notebooking
Most classwork
consisting of foldables and worksheets will be glued into a composition book
for each subject. I like to minimize the
amount of papers being sent home, these notebooks are also good portfolios and
reflection tools. The work done in class
throughout the year can be found in their notebooks. If there is anything
important for them to study from at home a study guide will be composed. Please check your child’s homework folder for
graded tests and specific activities that were used for a grade. Parents are always welcomed to check their
notebooks for what has been taking place during class time. If you would like it sent home at any time
write me a note in your child’s agenda and I would be happy to send it home for
a nightly look!
Assessments
Assessments are ongoing in the
classroom through discussions, assignments, activities, projects, quizzes and
some cumulative tests. All assessments will be ongoing and do not require
notice. Graded tests will be returned to the students in a timely manner for
you to view and go over with them after all students in the class have taken
the test.
Our Class Core Values
As an educator
I believe in the ongoing quest for truth, gratitude, and overall goodness
within our moral values and compass. Throughout the year the students will
learn about qualities that can make them valuable citizens through learning
experiences at school and within our literature. Conversations and reflections also allow time
to self reflect and recognize the goodness in all. The children will then
intertwine these ten supporting values into their daily lives. Our monthly
values are:
August: Responsibility- Take obligations seriously. Be
accountable for your own actions and attitudes.
September: Effort- Put all of your energy into doing
something.
October: Enthusiasm- Show great interest and excitement in a
subject or cause.
November: Cooperation- Work together with others to complete
tasks.
December: Caring- Think about the concerns, cares, and
feelings of others.
January: Organization- Keep your things where they belong
and arrange in a clean and neat way.
February: Integrity- Complete honestly, even when no one
else knows the truth but you.
March: Initiative- Create a plan and carry it out with
success.
April: Perseverance- Continue to try and do something
despite the obstacles or difficulties.
May: Trustworthy- Do the right think. Keep your promises and
tell the truth at all times.
At the end of each month one student will receive a core
value award and will be recognized for their actions, reflections, and
consciousness towards our monthly trait.
Week 1 Homework-
starting August 15th
Throughout
the week the students will have light math, spelling, and writing homework as
we transition into the school year. There also might be a few parent
information papers that may require your attention. I would like families to establish a routine
with their student, also please get in the habit of reviewing for completion
and accuracy and sign.
Homework Routines
Daily homework will be assigned
Monday-Thursday and will be written in the child’s homework folder every Monday
for the week. Reviewing your child’s work is a great way to keep abreast of
their progress with the advanced curriculum. When you check your child’s
homework, please go over any problem areas or incorrect answers with him or her
so that they have a clear understanding of the concept before we build further
upon it the next day. If you are noticing many mistakes or a lack of greater
understanding, please jot me a note on the homework, so I can re-teach the
concept to your child. Daily homework will consist of a Spalding spelling practice
page (will require parent interaction, initially scripted instructions will be
sent home), math worksheet(s) and a one minute fluency passage. It
is crucial that your child completes his or her homework every night, as the
assignments are re-enforcements of what was covered during the school day. Please remember to sign your child’s fluency
log to be sure all work has been completed then have the student place both the
planner and homework folder in his/her backpack so it is not easily left
behind. Homework folders will go home on Monday and will not need to be
returned until Friday.
Snacks
Your
child may pack up to two snacks for the school day. They will have a chance to
snack in the morning and once in the afternoon prior to the day coming to an
end. If your child would like to snack during the school day please pack
healthy snacks in their lunch box! Healthy and easy snacks could consist of
granola bars, fruit, veggies, crackers, string cheese, and/or trail mix. Water bottles are welcomed, but must contain
water only and is labeled with your child’s name. Snacks that do not require
utensils are best due to snack time being short during our busy day of learning
and exploring! Thanks in advance!
Birthdays
We
happily celebrate birthdays; it is a very special day that we look forward to
every year! If you would like to send in
a treat with your child on his or her birthday please keep in mind that we can
have a class count up to 28 students. Smaller treats that can be easily
distributed are recommended, as there is not a lengthy time period to eat the
treats. These treats will be eaten at the very end of
the school day! If your child’s birthday takes place over the summer, we
invite you to choose an alternate day to celebrate at school. It can be their ½
year date or a good time in the schedule at the end of the year. When you have
decided on a date, please send me a note or email, so I can put it on our class
schedule.
Blog
All
parent news and information will be through the blog, I will not be sending
home weekly newsletters. I will be updating my blog weekly (typically Thursday
afternoons) to remind all families of important updates, reminders, and to
inform families of what we are working on! Take the time to access the link: http://msregersnest.blogspot.com/ ! I have come to LOVE blogging, it is also a
way for me to post pictures and share stories about our days together!
Absent Work
Getting
to school on time each and every day is important for your child. Class begins promptly at 8:40., we like to
start our day on time and together. If
your child misses school I will be sending the most important missed work home
with them the following school day in their homework folder. Your child may need assistance if the work
contains new concepts. Please complete
the work and return within the next couple of school days.
Volunteers and Visitors
There
are many opportunities for you to be involved in the classroom this year! Any extra time to come in and help out would
be greatly appreciated. Parents are most beneficial when working with small
groups, helping with unit prepping, and/or planning our end of unit parties. If
you are interested in volunteering please complete the attached form and return
it as soon as possible. If time does not
permit there will be many opportunities for you to visit and observe what your
child has been working on! Thank you in advance, it is appreciated by myself,
and of course your child!
Classroom Visits
Parents will
be invited into our classroom for special activities and programs during the
school year. Please read the weekly news on our classroom website to find out
about upcoming events. Please be aware that parents and/or children are not
allowed in the classroom without a teacher present. Please enter through the
office, sign in, and follow the school rules while on campus. If you would like
to have a conference concerning your child, please contact me to arrange one
before or after school, so I can give you my undivided attention.
Communication
Communication
is important! Feel free to contact me when you have a question, comment, and/or
concern. The best way to reach me is by
email at creger@fusd1.org or by note in your child’s planner.
I am beyond thrilled
to be apart of your child’s second grade year. I promise it will be filled with
excitement, rich learning experiences, hard work, growth, and lots of smiles!
Let’s make this a great year together!
- Ms.Reger
Parent Volunteers!
Student Name
___________________________
Volunteer Name(s)
_____________________________
I am interested in
helping with:
_________ Student
instruction in a small group setting
_________ Unit
prepping
_________ End of
Unit Parties (sporadically throughout the year)
_________ Class
Projects (sporadically through out the year)
_________ Field
Trips
Please explain best availability
with day(s) of the week and times.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After the first few
weeks of school, once our routines have been established I will be contacting
you via email to verify a schedule.
Thank you for your involvement, can’t wait to get you into our
classroom!
Supply List
Only label specific
supplies with name as for some supplies will be communal.
·
1, 2
pocket plastic folder (yellow)
·
2 pocket
folder with brads (one yellow and one black)
·
1 wide
ruled spiral notebook (name)
·
scissors
(name)
·
School
supply box (name)
·
1
container of Clorox wipes
·
18 ct.
colored pencils (name)
·
24 ct.
crayons (name)
·
10 ct.
classic broad markers (name)
·
Elmer’s
glue sticks (8)
·
12 ct.
#2 Ticonderoga pencils
·
4 ct.
dry erase markers (one in student’s desk)
·
Elmer’s liquid
glue (1)
·
1 blue
or yellow composition notebook, wide ruled
·
1
composition book with cover of choice
·
WE ARE
ALSO LOOKING FOR A FEW EXTRA SUPPLIES FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS/TIMES, IF YOU CAN
PROVIDE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IT IS APPRECIATED!
o
GOLD OR
SILVER GLITER
o
COLORED
PIPE CLEANERS
o
YARN
o
BAG OF
STARBURSTS OR JOLLY RANCHERS OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED CANDIES
o
PACK OF
PAPER PLATES
o
PLASTIC
CUPS
o
FOIL
o
ZIPLOCK
BAGS (GALLON OR SNACK)
o
HAND
SANITIZER
o
STRAWS
o
MASKING
TAPE
o
MARBLES
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