Welcome to Parent Night 2014

Mrs. Taylor 11 th year teaching at West 18 th year with District 47 Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education Master’s of Literacy Degree I LOVE children and I LOVE teaching!

CURRICULUM ELA Units of Study balanced literacy with greater emphasis on informational texts academic vocabulary shared reading of grade-level texts guided reading independent reading

S cience T echnology E ngineering M ath Teaching with the future in mind !

6+1 Traits Writing Narrative – Persuasive – Expository Handwriting D’Nealian is the form of printing taught in second grade. Cursive handwriting will be taught after Winter Break. Please encourage correct letter and number formation at home. Spelling based on high frequency words, awareness of letter/sound correlation, spelling patterns, useful rules, and application in writing.

U of Chicago Everyday Math Pattern counting Telling time to the minute Counting money Addition/subtraction facts, double digit numbers, regrouping Problem solving with explanations of the process FOSS Science Pebbles, Sand & Silt ~ Balance & Motion ~ New Plants Rand McNally Social Studies Our Government Cultural Diversity Famous Historians National Holidays Environment Economics Native Americans Mapping Skills

Second-GRADE Schedule Math 9:05 – 10:05 Reading & Stations 10:05 – 11:15 Lunch & Recess 11:15 – 12:05 Spelling & Writing 12:10 – 1:10 Encore Classes 1:10 – 2:10 ELA/Enrichment 2:10 – 2:40 Science/Social Studies 2:40 – 3:20 Pack Up/Dismissal 3:20 – 3:30

HOMEWORK Reading - 20 minutes daily Please initial Reading Log and spend a few minutes discussing the books. Math - Home Link nightly Spelling - practice words Weekend News – brainstorm ideas

District 47 Homework Policies Homework is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principals, and skills. Please check the D47 Handbook for the policy regarding homework missed due to illness. It can be requested after 1 st day of absence by calling the office. Homework missed due to vacation can be completed UPON RETURN OF THE STUDENT.

Progress Reports Trimester grading periods end in November, Early March, and June. Skills and application of key concepts are measured using district rubrics and reported using a scale. Reading, math and writing skills are also reported as ABOVE, AT, APPROACHING, or BELOW grade-level standards.

MAP Testing What is MAP Testing? MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress. It is an assessment that can measure individual student academic growth throughout the current school year and ongoing growth in both reading and math. The MAP assessment is unique in that it adapts during testing to be appropriate to each child's level of learning. Where are students tested? Students take the MAP test in the school's computer lab. The assessments are computerized tests. There are two assessments, one in math and one in reading. The assessments are not timed, but each subject area takes approximately 1 hour to test. When does MAP Testing take place? MAP Testing takes place twice per year – fall and spring.

* Feel free to call, send an , or write a note. * Please check out the latest news at our classroom website. * Watch for s from West that include important dates and reminders. Communication is Vital!

Bits of business! Be on time ~ bell rings at 8:50 Snacks ~ quick & healthy Clean gym shoes for locker Birthdays ~ No food allowed Lunch ticket encouraged ($26.00) Write your child a quick note!

THANK YOU FOR COMING! Let’s work together to make this a memorable year filled with growth for your child!