2. Content Areas Math Science Social Studies Reading Spelling Writing

3. Our math block is content-based flexible grouping utilizing Curriculum 2.0 Instruction aligned with Common Core Standards will be: – Whole group – Small group – Independent practice – Center activities Math content focuses on: – Operations and Algebraic Thinking – Number and Operations in Base Ten – Geometry – Measurement and Data

4. Practice mental math facts (addition & subtraction) to build fluency up to 20. Represent numbers in a variety of ways (base ten blocks, expanded form, place value, etc.) Review nightly homework. Students must use IXL for 20 minutes each week as part of their math homework.

5. Natural Features of the Earth (explain and identify water, soil, and rock properties) Animal Habitats Astronomy: Phases of the Moon, the Sun, and the Stars Life Cycle of Butterflies, Plants, and Brine Shrimp Students will participate in experiments and put the scientific process into action!

6. Rights and Responsibilities Beliefs of a Democracy Geography: map skills, continents, oceans, etc. Economics: Goods & Services, Natural & Capital Resources, and Producers & Consumers Cultures: People, events, and places (both past and present)

7. We have an 20:1 student to teacher ratio during the Reading Initiative block. Reading classes are created through flexible grouping with the grade level. Within each class will be multiple reading levels. Reading Initiative teachers are Miss Linnell, Mrs. Brosious, Mrs. Greaney, Mrs. Donaldson, and Ms. Young.

8. Modeled and Shared Reading (whole class) Guided Reading (flexible groups based on reading ability and needs) Independent Reading Decoding strategies Vocabulary Fluency Comprehension (oral and written)

9. Listen to your child read Read to your child Allow your child to share a decoding strategy when they are stuck on a word Ask questions/discuss the story Model good reading habits READ, READ, READ!!

10. Daily writing block Writer’s Workshop –Modeled, shared, interactive, guided, independent Focus: –Personal Narratives –Informative/Explanatory –Opinion –Personal Expression (Poetry)

11. Writing Process 6 Traits of Writing: –Ideas and Development –Conventions –Organization –Sentence Fluency –Word Choice –Voice Spelling/Word Study/Use of Language

12. 2 week program Spelling rule/ pattern Spelling test fall on the second Friday of the 2 week program Spelling grade is embedded into Use of Language portion of their Writing grade. Information will be provided through email distribution lists.

13. Academic Grades –Are ongoing throughout the marking period. –Grades reflect what students know and are able to do in relation to grade level expectations. For more information, visit: An overview of Curriculum 2.0: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/grading/ http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/2.0/o utcomes.aspx

14. ES = Exceptional at the grade-level standard P = Meets the grade-level standard I = In progress towards meeting standard N = Not yet making progress towards meeting standard = Teacher reviewed/completion of work. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/grading/report-cards.aspx Please check out the online video for the standards-based report card:

15. Literacy: Students must read 20 minutes each night. They need to record their book or chapter title on the Reading Log that is given out each week. –Respond to one prompt (given out every other week) in response to their nightly reading. This written response provides time for students to practice written comprehension. –Occasionally, projects will take the place of the Reading Log and Written Response. Math: Worksheets will be sent home nightly to be returned the next day.

16. We expect all Stone Mill students to follow the rules and expectations that have been set for them. Check home folders daily for comments about behavior. A stamp or sticker indicates expected behavior was met. Warnings are always given. If a child does not correct behavior then his/her calendar will have a check mark. This is a signal for you to check your email for a note from the teacher. Please sign calendar daily.

17. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher: Email: Tracie_N_Brosious@mcpsmd.orgTracie_N_Brosious@mcpsmd.org Gretchen_Donaldson@mcpsmd.org Whitney_C_Greaney@mcpsmd.org Erin_C_Linnell@mcpsmd.org Julia_M_Young@mcpsmd.org We look forward to an amazing year and we are appreciative of all the support you give us! The Second Grade Team