Welcome to

Second Grade!

 

   

 Curriculum NightValley Ranch Elementary

2015-2016

Welcome to 2C!

 

Please find your child’s seat with the name card they made for you.

We will begin as soon as we can! We will begin as soon as we can!

VRE Mission Statement

The staff at Valley Ranch Elementary believes in engaging learners in authentic and relevant

learning experiences. This is done by teaching through the lens of Understanding By

Design(UBD) and Project Based Learning (PBL). Through this process Valley Ranch

learners become critical thinkers, consumers of information, informed researchers, and

effective communicators. Many learning projects are accomplished as a group which

fosters collaborators and informed decision makers.

PARENT MUST-DO In the next few days, I will be sending you In the next few days, I will be sending you an online link to sign up for a conference an online link to sign up for a conference time. Conferences will be held on Friday, time. Conferences will be held on Friday,

October 9October 9thth . .

(Parent/Learner/Educator conferences are (Parent/Learner/Educator conferences are

the reason why the district gives this day off.)the reason why the district gives this day off.)

CAN-DO CAN-DO

Volunteer Volunteer At home, copies, chaperone, party helpers, etc. At home, copies, chaperone, party helpers, etc.

Curriculum

Thank you SO much for taking the time to be here. The way your child learns in CISD is so different from any way I ever learned in school and probably different than your experience in school so I this night helps you to have a

better understanding of how they learn.

These slides contain a PLETHORA of information so that you may have the

best understanding of the second grade curriculum as possible. Please do not feel overwhelmed… I will walk and talk you through it all tonight.

First, and Foremost…First, and Foremost…WE ARE A TEAM! WE ARE A TEAM!

We have the same goal in mind: We both want your child to be successful. We both want your child to be successful.

If there is ANYTHING at all that you have a concern about, please come to me first. We are in this together,

and I want the very best for your child!

We are a 2C Team- I use many team analogies and examples in our classroom.

So, since we are teammates…So, since we are teammates…A Little About Me:A Little About Me:-Elementary Science Content Specialist

-Student Teacher in K & 5th at VRE -Long-Term Substitute in this room

- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (teaching across content areas- elementary education) with a focus in English as a Second Language

-Teaching Philosophy in one word: DIFFERENTIATE-HUGE DALLAS MAVS FAN -Family & Teaching are #1

COMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATION"Nevertheless, no school can work well for children if parents and teachers

do not act in partnership on behalf of the children's best interests." -Dorothy H. Cohen

Blue Take Home Folder- I see it every day your child is at school- send me a note .

REMIND APP- Last Year’s Parents’ FAVORITE contact piece- it also lets you respond now (If you prefer to text, this is your kind of contact method!)

E-mail: alapaglia@coppellisd.comPhone Calls and Face-to-Face contact are my preferred methods of

communication, though e-mails are used in consideration of your schedule.

Conferences: 1:05-1:55 on Thursdays and Fridays (times and dates Conferences: 1:05-1:55 on Thursdays and Fridays (times and dates can vary)can vary)

Balanced Literacy•Includes: Interactive Read Aloud, Spelling, Literacy Stations, Guided Reading, and Writing

•Based on literacy learning and motivation research.

•NOT DAILY 5

Interactive Read AloudInteractive Read Aloud is a way of modeling reading

strategies and comprehension. It also allows learners to become engaged in the story through turn and talks

and reflective STEM sentence starters.

Spelling

Reading Street is a word study program for phonics, vocabulary, and spelling instruction. As with reading, each child develops spelling concepts

gradually. Word study begins with finding out what each child already knows about spelling and starting instruction there. From that point,

each child will participate in activities that target their specific needs so that they will continue to progress through

the spelling stages.

Literacy StationsLiteracy Stations are a series of literacy tasks that

learners complete while the facilitator meets with small groups or confers with individuals. It is a structure that

ensures all children are working at their level of challenge while taking responsibility for their learning

and behavior. It helps learners develop the daily habits of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and working with

peers, that will lead to a lifetime of independent literacy. Explicit modeling, practice, reflecting and refining takes place during the launching phase,

preparing the foundation for a year of meaningful content and instruction tailored to meet the unique

needs of each child.

WE ARE CURRENTLY STILL BUILDING STAMINA!In order for your child to have productive guided

reading instruction and other small group instruction, we must practice our stamina first

(launching phase). BIG Focus: INDEPENCE

Guided ReadingWhile learners are working independently in Literacy

Stations, the facilitator will be meeting with learners to help them become proficient, successful readers. The

CAFE system, which stands for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expand Vocabulary, includes goal-setting with learners in individual conferences, posting of goals

on a whole-class board, developing small group instruction based on clusters of learners with similar goals, and targeting whole-class instruction based on emerging needs. It provides a structure for conferring

with learners, a language for talking about reading development, and a system for tracking growth and

fostering learner independence.  

Literacy Stations

Listen to Reading & iStation

Learners listen and respond to stories on the computer twice a week during rotations and

every time they have an iStation assessment. The University of Southern Illinois has found a strain of

resistant head lice and they are in Texas.  Over the counter medications no longer work on these head lice.

With that in mind:

Please send earbuds (headphones) for your child which they can use in the classroom as well as the computer

lab. You can store the earbuds in a baggie with the child's name on it so they will not be easily lost.  

WritingWrite From the Beginning and Beyond

In second grade, the learners will write for a variety of purposes/audiences and demonstrate the proficiency to use the writing process. This

process consists of pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. They will use Thinking Maps to help them develop and organize their

thoughts/ideas; and, we will focus personal and experience narratives.

This format may feel different for you and your learner if it is new.

HandwritingThe learners will also write

appropriately spaced words using correct letter formation. The

Handwriting Without Tears program is a developmentally appropriate

program that helps children master these printing skills, as well as

prepare them for cursive handwriting. Please visit the Handwriting Without Tears website at www.hwtears.com

for more information.

This is how your child will display his or her work throughout the year. It is a

digital portfolio to show growth, goals, and work they are proud of. We are currently working in small groups to learn how to use this app. After that, you will gain access to your child’s

portfolio.

Math

Second grade math objectives consist of some new skills, reinforcement of skills learned in previous grades, and problem

solving. Facilitators use math manipulatives, interactive activities, books, and videos to help make abstract skills concrete. It is suggested that learners practice some type of math every

evening whether it be written, hands on, or oral. The following is a partial list of tentative math skills for second grade:

place value up to 1,200 patternsordinal numbers logic/probabilityskip counting time even/odd numbers graphsgreater than and less than measurement addition/subtraction to 24 area fact families geometry 2-digit addition/regrouping fractions

subtracting 2-digit numbers moneyrounding financial responsibilityproblem solving temperature

Social Studies •Focus: History, Geography, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology, Society, and Social Studies Skills•Resources: Social Studies Alive, Mind Missions and Time for Kids will help to promote critical thinking, problem solving, communication, creativity, innovation, and collaboration.•Each month, learners will also learn a new citizenship/character trait, such as patriotism, responsibility, and cooperation. These traits will be reinforced throughout the school day.

Science Inquiry, Inquiry, Inquiry…

The Science curriculum emphasizes the following topics in second grade: Plants,

Animals, Earth Science, and Physical Science. The students will participate in

hands-on and inquiry-based learning experiences through the use of FOSS (Full Option Science System) Kits for the insect, balance and motion, and air and weather

units. Vocabulary instruction, digital curriculum, and various other resources will also be used to help reinforce the science curriculum in a fun, interactive, effective

way.

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Project-Based Learning promotes authentic and relevant learning experiences through standards based instruction. Learners learn how to become critical thinkers, informed researchers, effective

communicators, group collaborators, and informed decision makers while creating an

authentic product. Our second grade learners will participate in several projects throughout the

school year. The 21st Century Soft Skills, otherwise known as learner outcomes, that will

be assessed during our PBL projects are Communication, Collaboration, Behavior &

Responsibility, and Digital Literacy. For more information about PBL, please visit our school

website at www.coppellisd.com/vr/.

Project-Based Learning (PBL)CRITERIA IPS

Insufficient Progress on StandardAS

Approaching the StandardMS

Mastered the Standard

Technology

Your group will show developing skills using the Skitch application on the ipad to incorrectly:Take a picture of plant they are recommending for the gardenCorrectly label each part of the plantWrite a short description of why they chose their plant

Your group will use the Skitch application on the ipad to do some of the following:Take a picture of plant they are recommending for the gardenCorrectly label each part of the plantWrite a short description of why they chose their plant

Your group will use the Skitch application on the ipad to:Take a picture of plant they are recommending for the gardenCorrectly label each part of the plantWrite a short description of why they chose their plant

Science Skills

Your group is still developing correct science skills and unable to correctly complete the following:Observe, record and compare how plants depend on their natural environmentPlant, observe and record data on possible garden plants

Your group will use science skills to do some of the following:Observe, record and compare how plants depend on their natural environmentPlant, observe and record data on possible garden plants

Your group will use science skills to:Observe, record and compare how plants depend on their natural environmentPlant, observe and record data on possible garden plants

Final Product

For your final product your group will create an original plant book which demonstrates little or none of the following:Facts about your plantParts of your plant correctly labeledVisual of how your plant makes its own foodVisual of the life cycle of the plantVisual of the roots and explanation of their jobDescription of the VRE garden conditionsPlant choice for VRE Garden and 2-3 sentences of why?

For your final product your group will create an original plant book which contains some of the following:Facts about your plantParts of your plant correctly labeledVisual of how your plant makes its own foodVisual of the life cycle of the plantVisual of the roots and explanation of their jobDescription of the VRE garden conditionsPlant choice for VRE Garden and 2-3 sentences of why?

For your final product your group will create an original plant book which contains the following: Facts about your plantParts of your plant correctly labeledVisual of how your plant makes its own foodVisual of the life cycle of the plantVisual of the roots and explanation of their jobDescription of the VRE garden conditionsPlant choice for VRE Garden and 2-3 sentences of why?

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Collaboration

Student does NOT:Talk with group membersListen to other peopleGet along with group membersTake turnsAsk questions when needed

Student:Talks with group members some but also works aloneListens to other people some but also wants to use own ideasArgues some with group membersTakes turns some of the timeOccasionally asks questions when needed

Student:Talks with group membersListens to other peopleGets along with group membersTakes turnsAsks questions when needed

Communication

Student does NOT:

Talks loud enough when presenting

Makes eye contact when talking to intended audience

Stands up straight and tallUses correct volume for task

Student:

Is occasionally hard to hear when presenting

Infrequently makes eye contact when talking to intended audience

Occasionally stands up straight and tall

Is occasionally too loud for task

Student:

Talks loud enough when presenting

Makes eye contact when talking to intended audience

Stands up straight and tall

Uses correct volume for task

Behavior & Responsibilities

Student: Is NOT motivated to learn Does NOT take responsibility for actionsDoes NOT complete tasks on time Does NOT follow directions and is NOT on task

Does NOT work neatly on assignments

Student: Is motivated to learn some of the timeOccasionally blames group members for actionsCompletes some but not all tasks on time Usually follows directions and is on taskWorks neatly on some assignments

Student: Is motivated to learn Takes responsibility for actionsCompletes tasks on time Follows directions and is on taskWorks neatly on assignments

Report Cards:

• Standards based (MS, AS, IPS)

• Performance Assessments

• Academics vs. Behavior section

• To view more information regarding the report card, please visit the Coppell ISD website at www.coppellisd.com. Click on Curriculum and Instruction towards the top of the page and then scroll down and click on Standards-Based Report Cards. An informational brochure, videos, and additional items can be found.

Homework

•We expect your child to read daily for 20 minutes. ASK QUESTIONS!

• *See Parent Guide to Reading & Sight Words

•Math City Challenge•Science STEM Challenge•http://2cvre.weebly.com/online-resources.html

Homework Research indicates that the children should spend

approximately 10 minutes for each grade in school each night. That means that a second

grader should spend about 30 minutes on homework.

"Research Spotlight on Homework." Rss. Web. 9 Sept. 2015.

“Homework should be relevant to the learning in the classroom and should never be something the learner does not understand”

-Coppell ISD Elementary Information Handbook

Social Interactions such as playing outside, being a part of a sports team, or extracurricular club are beneficial ways to

support 21st century learning skills.

Important Information

2nd Grade Weekly Newsletter

•This year, we will use the website “S’more.”•Each Friday, you will receive a link through email. Please view ASAP. •Focus: Curriculum information for the upcoming week, PBL and technology updates, news from the 2nd grade team, upcoming events to know about, specials schedule for the week, and contact information for 2nd grade facilitators

Behavior•The behavior calendar found in your child’s blue take home folder is the teacher’s best way to communicate with you. Please make sure to check it every night, not only to take out any papers, but also to look at the behavior calendar stapled on the right side. Please initial or sign on each day of the week as you look through your child’s folder.

Bucket Fillers: Focuses on supporting eachother Table Points: Focus on collaboration, attention to instruction, and staying on task 2C Class Economy: In line with the 2nd grade Personal Financial Literacy TEKS in math. Focuses on developing the whole learner as a citizen.

2C Economy-Bank Account

-Wallet-Fines

-Earnings-Friday Bank Day

*Personal Financial Literacy (TEKS)*

If your child loses a dollar, He or She is NOT NOT BAD! BAD!

It is a reminder that he or she should correct his or her behavior. I conference with every child about his or her day at

pack-up time. Please talk to your child about his or her struggles and celebrations that day.

OUR OUR #1 #1

RULERULE

BehaviorDEVELOPING THE WHOLE

CHILD

Respect-Respectful to property

(supplies, book bags, etc.), respectful to others, and self.

Birthdays• If you plan on sending out party invitations here

at school, everyone in the class must be invited- no exceptions!

• Due to a plethera of reasons (food allergies, equality, new carpets, etc…) 2nd grade birthdays will be celebrated in the following way: Once a month, our class will acknowledge all of the children who celebrated a birthday that month. In the classroom, the teacher will provide some sort of “treat” in which all students can enjoy.

• We will not be accepting cupcakes, cookies, goody bags, or any other treats on your child’s birthday. If you’d like to celebrate with him/her, you may consider eating lunch with him/her and/or having a private party outside of school.

Snacks and Cafeteria Information• Remember to send a healthy snack for your child to

enjoy in the morning. Please try to pack fruit, vegetables, crackers, or another healthy option instead of chips and cookies. Also, try to limit messy snacks as we are working during this time and it makes it very hard for students to focus on their learning.

• You may send either a check or cash to be deposited into your child’s lunch account. You may also go to the Valley Ranch home page at www.coppellisd.com/vr/, click on menu, and deposit money in your child’s account online.

• Extras, such as chips, cookies, or ice cream can be consumed once the child has eaten their lunch.

• There is a small table at the back of the cafeteria by the stage where forgotten lunches can be placed.

• After the first two weeks of school, you are welcome to come and eat lunch with your child in the cafeteria. You will need to sign in at the office and wait for your child at the designated guest table.

Arrival Procedures• The gym and cafeteria are open beginning at

7:30 a.m. • Please drop your child off in the car line or at

the door. We ask that you not wait in the school with your child. There are teachers on duty to greet your child and supervise him/her until the school day begins.

• Your child should be at school and in the gym by 7:40 a.m.

• Your child is tardy if they are not in the classroom when the 7:50 a.m. tardy bell rings. At that point, you will need to walk them into the front office so that they can get a tardy slip to enter their classroom.

Dismissal Procedures

• Parents are asked to stay in their car in the car line to wait for their child. This helps keep the car line moving.

• Parents that walk or park their car in the parking lot are asked to keep the breezeway clear while waiting for their child(ren). This allows for clear passage for PreK - 2nd grades. Please wait in the designated parent waiting area until your child’s class has reached their spot. When you walk over to get your child, please make sure that they tell their teacher or another second grade teacher goodbye before they leave.

• 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade learners with younger siblings will need to meet their sibling and wait in their class line.

• Walkers and bikers are asked to go directly home. • Send a note or email your child’s teacher to let us

know if your child will be going home with someone else.

Absences and Late Arrivals• If your child is absent from school, please send

a handwritten or typed note upon their return. Without a note, your child’s absence will be unexcused. Although the teachers appreciate knowing when your child will be away, the office must also receive a note when they return to school. Please send the note in your child’s folder and we will make sure that the office receives it.

• Please let us know if your child will be arriving late or leaving early for a medical appointment. You will need to sign them into the office when they arrive or sign them out at the office if they leave early.

Visitor Information

• When visiting our school, please sign in at the front office and put on a visitor’s badge. When you leave our campus, please sign out in the office as well.

Open Agenda and Questions