When are you going to teach...?

Here's a copy of  our curriculum map so you have an idea of the plans we have for the year like when we'll learn multiplication or when are the field trips scheduled or are when are the class special events?...  Remember it's a map but we may "off route" if something interesting presents itself or there is a need to "linger" a little in an area!

Will my child get letter grades this year?

In second grade, we don't use letter grades.  Most of our grades are given on a 4 point scale.  Very often a rubric will accompany a graded assignment.  Here is the meaning of the scale:
1= Not Demonstrating (Performing below grade level standards)
2= Beginning (Often requires one-on-one or small group assistance)
3=Developing (Developing skills with more self-reliance and occasional assistance)
4=Secure (Independent and consistently achieving success)

Do you want us correcting and helping with homework or do you want to see it just as it is done 1st?

If you can go over the homework with your child as she completes it and offer her help immediate help that would be ideal.  When you offer help right away he gets immediate feedback which is the best way to learn.  You would then also have a great opportunity to see how he’s doing academically.  The homework, especially in math, is almost always a review of what we’ve learned in class the week before.  Therefore, getting immediate feedback from you the parent may just clarify something that wasn’t clear to her in class.  This is much better then waiting to get feedback during class when one on one teacher time is at a premium.  I do understand though that sometimes it’s not always possible as life can throw you some curves but that is definitely the goal we should aim for.

How can I help my child with spelling?

Studying for spelling tests can become a challenge.  Some children learn very well by copying the words over and over or by repeating the out loud over and over again but some don't.  It might be time to find some other strategies to "mix things up a bit".  Here are a couple of ideas that have worked in our home:
1.) Turn the tables.  Have your child give you the spelling test.  They learn by reading the word to you and using it in a sentence.  Then they "grade" your test where they check over your spelling.  Grading includes writing the correct spelling of the word on the off chance you misspell one of those tricky words. 

2.) Practice as if it was a spelling bee.  (This works great if you have more then one child.)  It looks something like this Mom: Melissa, your spelling word is adequate.  Melissa:  Could you use that in a sentence?  Mom: Yes, did you get an adequate amount of dessert tonight?  Melissa:  Adequate a-d-e-q-u-a-t-e adequate.  Mom:  That's correct.  (This is best if done formally with the child standing up and lots of drama-the good kind.)  It's also a lot of fun to turn the tables.  When we get to the last words or vocabulary words if you choose the bonus.  We say things like this final word is for the spelling bee championship for (Name a silly place.)  If they get it right, we cheer for days.  If not, I usually give the word to the dog who "spells" it correctly and becomes the champ.  She's usually chomping at the bit to win back the championship from the dog the next night.

3.)  Check out the www.spellingcity.com link in the links portion of our website.  You can type the list using word and then copy and paste it into the site.   Your child can then play a variety of games using the spelling words.  They can even test themselves on their words.  It's a fun way to study as they feel as if they are just playing.  Playing is an excellent way to learn!

4.) On Wednesdays, we typically have a fun phonics/spelling/application lesson which reinforces the spelling pattern we are learning that week.  Have your child review the activity with you at home at night.  We always send home the paper portion of the activity and sometimes some "extras" like word cards.  This helps your child not just memorize the given words but help them to understand the spelling patterns.  In class, we call it "breaking the code" because once you know the patterns you can spell any word not just the 15-21 on the test.

        Ultimately, it's up to you to gauge what will work best for your child.  What is a challenge for one child may be too easy for another therefore do what works best for you and "mix it up a bit".  Encourage, encourage, encourage and add some fun!