Reading

    Common Core Reading Standards include expecting kids to read from a variety of mediums (RL2.7, RI 2.5) including digital texts, literature sources and nonfiction sources.  The second graders read from a variety of texts during their independent reading times, as well as in Guided Reading groups.

Jaycie reads from her book bin at reading time.

Abby reads stories written by last year's second graders
 on the class Ipads

Kamal works with his reading group on a Scholastic News Magazine article.

Fundations and Star Behavior!

Fundations is the phonics program we use at Academy School!  Every day we add new concepts to help students learn phonics and spelling rules that will help them in reading and writing.  In the first picture, Caroline is leading the class in reviewing sounds we have learned in prior lessons.  In the second picture, her classmates demonstrate STAR behavior.  Notice how, the students S- Sit up tall, ready to learn, T - Track the speaker as the lesson progresses, A - they are ready to Ask and Answer questions, R - most importantly, they are being Respectful of others around them while they are all taking on the important work of learning.  The second graders are truly Academy STARS!

Technology in the classroom

The pictures below show second graders using Chromebooks at technology time.  Front row is a terrific site for kids to practice math and reading skills.  This site assesses the level of each individual student, and then assigns practice work at the student's independent level.  The students are getting to know the chrome books and learning to navigate the keyboard while

they work on second grade skills.

Science

      The second graders are scientists!  We have been studying the states of matter.  There are three...can you name them?  Your second grader can!  Ask your child what they know about matter.  Not only should he or she know the names of the three states of matter, he or she should also know the definition of each state (or phase).  We have already done three experiments where we have developed a hypothesis, written our observations and come to conclusions about matter.  Over the 6 week study, my class will rotate to each of the other two second grade classes where they will continue to work with Mrs. Cusimano, Ms. Kathy, Ms. Casarella or Ms. Behling to do more experiments!  We will be states of matter experts!  

This is a link to a States of Matter Rap song that the kids just love.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBBmdqti_Kg

                   Here are some photos of our science experiments!