Update 11/24

Thanksgiving is Here!

Our class has been learning about The First Thanksgiving! We have been working on a wonderful keepsake of your child's learning about the Pilgrims and their first year in America.

We will have a Math test on Wednesday, 11/25. A skills list necessary for success was sent home on Monday. We will continue our review on Tuesday.

Our next story in Reading will be "Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly a Plane". The phonics skill is common abbreviations. The grammar focus will continue with plural nouns that change their spelling. The reading focus is main idea and details. This will continue into next week with the tests on next Friday, Dec. 4th.

We will be starting a new unit in Science. All about plants! The Science workbook will come home on Tuesday, due on Monday, Nov. 30th.

Wednesday, Nov. 25 - 1:00 Day. 11:00 3rd, 4th Grade Soccer games. 12:00 PTA Thanksgiving Party
Nov. 26 -27th - School Closed Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks to all of you for your support throughout my hospital stay and subsequent recovery. Words cannot express my appreciation.

Here's hoping that you all have a wonderful family time over the holiday!

Mrs. Scull

Update 10/7/09

Hello Families!

Here's a quick look ahead:

Language Arts: "Get Up and Go!" test Friday, Oct. 9th.
Phonics: -ame, -ake words
Comprehension: - Author's purpose - to inform, persuade or entertain
Grammar: Statements and questions
Writing: Adding details
NEXT WEEK: Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon:test 10/16
Phonics: inflections ending -ed
Comprehension: Narrative elements -
characters, setting, plot
Grammar: commands and exclamations
Writing: paragraph

MATH: We are continuing our study of addition and subtraction fact power. We will also be working on solving word problems. Please keep practicing the Rocket Math sheets everyday for 5 minutes! Thanks!

Important Dates:

Monday Oct. 12th: School Closed Columbus Day
Monday Oct. 19th - 23rd - Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, Oct. 20th - BOE Meeting 7pm
Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Flyer's Assembly 2:00pm - PTA Ice Cream Social 7:30pm
Monday, Oct. 26th - School Closed - Countywide Inservice
Thursday, Oct. 29 - Very Important Parent Day 2nd Grade! 11:30am

In your travels to the grocery store, please remember our 2nd grade class! If you could send in a healthy snack for the class to share that would be great! Ideas: Cereal, crackers, pretzels, goldfish etc. THANK YOU!!!


Enjoy the beautiful Autumn weather!

Mrs. Scull

Update 9/30/09

Hello Families,

Thanks to everyone who attended Back To School Night! It was great meeting you all!

Here is a brief look ahead:

Math: We have started Unit 2 - Addition and Subtraction Number Stories. In this unit we will practice facts, gain a better understanding of the clue words in word problems, and put into practice the skills needed to work through word problems. Keep practicing the Rocket Math Fact sheets 5 minutes every night. Thanks!

Language Arts: The first Reading test on The Mixed Up Chameleon will be this Friday. We will have our Spelling test on this day as well. -id, -ide are the phonograms for the week. The reading strategy is main idea and details. This is connecting to our writing - topic sentence and supporting details. We are also practicing sentences - recognizing complete sentences (Naming part, telling part, capital and end mark) and building them.

Located under the web links on this page is the cool site - Spelling City. Your child can use the games and practice tests on this site by following these steps:
a) Click on the Link
b) Click on my name
c) Choose the Reading story for the week

That's it! They can then play games and practice!


Science / Social Studies: We have begun our first unit in Science - Living and Non Living Things. We classified living and non living things on a walk outside. You can reinforce this classification by finding living and non living things on your travels with your children - or even at home! We are continuing our study of communities this week looking at Cities, and next week we will look at what makes a Suburb.

Important Dates:
Friday, October 2nd - Grandparents Day - 11:30 - 12:45. We look forward to seeing our Grandparents!
Thursday, October 8 - Big Fire Drill - Fire Prevention Week
Monday, October 12 - Columbus Day - School Closed!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 9/21/09

Hello Families,

What a great start we have had! Here is a brief look at what's in store for our class this week.

Math: We will continue our review of routines, number grid patterns and basic 1st grade skills surrounding money and clocks. We will practice Rocket Math on Tuesday and Thursday (this will continue all year) with 1 minute tests on those days as well. Please be sure to practice, whatever group of facts your child brings home on those days, everyday for just 5 minutes. Studies have shown that short, correct practice is the best for long term muscle memory!

Language Arts: We are continuing our introduction to the Daily 5 and CAFE Literacy stations. CAFE is an acronym for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expand Vocabulary. Students will be working on Reading in these 4 areas, developing and using strategies all year long. This week students will be building their stamina and learning the "language" of our routines, as well as, what these stations and our room should look and sound like during this time. We will begin our Harcourt Trophies series next week.

Science/Social Studies: We will finish up Chapter 1 - general Science tools and routines - this week. Beginning next week, students will have homework in Science. The homework will be assigned on Tuesday, due on Friday. They will bring their book home, along with the workbook. The book is huge! So, the students will be encouraged to simply carry it, instead of putting it in their backpacks. In Social Studies we are reading and discussing communities. The students will be creating art projects that reflect this unit throughout the month. Look for this book to come home with comprehension practice sheets as homework. In both Science and Social Studies please read the lessons together with your child, this will reinforce the learning in these areas. Thanks!

I look forward to meeting you all at Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 29th!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Welcome Back to School!

Greetings Families!

I hope this finds you having a fun and restful summer! I have been getting our classroom ready for many learning adventures ahead. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children throughout this school year. Looking ahead to our first week of school we will be getting to know each other and the routines of 2nd grade. Throughout the first week of school, many forms and pieces of information will be coming home. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Tools your child will need for AT HOME use during the year are:
Pencils
Scissors
Glue
Ruler (with both inches and centimeters)
Construction Paper
Crayons

All in school tools are provided by the Elmer Board of Education. THANK YOU!!

Enjoy that last days of summer vacation! See you on September 8th!

Mrs. Scull

Update 5/30

Hello Families,

It is hard to believe how fast time flies, but it has, and we are winding down your child's Second Grade year at Elmer School! What a great year it has been! ALL of the students have grown in so many ways! I am proud of them all!

As we approach the last days of school we will continue our review of the basic skills in Math with an end of the year assessment at the end of this week. We are also working on writing and reading comprehension for an assessment in Language Arts as well. Our story this week "Ruth Law Thrills a Nation" will complete the series!

We are continuing our Science Unit on our Earth in Space and will be working on our Maps and Globes workbook this week as well. We are also working on writing names in cursive!

Next week we will be working on a memory book as a keepsake from Second Grade. We will also be creating a pillowcase keepsake as a remembrance as well. Your help is needed! Please send in a white pillowcase by this Friday, June 5th for this project. THANK YOU!!!

Some Dates to remember:

June 11th: Talent Show!
June 15th: Field Day
June 16th: All School Picnic - Last Day of School!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update May 6th

Hello Families,

Here are a few updates and reminders:

In Language Arts the students are writing, writing, writing! Please encourage your child to be alert to good sentences, capitals and end marks. We are making every effort to work on our conventions and create good habits! We are looking forward to our "Author's Tea" on May 21st at 1:30pm! We will celebrate all we have accomplished this year in writing with chosen pieces to share from each student.

In Math we are reviewing Unit 10 and will have the test on Thursday. The study guide will come home today. Please continue to have your child practice memorizing their facts. Congratulations to those students ready for Rcoket Math Multiplication!!! Good for you! We will be taking a look at multiplication in the next unit. Towards the end of May we will do a BASIC SKILLS review with a test of all SECURE skills the first week of June.

In Science we are studying the weather. We will be reviewing this unit next week, with the test on next Thursday. We have been tracking the weather pattern ( mostly RAIN!!) and are experimenting with evaporation and condensation this week. The students will be creating a water cycle poster for the hall. This has been a fun, pretty easy unit!

In Social Studies we are learning about our Government. This week we discussed the 3 branches and the Constitution. The students have also created signs of important school rules and illustrations. Stop in and check out their work!

Thanks for all of your support and well wishes during this Teacher Appreciation Week!

Anticipating the sunshine,

Mrs. Scull

Update 4/19

Hello Families,

We have a great week ahead! Tomorrow we will have our Family Tree presentations! Please come in and check out the displays!

We will be reading "Anthony Reynose - Born to Rope". We will be studying the digraphs "ph and gh" sounding like /f/. The focus strategy will be using summary and retelling for comprehension. The students will be writing a personal story AND illustrating it! We will turn it into a book! We will also look at using the verb form of "be" correctly. "am, are,is, was, were" Tests will be on Friday.

We are continuing our study of money in Math. The focus is on exchanging sums of money (understanding equivalent amounts). We are also looking at computing amounts on the calculator. We will be using estimation when calculating as well. Please continue to practice the facts! The addition and subtraction facts from 19 are a secure skill for 2nd grade.

This week we will begin our unit on Weather in Science. We will be tracking the weather for the next week. I am personally hoping for SUN and a little rain for my new grass! We can always hope :]!

Earth Day is Wednesday! Our class and Elmer School are decorating grocery bags for reuse at the Elmer Supervalue IGA. The bags are on display for the next week and then on to the store for distribution!

F.A.S.T. Clubs start this week! Everyone is so excited! Fun times at Elmer School!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 4/3

Hello Families!

THANKS so much to all of the chaperones for last week's trip! We had a great time....made better by you!

Here is a peak at what's coming up in our class!

In Math we are continuing our look at measurement to the 1/2 inch and 1/2 centimeter. We are taking a beginning look at converting measures as well as perimeter. A good way to practice these skills is to measure objects all around you! Students can measure linerally (length and width) AND all around an object (perimeter). We will finish up this unit and review next week, with the test next Wednesday.

In Language Arts we are reading "Good-bye Curtis". Our focus strategies are summary AND compare/ contrast. Our word work this week is practicing contractions (n't). and ('ll). Next week we will NOT have a Reading or Spelling test...we have our SPRING BREAK!!

In Science we will review our Unit on Natural Resources - Chapter 6 and the test will be next Thursday. The study guide will come home on Tuesday.

We are continuing our Social Studies unit looking at "America's People". We will be discussing heroes, both in our Nations's history and our families. Your child should be working on their family tree...beginning to put it all together in time for the final due date of April 20th. Please contact me if you have any questions. The projects will be put on display in the hallway for our whole school community to view. If your child is finished before the April 20th date, they can send it in! We will display them as they arrive! I am looking forward to the presentations on the 20th!

Important Dates:

Thursday, April 9: 1:00 Day! PTA Easter Egg Hunt and Party
Friday - Monday, April 10 - 13th: School Closed! Spring Break

Enjoy the Sunshine this Weekend!

Mrs. Scull

Update 3/22/09

Greetings Families!

Last week Elmer School held Spring Parent - Teacher Conferences. It was good meeting with you all to discuss the progress your children have made throughout this school year. Thank you for your support and input!

Here is a peek at this week:

In Math we will continue our practice of fraction concepts with the review on Wednesday and the test on Thursday. Keep practicing those facts!

In Language Arts we will practice the prefixes pre- and re-. Students will recognize the narrative elements of beginning, middle and end and will be able to identify the story problem and solution in "The Pine Park Mystery". There will be NO Reading test this week due to our field trip! We will have the Spelling test on Thursday.

In Social Studies we will be discussing Lesson 2 "Traditions and Holidays". Remember that the "Family Tree" project is due April 20th. To manage this long term project, this week students should be in the planning and designing stage. One way they can organize their thoughts on this project is to make a basic sketch of the design. Once the project choice has been made, a basic sketch on paper with notes of needed materials would be a great organizational tool.

In Science we will be reading and discussing lesson 2 "How Can People Harm Natural Resources?" During the week our class will be tracking our water usage. You can do this at home as well!

We are looking forward to our trip to "The Academy of Natural Sciences" on Friday! If you are chaperoning and have not sent in $7.00 for admission, please do so. THANKS! Also, please make sure all students and chaperones arrive at school at 8:30am. The bus will leave at 8:45. See you then!

Have a Great Week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 3/2

Here we are, along with 1st Grade, with the can donations for Peter's Pantry. Thanks so much for donating!

Greetings Families!

I hope that you are all enjoying this beautiful winter wonderland! We are off to a great week - celebrating Reading! Please send in your reponse to our invitation for you to come in and read ASAP. THANKS! I will contact you with a specific time.

This week we will be reading across Elmer School on Tuesday morning. In between guest readers we will be continuing Language Arts with our selection "Dear Mr. Blueberry". Our reading focus strategy this week is read ahead for understanding, and making inferences. The students will be learning the vowel patterns /oo/, /ue/. In Grammar we will continue focusing on descriptive words.

In Math we are continuing Unit 7 - adding and subtracting numbers - applying this to weight measurement and practicing algorithms - both carrying and partial sums for addition, and trade first for subtraction. Please continue to practice Rocket Math facts keeping in mind the goal of starting the subtraction facts for speed in April. THANKS!!! A huge congratulations goes to ALL those who have moved on to Subtraction! Keep up the awesome fact power!

We will continue practicing our song for the PTA Covered Dish Dinner to be held Tuesday, March 10th. We are asking all students to wear GREEN shirts and BLUE jeans for this event. I hope to see everyone there!

We are also looking forward to our guest storyteller, Mrs. Yvonne Stefan, this Friday afternoon. She will be telling pioneer stories and playing 2 old time instruments - a fiddle and a dulcimer.

Stay Warm!

Mrs. Scull

Update 2/23

Hello Families,

Here is a look at our week ahead!

In Math we are starting a new unit concentrating on number patterns, computation and data analysis. During this unit the students will be practicing adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers as well (to concentrate on those basic skills!) We will be practicing the "antique" method of addition that we called "carrying" and the students will choose their way to solve. They will be able to choose either partial sums or carrying. Please continue to practice fact memorization as all of the students should be moving into subtraction Rocket Math facts during the month of March. THANKS!

In Language Arts this week the students will be working on the letter patters /oi/, /oy/, recognizing cause and effect while reading, and using describing words while writing. We will be reading "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" with our normal test schedule in place.

In Science we will be reviewing our Earth unit on Tuesday, with the Chapter 5 test scheduled for Thursday. A study guide will come home on Tuesday.

In Social Studies we will continue our look at our nations' story with a look at immigration this week. Currently I am reading the Laura Ingall's Wilder book "Little House in the Big Woods". The students are hearing about how people lived long ago in this wonderfully written story. Ask your child what has been most interesting to them in story.

On Friday we will watch the 3rd Grade perform their play. Good Luck 3rd Grade!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 2/17/09

Happy 100th Day!

Thanks so much for sending in the yummy snacks! We mixed them all up and had 2100 pieces in our super special 100th day trail mix!

This week in 2nd grade we will be continuing our study of Our Nation's Story and Earth's Surface. We will be reviewing Chapter 6 in Math and will have the unit test and a mid year assessment on Thursday. Keep practicing those facts!

In Language Arts we are looking at cause and effect and the vowel pattern /ou/, ou, ow. We will have the selection test, "The Day Jimmy's Boa ate the Wash" , Spelling and Language review tests on Friday. Continue to read everyday! I am so proud of all the progress the children are making in fluency and comprehension!


Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 2/1

Hello Families!

Here is a peek at what's happening this week in 2nd grade:

Math: We are continuing our look at number stories moving into subtraction. We will be doing what is called "trade first subtraction" in Everyday Math. Back in the day we called it borrowing - I will also name this process "beautiful borrowing"! Keep practicing the rocket math facts. Congratulations to those students who are moving onto the Subtraction Rocket! Way to Go!!

Language Arts: We are completing our last story in this theme, "Pumpkin Fiesta", with a look at making predictions and rereading as a comprehension strategy. The phonics component this week is inflections -s, es, ies (change y to i). In writing we will be looking at using our voice in our writing to let the reader know how we feel. In Grammar we will be learning about showing ownership - using apostrophes. Next week we will do a review and have the Mid year test of Progress. A look ahead - We will NOT have a Spelling or Reading Selection test next week.

Social Studies: We are starting a new Unit called "Our Nation's Story". We will look at early settlers and explorers, early leaders and the movement of pioneers, as well as a brief look at immigration. This week we will read and discuss lesson 1 on early settlers and explorers.

Science: We are starting a new Chapter here as well! Does your child or you have any interesting rocks? The students will be encouraged to bring them in for display and investigation during this Chapter called Exploring Earth's Surface.

This week our class will be involved in the Appel Farm Art project at Elmer School. We will be working on putting our handprints on the new wood for the front of the stage. The students are very excited about participating in this fun project!

Keep sending in the canned goods for Peter's Pantry. Thank you to all who have sent in already!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 1/21/09

Hello Families,

Here is a look at what is happening this week in 2nd grade! We are finishing our Math Unit 5 with a review and the test on Thursday. A study guide is coming home tonight. In Science we are continuing our study of Animals and their environments. We will do a review of the chapter next week and the students will be completing a performance task as an assessment. This will be different from the normal paper test. The students will match animals to their correctly identified environments, describe characteristics of the particular environment and use the animals characteristics to explain how it is adapted to their environment.

We will be having our normal tests in Language Arts on Friday - Spelling and Reading. The students will use their books for the Reading test. When studying informational selections, it is so important that the students learn how to find the information they need to answer the questions. These research skills are just developing, and using the book for our Reading test is great practice!

We are excited about our Field Trip! The Second Grade will be going to The Museum of Natural History in Philadelphia on Friday, March 27th. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending if you can! More detailed information will come in the next weeks regarding our activities at the museum.

As the 100th Day of School approaches (can you believe it?)please begin collecting canned goods for Peter's Pantry. Once again, the 1st and 2nd grades will collect 100 cans for this great outreach in our community. THANKS!!!

As always, thank you so much for all of your support in the growth and learning of your children!

Stay Warm!

Mrs. Scull

Happy New Year!

Hello Families,

I hope everyone had a restful break and are now back into the routine of school. Here is a look at the week ahead:

Language Arts: We are working on topic sentences and staying focused with details throughout an informational paragraph. Students are working on an animal paragraph and will be choosing their own topic for another piece later this week. We are looking at consonant blends str, thr, spr. Our focus skill this week is reading diagrams as we read "From Seed to Plant" a non-fiction piece. In Grammar we will be looking at more proper nouns - the months of the year.

Math: We are continuing our look at geometry - specifically parallel lines, and also 3D objects. During the week the students will be encouraged to bring in objects that clearly represent the 3D shapes - cylinders, cubes, prisms. The test for Unit 5 will be next week. Please continue to practice the rocket math math facts that your child is on. THANKS!

Science: We will continue looking at Living Things in their Environments with a look at lesson 2 that will extend into next week. Instead of the Science book coming home on Tuesday, look for it on Thursday. (Lesson 2 has a lot of info in it!)As a supplement to this chapter, we are working on a Penguin booklet. The students will be creating a pocket - booklet with details about different types of penguins.

Social Studies: We will look at jobs people do in our community continuing the theme of "People at Work".

Have a wonderful week,

Mrs. Scull