Second Grade@Elmer

UPDATE 6/11/10

2010-06-11T06:32:00.002-04:00

Hello Families,

As the summer vacation quickly approaches, here is a look at our final weeks in Second Grade at Elmer School.

We will be having our End of Year Tests in Math and Language Arts on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 15, 16. Look for the math study guide to come home on Monday / Tuesday. We will NOT have tests on the last story - "Ruth Law Thrills a Nation", but will review for the final Language Arts test. Remember that your child can use the Harcourt Link at this page to practice Language, writing and Reading strategies.

We are looking forward to our "Parent Appreciation Day" on Tuesday, June 15th at 2:15. We will be meeting in the gym for a time of singing, reading and refreshments. I hope to see you there!

Important Dates:

Tuesday, June 15th - 2nd Grade Parent Appreciation - 2:15
Wednesday, June 16th - Special Assembly -1:00
Friday, June 18th - Field Day - 1:00 dismissal
Monday, June 21 - 4th Grade Graduation and Awards Assembly - 10:00 / 1:00 Dismissal
Tuesday, June 22nd - All School Picnics - Last Day of School - 1:00 Dismissal

What a full year of learning we have had! It is hard to believe that it is almost over! Thank you so much for your support and caring!

Mrs. Scull

Update March 23rd

2010-03-22T14:35:00.004-04:00

Hello Families,

It was great to see all of you last week for conferences! Thanks so much for all of your support in so many ways!!

This week in Second Grade we will be looking towards Spring by planting seeds and continuing to watch our blue and green cups of water for change! Ask your child about the difference between the blue and green cups of water...this weekend ALOT of change happened! (hint: evaporation!)

Our selection this week is "The Emporer's Egg". We are looking at -ing, and -ly endings in Phonics and Spelling. In Writing we are practicing using transition words. (Please encourage your child to check for capitals and punctuation. THANKS!) Our Reading strategy is being able to tell the difference between fiction and non-fiction writing and using word bits to sound out new or difficult words. In Grammar we are starting to look at words that compare - using -er, -est.

In Science we had our test on Weather...our next unit is all about the Solar System! In Math we had our test on Chapter 7 and will begin Chapter 8 on Wednesday. In this unit we will look at fractions. We will use puzzles, magnets and stories to help in the understanding of fractions - both equivalent and when comparing them in amount.

We will begin a new unit in Social Studies all about our Nations History - a brief look through time from the Native Americans to Immigration.

Have a great week!!!

Mrs. Scull

Update 2/23

2010-02-23T10:53:00.002-05:00

Hello Families:

Tomorrow is our 100th Day of School!! Please remember to have your child count out 100 pieces of snack, put it in a labeled baggie and send into school for our 100th Day Trail Mix. THANKS!!!

This week we are continuing Reading "The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash".
*Phonics/ Spelling: /ou/ ow
* Reading Focus Skill: Cause and Effect
*Grammar: Pronouns

Please Review the Science study guide, read Chapter 5 and prepare for the chapter test on Thursday.

In Math we will be finishing up Unit 6 and beginning to review for the Mid Year Test next week. Please continue to practice the Rocket Math Facts. All students should be finishing the addition facts by the end of March. Congratulations to those students who are on Subtraction....WOW!!!!

We are excited about our skit for the PTA Covered Dish Dinner to be held on Tuesday, March 16th. We wrote out our skit and have started practicing. A few have memorized their parts already...this is AWESOME!!! Keep practicing! Does anyone have a small tent, EASY to put up, that we could use on the stage? Please contact me if you do. Thank you!!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 2/1/10

2010-01-31T14:17:00.002-05:00

Hello Families:

Here is a look at the week ahead for 2nd Grade!

Math: We are starting a new unit! Unit 6 will look at comparison number stories (finding a difference), practicing addition with 2 and 3 addends, graphing data, working with arrays. The subtraction algorithm we will introduce is the "trade first" strategy. It is basically "borrowing" just with new "language". :) Keep practicing those facts (everyday for 5 min.) If your child has memorized his/ her facts learning the strategies will be so much easier! Thanks!!

Language Arts: Your child should be reading a "just right" book everyday for at least 15 minutes. If your child needs books for this at home, please let me know! Our classroom library is full of books that can be borrowed!
This week we will finish up our theme with "Pumpkin Fiesta". The reading focus skill will be predicting outcomes with our strategy for reading being self correct. One way they can do this is to "flip the sound" if the work doesn't make sense. Try the vowel sound short...then long. Our Spelling / Phonics focus this week is inflections: -s, -es, -ies . In Grammar we will practice using possessive nouns and apostrophes to show ownership.

Science: We will start our new Chapter 5 Exploring Earth's Surface this week. In this chapter students will learn about what changes Earth's surface, what are rocks, sand and soil and what we can learn from fossils. if your child has a rock collection, they will be encouraged to bring in their favorite pieces for display and sharing.

Social Studies: We will finish up our chapter looking at jobs and economy this week. Please read over the chapter with your child this week. The students will complete the chapter review on Friday (with the book) to show what they have learned.

Please remember that our class is collecting 100 Cans for Peter's Pantry for our 100th Day of School Celebration. Also, please send in 100 pieces of snack for our 100th Day Trail Mix treat, too! Due to our school closing for the electric problem our 100th Day will now be Monday, Feb. 22nd. THANKS so much!

Have a great week and stay warm!

Mrs. Scull

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T12:21:00.002-05:00

Hello and Welcome to 2010 in 2nd Grade!

Hopefully you all have had a restful holiday and are ready for all the learning that awaits in this next year! Here is a look at this week:

Language Arts: We will read a play "Johnny Appleseed". The focus skill is looking for details to understand meaning through characters, setting and plot. The focus strategy will be creating mental pictures using those details.
In Phonics/ Spelling the emphasis is on r-controlled vowel /ir/ spelled ear, eer.
In Grammar we will look at Names of Days.
In Writing we will draft and revise a paragraph of information using good organization and an interesting topic sentence.
Please remember the link found on this page for Harcourt Trophies. It has many fun activities to support this learning.

Math: We will review for the Unit 4 TEST on Thursday. Look for a sheet that explains the partial sums algorithm in detail to come home on Monday. Please continue to practice and memorize addition and subtraction facts to and from 19. THANKS!!

Science: We will begin our new Unit on Living things and their Environments! Along with this unit we will be completing an awesome detailed look at Penguins! We will complete a pocket booklet similar to the First Thanksgiving one. Many interesting facts will be learned, as well as, fun craft projects.

Social Studies: This week we will catch up in our Maps and Globes booklets looking at directions. North, South, East, West and applying this to reading maps.

Sending you all WARM thoughts,

Mrs. Scull

Update 11/24

2009-11-23T17:59:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-07T14:28:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-30T15:14:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-20T15:02:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-08-24T09:02:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-30T21:16:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-06T09:20:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-19T20:05:00.004-04:00

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

2009-04-02T11:49:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-22T08:12:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-02T14:46:00.005-05:00

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

2009-02-23T10:21:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-17T10:44:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-01T17:37:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-21T09:23:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-01-11T16:36:00.003-05:00

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

Update 12/15

2008-12-15T13:21:00.003-05:00

Hello Families,

This week we are hard at work preparing for our Holiday Show scheduled for tomorrow night, 12/16, beginning at 7 pm. All students should report to our classroom at 6:45pm. THANKS!

We are also busy completing our holiday projects and getting ready for our LONG break! We will be off from school for 16 days! During down time (if that even exists!) it would be great to have your children read and practice Rocket Math Facts. THANKS!!

Have a Fantastic, Healthy, Safe Holiday!

Mrs. Scull

PS: Happy New Year ,too!

Update 12/8

2008-12-07T17:15:00.002-05:00

Greetings Families:

As we wind down through December the elves in 2nd grade will be very busy! We will be creating a few special secrets as well as finishing our Rudolph stories. We will have a special guest, Emily's daddy Mr. Einstien, who will present a learning program all about Hannukah. We are looking forward to this fun activity! This week we will be finishing Math Unit 4 AND completing Theme 3 of our Language Arts Series. The Math test will be on Wednesday and regular tests for Reading and Spelling will be on Friday. (Phonograms ar, arm will be emphasised along with proper nouns)

We will also finish up Science Chapter 3 Plants. The test for this will be next Tuesday, Dec. 16th.

Next week will be a FUN week with our Holiday Cheer Day on Wed. Dec. 17th, our trip to the Pitman Theater to see a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer play on Thursday, Dec. 18th and a special PTA craft time with singer/ songwriter John Flynn coming on Friday, Dec. 19th. Exciting and Special times at Elmer School!

Warm wishes for a wonderful holiday to you and yours,

Mrs. Scull

PS: It was great meeting with you all last week to discuss your children's progress. THANK you for all of your support!

Update 11/17

2008-11-17T14:41:00.006-05:00

Dear Families,

Here we are in the last full week of school before we break for Thanksgiving! It is hard to believe! We are are creating turkeys and working on a very interesting Thanksgiving Pocket Booklet. The students will be learning about the Pilgrims and the how and why they came to America! Ask your child what they learned today!

We are starting Unit 4 in Math. In this Unit we will look carefully at word problems using both addition and subtraction. We will be adding 2 digit numbers using knowledge about tens to solve. We will continue practicing facts and also reading a thermometer. The family letter going home today will give you detailed information on this unit.

In Language Arts we are looking at plural nouns - both adding s, and -es as well as unusual plurals - child to children for example. Use the Language Handbook for practice in this area. We are reading Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly a Plane this week with a look at predicting outcomes and abbreviations. We will have our tests in all Language Arts areas on Friday - Spelling, Reading and Language.

We will finish Science Chapter 3 this week as well. We will be reviewing all week with the Science test scheduled for next Tuesday, Nov. 25th. Look for the review sheet to come home on Thursday.

Next week we will begin a new story, but will not have the tests until Friday,Dec.5th.

Important Dates to Remember:

Now until next Tuesday - Peter's Pantry Collection of Canned Gooods
11/18 - Elmer Board of Education Meeting - 7pm
11/20 - PTA Movie Night "Kung Fu Panda"
11/26 - Thanksgiving Soccer Game and Parties - 1:00 Dismissal - Last day of the Marking Period
11/27 - 11/28 - Thanksgiving - School Closed
Dec. 3,4,5 - Parent Conferences
Dec. 4, 5 - PTA Holiday Shop

Please remember also - if you have any questions or concerns please contact me. THANKS for all of your support and work with your children!

Mrs. Scull

Update 10/29

2008-10-29T09:29:00.004-04:00

Greetings Families!

Halloween is here! Tomorrow Elmer School will celebrate Halloween with our traditional parade and party. The festivities will begin at 1:45. If you would like to come in and help get ready for the parade, feel free to come at about 1:15. THANKS so much!

In Reading we are still working on "The Enormous Turnip". The focus skill for this story is sequence - what is the order of events in the story? Our phonograms -ack, and -ock are in the Spelling words and in Grammar we are still looking at the naming and telling parts of sentences. We will begin a study of Nouns, as well. Please practice this with your child. You can use the Language Handbook and/or the Harcourt link at our class page. The tests will be NEXT Wednesday, Nov. 5.

In Math we are studying place value with a review of money. Keep practicing the facts as well! THANKS!

Reminders:

School is ClOSED this Friday, Oct. 31st - County Wide In-Service
School will be CLOSED next Thursday and Friday - Nov. 6, 7 - NJEA Convention

Let's GO PHILLIES!!!

Mrs. Scull

Update 10/21/08

2008-10-21T15:15:00.002-04:00

Dear Families,

The time just keeps flying by! Here we are almost at the end of October! It is hard to believe, but true! Here is a look at the rest of this week AND a peek into next:

We are reading "Wilson Sat Alone" with a focus strategy of characters and their feelings. We are also working on the -at, -ate phonograms. In Language we are continuing our study of the naming part of the sentence and will begin the telling part tomorrow. We will have Spelling, Reading and Language tests on Friday. Please use the Language books to review the skills presented so far. We will be up to page 91 by Thursday. THANKS! Remember, the students can use the link to Harcourt on our webpage for extra practice as well.

Next week we will begin "The Enormous Turnip" but will NOT have the tests until the following Wednesday...right before school is closed for the NJEA convention. Please remember that school is closed next Friday as well for our County wide Inservice.

In Math we will finish Unit 2 tomorrow and review on Thursday. We will have the Unit 2 test on Friday. Fact families, names for numbers, rule tables and frames will all be tested.

In Science we are beginning our chapter on Animals. We began Lesson 1 today,mammals and birds. The students began the review pages in class. The pages are RS 12 and 13 which are due on Friday. We completed the investigate looking at a feather and our arm hair with a hand lens. The students found how they are alike and different.(Compare and Contrast!)The investigate pieces of Science are truly a hit! Everyone loves to use the materials and tools!

In Social Studies we began our unit on the upcoming Election! We have discussed what an election is, as well as who the candidates are, AND the job of the president of the United States. We will continue this up until the election! We will be having a school wide vote next Wednesday. It will be very interesting to see who gets picked at Elmer School and if our pick matches the general election!

THANK YOU to all who supported the Rotary Club of Elmer at Alex's Lemonade Stand. Service learning is so important! THANKS again!

Look for your child's mid term progress report to come home tomorrow (Wednesday).

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update 10/16/08

2008-10-16T08:29:00.003-04:00

Greetings Families:

Here is a look at the rest of this week into the next:

We will finish up "Frog and Toad are Friends" tomorrow and move into "Wilson Sat Alone" for next week. The focus lesson for next week is centering on characters and their feelings. In Grammar we will continue to review types of sentences. Please look for a Language book that will be sent home for your children to use when practicing Language skills. Students can also use the Harcourt link at our website tp practice the skills. Thank you!

We are continuing to gain "fact power" in math. Please practice basic facts with your child everyday. Just 5 minutes each day will vastly improve their memory and give them the edge they need for sloving math problems. Our Unit 2 test will be next Friday Oct. 24.

In Social Studies we will begin our Elections Unit on Monday, with a look at our government and the importance of voting as a citizen of the U.S.A.! Our test on Chapter 1 will be tomorrow. We had a GREAT review today. Ask your child about the activity!

Thanks so much for all of your support!

Let's Go Phillies!!!

Mrs. Scull

Update 10/6/08

2008-10-06T17:32:00.002-04:00

Greetings Families,

Here's a peek at what we are doing in 2nd grade this week.

Our story is Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon. We are looking at the inflections -ed in phonics and Spelling. We are also listening for the different end sounds that -ed makes.... "ed", "t", and just plain "d".It is tricky because all of those sounds are spelled the same way...-ed! In Grammar we are looking at commands and exclamations and our focus strategy in Reading is self correcting errors. Our focus skill is the narrative element of the setting. The students are writing stories about October with the emphasis on the details of what we hear, feel, smell and taste in October.

In Math we are working on our fact power by looking at the doubles facts and turn around facts. Keep practicing those Rocket Math sheets!

In Science we will finish up Chapter 1 with a review sheet that will be sent home this Friday. We will have the chapter test on Tuesday, October 14th.

We are continuing our look at cities and suburbs in Social Studies. We are also still learning about landforms in our Maps and Globes.

Please remember that our class is helping the Elmer Rotary run "Alex's Lemonade Stand" at the Elmer Harvest Festival on October 18. Please contact me or Mr. Jansky and sign up for a time to help out. THANK YOU so much!

Next Monday, October 13th is Columbus Day. There is no school!

Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Mrs. Scull

Update 9/28

2008-09-28T08:13:00.003-04:00

Dear Families,

Here is a quick look at our week coming up in 2nd grade. This week we will continue our Daily 5 routines, adding word work. We will be studying phonograms -ake, -ame in both phonics and the Spelling list. Out story is "Get Up and Go!" and in Language we will continue practicing sentences - statements, questions and commands.

We will finish Math Unit 1 on Monday with the test on Tuesday. Our next unit in Everyday Math will take a closer look at addition, gaining fact power!

In Science we are continuing our study of Life Science - Living and Nonliving things and their needs. Homework in this area will be sent home on Monday and will be due on Friday. In Social Studies we are continuing our look at different communities, as well as landforms - lakes, oceans, plains, mountains, hills,valleys and rivers.

I hope that many of you can participate in Elmer Harvest Day and help our class and the Rotary Club with "Alex's Lemonade Stand". A letter from Mr. Jansky went home on Friday with details about this effort. Please get in touch with him and sign up! If you have any questions please contact me or him. We can really use your help, and the children will truly enjoy this activity that has real meaning!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update Sept. 21

2008-09-21T14:46:00.004-04:00

Hello Families,

This week in 2nd grade we will continue building stamina for our Daily 5 routines and getting ready for our first Spelling, Language and Reading tests this Friday. When reading the selection (The Mixed Up Chameleon) this week, there are a few ways to work on fluency with your child. You can "Choral read" together the page, you can trade off reading sentences, or you can read and then your child reads just what you read. Don't feel that you have to read the entire story every night. Your child will bring home their book Tuesday through Thursday - break the story in 1/2 and then read through on Thursday. Thanks!!

In Math we are finishing up Unit 1. We will review for the Unit test next Monday and the test will be on Tuesday. Continue to practice money skills, counting by 2's, 5's, 10's, and filling in the number grids. Whatever set your child is on in Rocket Math should also be practiced. Just 5 minutes a day will help immensely!

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 23rd at 7 pm. If you cannot attend, I will send home a packet with all of the information in it on Wednesday with your child.

We are looking forward to GrandParents Day on Friday, Sept. 23 at 11:45 am. We will read to our Grandparents and enjoy lunch as well!

We are continuing our collection for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund through September 30. Thanks so much for your support!

See you soon!

Mrs. Scull

Update 9/16/08

2008-09-16T15:14:00.003-04:00

Greetings Families:

We have been very busy , as usual, in 2nd Grade! This week we are still working on building stamina for our "Daily 5". If your child hasn't talked about daily 5 yet, please ask them! The students have been hard at work reading and writing for longer and longer periods of time! We have learned about "I Pick" books that are just right and generated ideas for writing. We have completed the inventory unit in Language arts and are beginning our first story this week into next. The first Spelling and Reading tests will be NEXT Friday, Sept. 26th.

In Math we have started our Rocket Math program that will lead to mastery of facts and have been working on the review unit in Everyday Math. Please practice the facts with your child, as well as counting change (money). THANKS!

In Science we have finished the first chapter and will have a test this Friday, Sept. 19th. Your child should bring their book home each day this week. Please go over the vocabulary in each lesson of Chapter 1 Ready, Set, Science! Look for a review sheet to come home on Thursday.

THANK YOU so much for participating in "Small Change for a Big Change" hurricane victims relief for the Red Cross. We will continue to collect until the end of September.

Please know that if you ever have a question you can just ask! I am here to help your child become the best he/she can be in 2nd grade!

Take care!

Mrs. Scull

Welcome Back to Elmer School!

2008-09-03T15:12:00.002-04:00

Greetings Families,

I am looking forward to a great year! Today was our first day together with many learning days ahead!

I am looking forward to getting to know all of the students, as well as, their families. Please know that I am here if you ever have a question, or just want to talk. You can reach me best through email - cscull@elmerschool.com. I check my email at the end of each school day. I will get back to you as soon as I can. Also, if you have time in your schedule to volunteer, please let me know. I welcome you into our room!

Thank you in advance for your support as we teach and enrich each of your children.

Stay cool in these hot September days!

Mrs. Scull

Update 6/10/08

2008-06-10T21:02:00.002-04:00

Greetings Families!

Here we are at the end of your child's Second Grade year at Elmer School! I have witnessed such growth and am both proud and pleased with the successes achieved by your children. Thank you so much for all of your support this year!

I wish you all a happy and safe summer. See you in September!

Keep reading!

Mrs. Scull

Update May 29th

2008-05-29T12:04:00.003-04:00

Greetings Families,

We are fast approaching the last days of school! Here is a look at next week's schedule and our final tests. Next week we will be having the Unit 11 Math test on Tuesday, June 3 and the End of the Year Math Test on Thursday, June 5. No homework will be assigned, but please be sure to review the study guides with your child. THANKS!

We are also working on an End of the Year Language Arts assessment that will be finished next week as well.

We will NOT have a test on Spelling or Reading next week. We are simply enjoying reading our last selection "Ruth Law Thrills a Nation".

I thank everyone who chaperoned on our trip last week! What a great day!

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

Tues. June 3rd - Unit 11 Math Test
Thurs. June 5th - End on Year Math Assessment
Fri. June 6th - "Ice Cream Day" in Second Grade
Mon. June 9th - 4th Grade Assembly and Picnic - 1:00 Day
Tues. June 10th - Field Day! - 1:00 Day
Wed. June 11th - Final Assembly - All school picnic - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! 1:00 Day

Such growth, such potential - the Schlalick High School Class of 2018 is ready for 3rd Grade!

See you soon!

Mrs. Scull

Update May 14th

2008-05-14T20:53:00.002-04:00

Hello Families,

Greetings from Elmer 2nd grade! We are busy getting ready for our Young Author's Tea this Friday. We look forward to seeing you and sharing the awesome writing that has been created in our room. The time is 2:00pm! Come ready to celebrate our authors!

As we wind down our school year we will be reviewing much of the math skills gained as well as Language Arts skills. The students will be having year end tests in these areas during the last week of May. Please continue to practice those facts and read everyday. THANKS!!!

Next Friday, May 23rd is our field trip to Cape May Point State Park. Please plan on arriving at school at 8:15am dressed for the weather. Beach activities will go on as long as it isn't raining steadily.

We also have our all school Talent Show next Thursday. You won't want to miss this event...our school has some hidden talents that just may show up!!!!

As always, the time seems to be "flying by" and June will be here before we know it! I am so proud of all of the students! They are ready for third grade!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Mrs. Scull

Update April 17th

2008-04-17T13:54:00.002-04:00

Dear Families,

Our show "Johnny Appleseed" was a success!! Thanks to you all once again! Please be sure to mark you calendars for April 29, for the second running of our show. I am sure it will be super once again!

Please note the following dates:

Houses for our community map are due by April 25th.

Friday, May 9th - Grand-friends Day - 2:00pm

Friday, May 16th - Young Author's Tea - 1:45pm - Parents are invited!

Friday, May 23rd - Field Trip to Cape May Lighthouse and State Park

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Mrs. Scull

Update March 17th

2008-03-16T19:42:00.004-04:00

Dear Families,

Hello! As we head into 2 short weeks of school here is a peek at what we will be doing. This week we will begin our new theme in Language Arts - Neighborhood News - where the children will discover that members of a community are connected in a variety of ways. During this theme we will be constructing a 3D small scale map of Elmer. We will use small boxes and lunch milk cartons for this project. Please send in any small boxes (gift size) that you may have for this project. THANK YOU!! Our first story "The Pine Park Mystery" will continue into next week. The phonics focus will be on prefixes :-re, pre-, mis- and under-. Our focus skill will be on the narrative elements - setting, characters, problem and how it is solved (the plot) and the ending. The students will also be writing a descriptive paragraph using their 5 senses for the descriptions.

In Math we are starting Fractions! The students will be discovering fractions in the world around us and recognizing that fractions are actually equal parts of a whole - which can be a set or group of things - or just ONE thing.

We will also look at the script for our play "Johnny Appleseed" which we will be performing in April. Watch for scripts to come home next week along with items needed for costumes. Please let me know if you are willing to help with this project - scenery, costumes etc. THANKS!!

We are looking forward to our PTA Easter party and will be crafting a cute basket to carry the treats. We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday for the party and egg hunt! Please remember school will be closed for the holiday Friday and Monday.

Have a Wonderful Week and Holiday!

Mrs. Scull

Update March 7th

2008-03-06T19:43:00.004-05:00

Dear Families,

Greetings from Second Grade! A special thanks goes to all parents who participated in "Read Across America Week" by coming in and reading to the children. They LOVE it! Looking back, I also extend a warm thank you to all of our Grand-friends for coming in as well. These times are to be treasured!

This week we have been writing, writing, writing! Your child has created a personal map from which to generate personal stories. Ask your child about what is on their map! The students have been working on good beginnings, staying on topic, showing the event - not just telling about it, and creating an ending that connects to the beginning. Encourage your child to read and write everyday....it's all connected!

In Math we are working in Unit 7 which hits many skills including: adding 3 numbers in which 2 of the numbers are double digits, doubles and halves, measuring and data collection, as well as manipulating the data into graphs and analyzing it for the median number. We will review for the unit test next week with the test being towards the end of the week. Keep practicing those facts! Thanks!

We have started a new Science unit on Living and Non-living things. We will investigate and classify things in the world around us, as well as, plant seeds and care for the plants as they grow.

We will begin a new Social Studies unit after Easter on Native Americans. We will also create a model of Elmer! Hopefully this will be completed by the PTA Covered Dish Dinner on April 29.

The Student of the Week is Hope Knarvik. She loves CANDY and cheerleading! There's a girl after my own heart! Come in and check out her poster!

ENJOY this weather!

Mrs. Scull

Update Feb. 10th

2008-02-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our look ahead this week proves to be a fun and exciting one! On Thursday we hve our annual "Jumprope - Hoops for Heart" activity as well as our Valentine's Day party in the afternoon AND Friday is a the first day of President's Weekend!

In honor of President's Day I have added a new link to this page - Whitehouse Kids. It had alot of great activities plus up to date happenings in Washington, D.C. Another link added is called Sheppard Learning. This site has tons of learning activities addressing all subjects - the Science is especially cool! Please check them out. THANKS!

We are starting our new theme this week - with our first story being "The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash". The phonics focus is the /ou/ sound spelled ou, ow. We will start writing stories in this theme. This week we will focus on good beginnings. In Grammar the students will be introduced to pronouns. We will have tests for the week on Thursday - Spelling, Selection and Language.

In Math, we are finishing up Unit 6 - addition and subtraction. We will spend time this week practicing trading in subtraction (borrowing) and applying this new skill to word problems. Look for the unit test study guide NEXT week. I cannot urge enough the importance of your child learning their facts. They must memorize them and know them WELL. The goal should be all facts +, - to 20 with instant recall, by May. Spending just 10 minutes EACH day practicing the facts will get this task done. THANK you!!!

Our student of the week is Skylar Bruno - she loves spending time with her family and doing arts and crafts. Stop in and check out Skylar's favorites!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update Feb. 4th

2008-02-04T18:04:00.000-05:00

Hello Families!

Just a few reminders and pieces of information to keep you informed as to what's happening in our class this week. Our week will end with our 100th Day of School! Please remember to have your child bring 100 pieces of a snack food for our special "100th Day Trail Mix" to school. Also we will be counting, sorting and classifying all of the foods that have been donated for Peter's Pantry. We will incorporate the new Food Guide Pyramid into the activity, as well as counting by 5's and 10's. THANK YOU!

Also, please let me know if you can send in a little something for our class Valentine's Day party on Feb. 14th. You can call me, email or send in a note. THANK YOU!!

This week we are looking at inflected endings for plurals: -s, -es, -ies. We are also practicing using possessive nouns. Our story "Pumpkin Fiesta" will finish out the theme and the first 1/2 of our Language Arts series. Next week the students will take a mid-year test to see how they are applying the skills learned so far this year. I have seen so much growth!!! I am sure that you see it as well! I am so proud!

All of the students have "book bags" that contain leveled readers in their desks. As each child reads the books "at their personal level" they are completing "book report" forms independently. As they complete ther "bags" they get new ones. This is a very exciting way for the children to explore new books, gain independence through personal responsibility and strengthen their reading skills all at the same time!

In Math we are starting subtraction with trading this week. You may remember it being called "regrouping" or "borrowing". We will practice, practice, practice! Thank you for your support at home of this new skill. Please call or email with ANY questions! The students have been doing a daily word problem as well. They try it independently and then we go over the strategies for solving the problem. Once again, so many of my students are excelling!!! Keep up the great work!

Our student of the week is Danny Harris. Some of his favorites are football, Kraft macaroni and cheese and playing Guitar Hero. Great job Danny!

Enjoy the calm weather!!!

Mrs. Scull

Update - Jan. 22

2008-01-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

Hello Families,

Here we are back to school after our long weekend. I hope that yours was restful and fun. This week we are looking at our selection "The Secret Life of Trees" and examining what makes trees special. We are looking at what makes this selection nonfiction and full of facts! Our vowel digraph this week is the /oo/ sound, found in the selection and the Spelling list. Our Grammar focus is on capitalizing holidays.

In Math we are finishing up Unit 5. We will have a review this week and the unit test on Friday. Look for the completed study guide on Thursday. Keep practicing the facts. THANKS!!!

Our Student of the Week is Brianna Peterson. She loves to play board games with her family.

Please remember to send in the canned goods and non-perishables for Peter's Pantry for our 100th Day celebration. THANKS SO MUCH!

Keep Reading!!

Mrs. Scull

Update January 14th

2008-01-14T19:45:00.000-05:00

Hello Families,

This week we are back into our normal routine. Our reading selection this week is "From Seed to Plant". We are looking at the consonant clusters -str, - thr, -spr. Look for these patterns in the Spelling words as well. We are continuing looking at proper nouns with a closer look at the months of the year. Encourage your child to use the Harcourt link at this website to practice all of the Grammar skills.

In Math we will continue our look at Geometry with more line segments, parallel lines, and 3d objects. We will also continue addition of 2 digit numbers. Keep up the great work!!! We will be completing Unit 5 this week, have a review and the Unit test early next week.

Look for the class list to come home so that students can begin to work on Valentine's Day cards. We will be having a small party to celebrate. Did you know that it is Clifford the Big Red Dog's Birthday as well? Look for more details and requests for treats in the beginning of February. Thanks!

As always, THANK YOU for all of your support at home and in school!

Waiting for some SNOW,

Mrs. Scull

Update Jan. 3, 2008

2008-01-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year 2008!

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday! We are back to work in 2nd grade! This week we are finishing a few incomplete projects from December - look for a cute Winter decoration and a super 2008 calendar created by your child! We have started our new story "Johnny Appleseed" and are looking at the /ir/ sound spelled -eer, and -ear. In Grammar we are looking at capitalizing the days of the week. The students will also be writing an informative paragraph using good topic sentences followed by detail sentences. Tests in Language Arts will be NEXT Friday, Jan. 11.

In Math we have been practicing 2 digit addition with renaming the ones to tens and ones. We have used sticks - wrapping up 10 individual sticks to represent one ten. This addition is familiar to you because it is the algorithm that you and I learned in school. We are also looking at and practicing the Everyday Math algorithm of partial products. The students need to learn as many algorithms as possible and then use the one that works best for the situation and for THEM! It seems that many of the students have already found the one that works for them....this is GREAT! Thank you for encouraging them to keep on practicing!! Next week we will be starting Unit 5 in the Everyday Math series looking briefly at geometry and continuing addition and subtraction problems.

Stay warm!!

Mrs. Scull

Update Dec. 10th

2007-12-10T10:40:00.000-05:00

Season's Greetings!

This week in Second Grade we are working on our "secrets' and practicing our songs for the Holiday Play. We are looking at the phonograms -ar, -arm, -ark in Spelling and phonics. Our reading strategies this week are compare and contrast and reading ahead for understanding. In Grammar we are practicing capitalization of proper names / nouns. We will have the tests on Friday- Spelling, Selection and Language cumulative review. Your children can practice all of the Language skills learned so far online at the Harcourt link on this website. Since the tests are a cumulative review, using the site for practice is an excellent way to improve skills previously learned.

In Math we are looking at different strategies for adding 2 digit numbers. Please continue to practice all of the addition and subtraction facts from 18. We will have the Unit 4 test next Tuesday, Dec. 18th.

A Look Ahead:

Tuesday, Dec. 18th - 1:00 Dismissal - No Lunch - "A Pre-Historic Christmas" Play - Students should arrive at 6:45.
Wednesday, Dec. 19th - All school field trip to the Pitman Theater to see "Charlotte's Web".
Thursday, Dec. 20th - "Holiday Cheer at Elmer School" - All day holdiay events rotating through all of the classrooms! FUN, FUN, FUN!
Friday, Dec. 21st - John Flynn assembly, PTA Holiday Party, 1:00 Dismissal

Have a Wonderful Holiday!
Mrs. Scull

Update Dec. 2nd

2007-12-02T14:04:00.000-05:00

Greetings Families!

December is here and the crafting has begun! Throughout this week, in Language Arts we will be looking at: what it means to make inferences, r-controlled vowel / or/ our, capitalizing titles of people, and creating story maps with a "juicy problem" from a picture prompt as well as our selection "Hedgehog Bakes a Cake". For a fun treat, we will bake Hedgehog's cake on Friday. The selection, Spelling and Language tests will also be on Friday, Dec. 7th.

In Math we are starting our new Unit 4 more Addition and Subtraction. PLEASE practice the facts at home with your child - up to and from 18. It is so important that the facts are memorized at an early age for future math success. Also keep practicing coins - making change, counting various amounts, showing different coins for the same value. Thank you!!

We will begin our look at the holidays this week with the celebration of Hanukkah. We will look at the history, listen to a story and play the Dreidel game.

Our student of the week is Micheal Denton. Stop in and check out Micheal's favorite things!!!

Enjoy the Season!

Mrs. Scull

Update Nov. 18

2007-11-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hello Families,

Thanksgiving is almost here, it is so hard to believe! Time is flying by in Second Grade and I am so, so proud of the growth that I see in my students! Keep up the great work!

This week we will begin our selection, "Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly a Plane". We will be looking at predicting outcomes as our reading strategy for comprehension. For decoding we will focus on finding the little words, that they know, in the longer words that they come across in the story. We will continue our lessons on plural nouns and also learn basic abbreviations. The tests for this selection (Reading, Spelling and Language) will be given NEXT Friday, Dec.1st.

In Math we are continuing our look at place value and also some data management (graphing). Keep practicing the "harder" addition and subtraction facts (above 10) for accuracy AND speed. We will finish up Unit 3 next week and have the test on next Friday as well.

Important Dates:

Monday, Nov. 19 - 1:00 Day, NO lunch, evening conferences
Tuesday, Nov. 20 - 1:00 Day, NO lunch, evening conferences
Wednesday, Nov. 21 - 1:00 Day, 3rd/4th Grade Soccer Game - 11:00 / PTA Party 12:00
Thursday, Friday, Nov. 22,23 - School Closed - Happy Thanksgiving!!!

With Thanks for all of your support,

Mrs. Scull

Update November 14th

2007-11-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

Hello Families,

Tomorrow is our whole school Philadelphia Zoo trip! It looks like the weather is not going to cooperate, so please come prepared! Raincoats or a poncho will be best, as well as shoes that will keep feet as dry as possible. Remember to bring a bagged lunch (completely disposable). We will "ski the conditions" and have a great day I am sure!

On Friday our conferences will begin. I look forward to meeting with all of you!

We will have tests on Friday - Reading selection test "Helping Out" and the corresponding Spelling words in the -ear /ur/ family. A Language cumulative review on nouns - plural and singular will also be given.

Our student of the week last week was Natalie Brees. She likes math, pizza and all of her animals!!! Excellent writing and a great job Natalie!

This week our student on the bulletin board is Ethan Long. Art is Ethan's favorite subject and soccer is his favorite sport. I think we may have a future famous artist in our midst! Good job Ethan!

Schedule reminder:

Friday, Nov. 16th - 1:00 Day - Lunch will be served.
Monday, Tuesday Nov. 19, 20 - 1:00 Days - NO LUNCH
Wednesday, Nov. 21 - 1:00 Day - PTA Thanksgiving lunch and party / 3rd,4th grade Student Soccer Game 11:00am
Thursday, Nov. 22 -23rd - School Closed - Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Keep Reading!!!

Mrs. Scull

Update Nov. 5th

2007-11-04T17:13:00.000-05:00

Greetings Families,

Our first Grand-friends Day was a great success! I am looking forward to our next get together in February! Due to our short week coming up, we will focus on our booklet "The First Thanksgiving" and begin our unit on the Pilgrims' voyage, life in the Plymouth Colony and the celebration of the first Thanksgiving. We will also begin our next Language Arts selection "Helping Out" , and have the test NEXT Friday, Nov. 16. The Spelling test for this selection will also be on that date.

In Math we are continuing our look at place value, time, and money. A great way to practice counting money at home is to start a coin jar with the change that collects during the week. You can have your child practice counting the coins and recording the total amounts. You can also pose money problems such as making up how much things cost or use actual purchases from the grocery store and count out the correct amount of money from the jar. This can be an ongoing project...then at the end of the year have a family party with the change, or donate an amount to a worthy cause! It is amazing how quickly the small change can add up!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Scull

Update Oct. 25

2007-10-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

Hello Families,

We have just finished up a week of review in Language Arts and subtraction fact power in Math. The students took their Theme 1 Post test and I am so proud of the growth that I see! Keep reading!!! It is opening a wonderful world of learning for your children! I will be sending home the tests for your review on Monday, please sign and return on Tuesday. I will be holding these tests in their portfolio throughout the year. Students have also completed another story for their portfolios. This time with a Halloween theme.

Just a side note: Please encourage your children to CHECK their work before handing it in....many are skipping problems. Thank you for that needed support at home! Also, please remind them to put their name of their papers. Beginning next marking period 10 points will be taken off papers with no name. Hopefully by all of us reminding, reminding, reminding it will help! Thanks!

Our student of the week this week was Joshua Foster. Josh loves nachos and cheese and legos. Sounds like a party to me! Good job Josh!

Next week we will be back on a normal Reading / Language Arts schedule. Our story is "The Enormous Turnip". We are looking at teamwork in this theme, and in this story our narrative element is sequencing events and summarizing them. Our phonograms this week are -ack and -ock. Look for these patterns in the Spelling words as well.

We will be reviewing for the Unit 2 Math Test on Monday and will have the test on Tuesday. Please be sure to continue to practice those triangles - the entire fact family should be memorized.

On Wednesday we will be Cleaning our Community along with First Grade. Please have your child wear old clothes. We will be cleaning up our school yard in the morning and then getting ready for our Halloween party and parade in the afternoon. Please send your child's costume in a bag. The party will begin at 2:00!!! Thanks!!!!

Have a Wonderful Fall Weekend!

Mrs. Scull

Update October 15

2007-10-15T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hello Families,

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

* In Language Arts we are continuing our look at sentence parts - The naming part and now the telling part. This is NOT an easy task (as many of us can remember from our days in elementary school) so we are going to ACT them out this week. You can support this learning at home by talking about the parts of the sentences that you speak. You can act them out as well!

* Our story is "Wilson Sat Alone". Our narrative element this week will be focused on the characters' feelings and actions. We are looking at the phonograms -at and -ate. Our Spelling words have that sound as well.

* In Math we are continuing addition and subtraction facts. Practicing with triangles will be emphasized and to continue fact power. The students will also complete frames and arrows problems ( following a rule such as +5, -2 etc.).

* In Science we are continuing our study of Sound and how it travels.

Gabriella is our student of the week! Seafood and art are a few of Gabby's favorites. YUM and fun!!!!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Update Oct. 10

2007-10-10T16:02:00.000-04:00

Hello Families!

This short week has us scrambling, but still on target! We had a visit from the Elmer Fire Fighters... THANK YOU for your volunteerism!! We have continued looking at inflections -ed endings, only now changing "y" to "i" and then adding ed. Be careful with those Spelling words!

In Math we are continuing addition and will start subtraction. We are learning strategies for the +9 facts and using the doubles. Have your child explain the strategies to you!

We will have a test on the selection on Friday, as well as the Spelling test even though we missed Monday.

Keep READING!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!

Student of the Week - Sophia Hagen - AWESOME job Sophia on your writing! There really is nothing like "good 'ole" vanilla ice-cream! Yes!

Enjoy the weather!!

Mrs. Scull

Update 10/ 1/ 07

2007-10-01T14:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings Families!

October is here! Where did September go? As usual, time is flying and we are moving on in 2nd grade! This week we will be creating a black bean cat and making up a story to go along with our art. We are focusing on the main idea and supporting details. You can help your child with this by looking for details as you go about your errands. EX: On the way to the grocery store - pick out the details about the surroundings using your 5 senses. What do you see, hear, smell?

In Math: We are starting our addition / subtraction unit. Continue to practice those facts! Let me know if you need triangles or support materials. Thanks!!

In Reading: This week we are reading a Henry and Mudge story. We are focusing on the setting in the story and self correcting when reading. Please have your child read aloud as often as possible! Thanks!

In Language Arts: This week we are studying inflections -ed endings, commands and exclamations.

Our student of the week this week is Gabriel Painter! Great job Gabriel! Keep on enjoying those shrimp!!! yum!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Scull

News and Notes 9/19

2007-09-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

Hello Families!

It was great seeing you at Back to School Night, and all of the Grandparents today!

Here is a look at what we are working on this week and into next:

Math: We are reviewing place value - ones and tens place - and practicing the hundreds place. We have been counting by 2's, 5's, 10's and playing addition top it as well as the Money Exchange Game and Penny Cup. Please make sure that your child knows their facts to 10 securely, as we are starting the higher facts to 20 soon!!!

Language Arts: We have been working on sentences. Students have been identifying sentences and non sentences and have been fixing ones that don't make sense. There will be a quiz on this on Friday. Next week we will be looking at statements and questions.

Reading: We have been practicing echo reading with our selection and the little books. We have been talking about the theme of our story - Being Comfortable with me! We will have a test on The Mixed Up Chameleon on Friday.

Spelling: -id and -ide words have been practiced this week. We will have the Spelling test on Friday. Remember, the Spelling pages can be done ahead of time (for that week's words) if you have an especially busy night.

In Science we will begin our Unit on Sound. The kits have arrived!

Social Studies: We are discussing what makes up a community. We will continue this study throgh the next few weeks.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Scull

Welcome To Second Grade!

2007-08-28T21:17:00.000-04:00

Hello Families!

Another year of adventure and learning is about to start...school is about to begin! I am looking forward to seeing ALL of you on September 5th! Enjoy the rest of summer!

Mrs. Scull

See you soon!!!!!
Natalie, Skylar, Thomas, Gabriela, Michael, Joshua, Sophia, Daniel, Hope, Ethan, Ashley, Gabriel, Shane, Brianna, John, Jacklyn

Welcome to our Page

2007-08-22T11:22:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Second Grade Homepage