Hello Second Grade Families,
     It is exciting to watch the students get interested in all different types of books.  I try to introduce biographies, historical fiction, poetry as well as picture books that teach a lesson.  We also continue to read a children's bible as a class.  We are still in the Old Testament.
Thank you,
Mrs. Molly Nelson

This past week we have discussed St. Francis and his life.  He is the patron saint of animals and taking care of the earth.
Mrs. Molly Nelson

Welcome to second grade. It is an exciting year. Children at this age are very eager and ready learners.

In Religion, they will become more focused on their relationship with God by preparing for the Sacrament of First Communion and through regular readings of the Bible. First Holy Communion is set for the weekend of April 6th and 7th. 

In Language Arts we are doing a brand new reading program that will help them develop and apply key comprehension skills. We will also read individual books that will incorporate writing skills into the program. In Math we will work on problem solving, time, money, measurement, fractions, double-digit addition and subtraction, and simple geometry. Our first unit in Science is on Animals. We will describe, classify, and compare animals. On October 4th, we will have a presentation coming to our classrooms from Como Zoo. The children will meet a variety of reptiles and amphibious creatures. Computers are used throughout the year to enhance skills and knowledge of subjects being covered in second grade. Looking forward to a great year.

--
Judy Litecky

Teacher- Grade 2

Highland Catholic School

2017 Bohland Ave

St. Paul, MN      55116

651-690-2477   Ext. 104

        We have had a wonderful year and are very appreciative of your support. They are very enthusiastic and eager learners. We hope you have a lovely summer filled with pleasant experiences. While you are having fun, try to keep your child's academic strengths intact. 

        It will help every child to read every day.Research has shown that a child who does not read over the summer can actually fall back in their reading level. Joining the library reading program or bookstore book club are some fun ways to keep your child reading. 

        Continue to work on math over the summer as well, (adding, subtracting, telling time, counting change etc.) Last but not least, have your child write to a relative or keep a summer journal. The work your child does over the summer will really ease the transition as he or she enters third grade. Have a safe and wonderful summer!

 

        

April

     It is amazing how quickly the school year has flown by. We are already coming up to the pen pal picnic in May with our friends from Nativity. Throughout the year we exchange letters with the second graders from Nativity culminating with the picnic where we get to meet and play with our pen pals.

The children will be doing an autobiography which ties in with our reading series and the autobiography of Pam Munoz Ryan called Stirring Up Memories. The children enjoy finding out about themselves from their parents. baby books and other sources. Writing is a big part of second grade Language Arts and both these enjoyable activities are ways for  them to become more comfortable with writing.

     In Math, we will be covering three-digit addition and subtraction. For Science, we will be doing things that revolve around Earth Day, Arbor Day, and our wonderful outside garden with Mrs Gross. Having this wonderful weather will help us use the outside for much of our science during the next month.

     We are finishing up our unit on the Mass. This unit helped give them a greater understanding of  the different parts of the Mass which prepared them for making their First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 15th. 

                   

February

     It was so nice to see everyone for our FairyTale production. Conferences are coming up shortly and we are looking forward to speaking with you in person about your child's progress.

Lent is here already and we would like to thank the Home and School Committee who help fund our Lent and Easter activity books which we will be using throughout this season.

     In Language Arts, we are looking at different types of creative expression. We will discuss the effects of visual art and performance art on the viewer's mood and emotions. The first two stories will be Dancing as a Team and Abuelo and The Three Bears.

     In Math, the children will learn to add and subtract three-digit numbers and regroup ones and tens.

     In Science, we will begin our unit on magnets which will lead us to our field trip to "The Works" later in March.

     In Spanish, we are starting our new unit on colors. We will be writing and reading simple sentences and playing interactive games. 

Calendar of events:

March 1st, 6th, 7th-Conferences in our classroom

March 9th- No school

March 22nd- Science field trip to "The Works". We will leave school at 8:20 and return around 11:35. We will be asking for chaperones.

First Holy Communion

In our preparations for First Holy Communion, we continue learning about the parts of the Mass including the Gospel and Homily, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic prayer, and the Consecration.

Our unit on Fairy Tales is also coming up.The Playmakers Theater shows are scheduled for February 17th. Mrs Litecky's class will perform at 10:10 and Mrs Nelson's will perform at 2:10. They last for about 30 minutes. Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring their cameras or video equipment.

We have started the second math book. Chapter 9 is on fractions.

Valentine's day is nearly upon us. The children may pass out Valentine cards to their classmates on Tuesday, February 14th. Please remember to bring enough treats for each child in the class. There are 22 in Mrs Litecky's class and 23 in Mrs Nelson's class. This is a good chance to practice penmanship.