May 14,
Wow, only three weeks to go before the end of school. You will notice that our classrooms are starting to look a bit less cluttered. We are in transition – getting ready for the end of the year and our move to a new campus.
During these last weeks, we talk about the changes happening. We are reflecting on the year and talking about the favorite things we’ve done. As we take down our word wall, we notice how easy those words are to read and spell! We have been doing many assessments, and the children look back and see how their writing and reading has improved since the beginning of the year. We are celebrating growth.
It is perfectly normal for us to have mixed feelings at this time. We think it is important to recognize the changes happening and share our feelings. Young children may share those feelings in a variety of ways – some not always positive! When the bad behavior occurs, you can say “It’s OK to feel the way you feel, but it’s not OK to ____ (insert the negative action).” By reminiscing and listing what favorite activities we want to be sure to do again, we share our feelings and plan how to move on.
Some of you may be wondering what to expect of your child in second grade. There are many resources available online and in print. Here is a short section from School Family :
Year of Transition
Second-graders often seem in transition from the childlike ways of 1st grade to the increased maturity of 3rd and 4th grades. Some kids will be anxious to act like their older siblings and peers while others will cling to the days of being treated like a young child.
As children mature in 2nd grade, they may be more likely to express their opinions even if those views conflict with those of their parents or friends. They may ask why they are expected to do chores or why they are learning about planets when there is little chance they will ever visit one.
Parents should be prepared for the onslaught of questions and should attempt to satisfy their child’s curiosity. The good news is that 2nd graders experience rapid growth in their vocabularies. Parents can use more detail and offer more in-depth explanations than they could when their child was in 1st grade. Kids’ attention spans are also lengthening.
Because kids are becoming more sophisticated in their thought processes, frustration is common. Children don’t like making mistakes, being corrected, or being criticized. Some 2nd graders are especially sensitive to criticism, especially in front of their peers. Parents should praise their children for thinking “outside the box” and encourage them to speak up when they don’t understand something or when they have an opinion to share. The family dinner table may become a more interesting place during this developmental stage!
While going through 2nd grade with their child, parents may long for the innocence and simplicity of earlier years. But parents often look back on grade 2 as a delightful age of wonderment—for both their child and themselves.
From School Family: http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/866-second-grade-social-changes-what-to-expect
We are planning an end of year party! We will celebrate from 1:00-3:00 on Thursday, May 31st with a pool party! Our room parents in 1B are putting the plan together and will contact you for ways that you can help.
SAVE THE DATE!! Our last assembly of the year is on June 1st at 8:10 in the MPH. We will have an opportunity to shine, our traditional Indian dance presentation. Please join us!
ES Library - Summer Reading Recommendations:
Dr. Scott McLeod in his Big Think Blog shared Ebooks for Children and how fascinating the world of ebooks is becoming. Ebooks will expand our world of imagination and excellence. This summer buy your very own eReader Tablet, whether it be a Kindle, Nook, Kobo or any mobile device and enjoy ebooks. Visit our ES Library Summer Recommendations for ASB subscribed ebooks and other free ebooks. Read ebooks to save paper! Happy Reading!!!
