Here are some questions and answers that are often asked.... Q: Do second graders have a dedicated snack time? A: We sure do! We break around 10:00 every morning for milk, a read aloud from the teacher, and a snack. Students bring in their own snack, and we try to keep it on the healthy side. That being said, birthday treats are welcome!!
Q: How long should my child read from their book in a bag? A: Any skill improves with practice and reading is no exception. I recommend that students read about 15 minutes a night. If you didn't get the reading done on a busy night, please don't sweat it. If you forgot to sign your child's reading calendar, please don't sweat it; just add the minutes to the next date. If your child's stamina gave out before the book was finished and you need it another night, just write that down on a sticky note in the folder, and I will send the book home again. If your child is reading a chapter book for book in a bag, I like to use the expectation of about a chapter a night.
Q: What is Star of the Week? A: Every child deserves to be the star of the classroom and the center of attention for the week! I try to schedule their star of the week time around their birthday or half birthday. I will send home a letter explaining Star of the Week and an All About Me booklet the week before your child's scheduled week. Many families like to send in additional pictures. The students just love sharing these pictures and the booklet.
Q: What should I do if my child is absent? A: If you could let me know your child is gone with an email, I always appreciate it. It especially helps me to know if there is a trend of illnesses in our classroom. If your child is ill for more than a day or two and you would like schoolwork for them to complete at home, please let me know and I can usually have it in the office by the end of the day.
Q: What about Reading Counts? A: As opposed to first grade, Reading Counts is open and expected to be used by all second graders. We have computers available for the students in the classroom and they can pretty much test anytime they are logged on to their chromebooks.