Ms.
Brusky’s
2nd
Grade
Your
second-grader will be learning many new skills in reading and language arts
this year. One of the most important
ways that you can help your child is to continue reading aloud to him/her. Study after study shows that reading aloud to
children improves their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and best of all,
their attitudes about reading. A child
is never too old to be read to. Choose a
type of book or magazine that you both enjoy and read together.
Second grade provides children with
opportunities to develop as readers.
Comprehension skills are sharpened through use of cueing systems and
knowing that reading is constructing meaning.
To ensure success in reading, the classroom environment is rich in
experiences with printed materials, phonics, language experience activities,
sight vocabulary, and creative writing.
Children are encouraged to use their skills to read extensively for
pleasure. Creative writing is an
important aspect in second grade also, and students should be eager and
confident in their ability to put their thoughts on paper.
I
am asking for your support by reading with your child on a daily basis. Your child will be responsible to read to you
or with you for approximately 20 minutes each night. In your child’s take home folder, there is a reading
recording sheet that must be completed by you as the parent. This is homework for both you and your child
to complete together. Please help set a
good example by setting aside time to do this each night to show your child
that being responsible is important.
Your child will be rewarded for completing his/her reading log.
I appreciate your continued support in
helping your child to improve his/her skills in reading and language. I hope that the following tips will be
helpful to you as you work throughout the year with your child.
v
Help
your child find a quiet, comfortable place to read.
v
Have
your child see you as a reading model.
v
Read
aloud to your child. Reread favorite
stories.
v
Read
with your child and discuss the stories you read together.
v
Recognize
the value of silent reading.
v
Keep
reading time enjoyable and relaxed.
v
Visit
the public library and help your child pick out appropriate books.
v
Writing: The
following are activities to promote writing at home.
v
Write
notes to each other.
v
Make
greeting cards and invitations.
v
Makes
lists for shopping, trips, gifts, and parties.
v
Write
letters to grandparents, relatives, and friends.
v
Write
out phone messages.
v
Write
imaginative stories.
v
Write
in diaries or journals.
v
Make
captions for photographs.
v
When
your child is trying to persuade you to do something, ask him/her to write you
a persuasive letter.
Our
literacy program will include whole class instruction (shared reading), small
group instruction (guided reading), independent reading, and word study. Throughout the school year the children will
also participate in the Accelerated Reader Program.
In
the area of writing, children will have many varied writing experiences. They will be introduced to many types of
writing – expository, narrative, poetry, and non-fiction.