Second GradeSecond GradeSecond GradeSecond Grade

Mrs. Hawkins’ ClassMrs. Hawkins’ Class

All About Me• Born in Pittsburgh, PA• Attended Clarion University of PA• Moved to Fayetteville, NC• Taught 5th Grade for 2 years• Taught 1st Grade for 4 years• Followed my family to Cornelia, GA and taught

2nd Grade in Habersham County for 2 years• Recently married on July, 23rd and moved to

Atlanta to teach at Austin

A Typical Day• D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read)• Math• PE/German/Recess• Read Aloud• Word Study• Writers Workshop• Reading Workshop• Lunch• Science• Social Studies• Buddy Study

HomeworkASSIGNMENTS AND PROCEDURES

• Assignments are written in newsletter

• Will be a variety from different subjects

• Reading and Buddy Study every night

• Sent home and returned in Homework Folder

• Checked daily• Graded (late assignments will have

points deducted)• Students completing all

assignments for the week will get to pick from the treasure box.

• Students completing all assignments for the month will receive a homework pass.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

• Convey your expectations about homework to your child

• Set aside a special time just for homework

• Set up a proper study area• Show interest in your child’s

assignments• Offer praise as motivation

Language Arts• Word Study• Read Aloud• Interactive and Shared Writing • Reading Workshop• Writing Workshop

Word StudySystematically planned and applied experiences focusing

on the elements of letters and words. The goals of Word Study are as follows:

• Knowledge of how to look at and use features of print• Knowledge of large core and high-frequency words• An understanding of simple and complex letter-sound

relationships• The ability to notice and use patterns in words • The ability to use a repertoire of word-solving strategies• Skill in using references, resources and proofreading

Read AloudThe teacher reads a story aloud. The goals of Read Aloud

are as follows:

• An appreciation of literature and knowledge about the written language

• How to make personal connections to what they read• Skills in how to have a discussion about reading, and

the connections that are made • The ability to recognize the parts of a story• The ability to hear the expression and fluency of an

experienced reader

Interactive and Shared Writing

A group writing process where the students and the teacher share the pen on chart paper. The goals of Interactive and Shared Writing are as follows:

• How to express their ideas in writing• Knowledge of letter names, handwriting and

skill• How to make connections between letter

sounds and words

Reading WorkshopOne way of organizing a balanced literacy

program. The purpose of reading workshop is to promote fluency, provide and occasion to promote the love of reading and learn about texts in various ways. Reading workshop builds a community of readers as students receive support from the teacher, their peers, and interact with others to develop good literacy habits.

Reading WorkshopThe goals of reading Workshop are as

follows:

• An understanding of strategies that will benefit them while they are reading.

• The ability to respond to literature in Reading Response Journals

• The ability to make decisions about their own reading

Reading WorkshopReading Workshop consists of three main parts:

• Mini lesson• Reading

-Guided Reading groups-Conferencing-Reading Response Journals

• Share

Writing WorkshopA forum for students to

independently write while the teacher guides the writing towards publication. The goals are as follows:

• Students write uninterrupted • Knowledge of the essential

parts of a story and a feeling of ownership over their work

• Synthesis of the strategies from other Language Arts components into their writing

Writing Workshop consists of three main parts.

• Mini lesson -Based on their needs

• Conferencing• Share

Math• Classes are homogeneously grouped• How are they grouped?

1. CRCT and ITBS scores2. Teacher Observation3. Previous classes in 1st grade

• Classes are flexible• Same skills are taught using different

techniques• 6-week pacing guide• Homework and grades will come from your

child’s math teacher

Science/Social Studies• All classes teach the same topics

at the same time• Skills are often taught using

projects, literature, experiments, and technology

• Second Grade pacing guide

Buddy StudyA different approach to spelling.

• Students are tested on the “No Excuse” word list• Missed words become their “Words to Learn”• Five words are picked from their “Words to Learn”

folder and five are picked from class generated list (based on a Word Study lesson from that week)

• Students complete weekly activities that promote retention of the spelling of these words.

Buddy StudyWeekly Buddy Study Activities:

Monday: Choose, Write, Build

Tuesday: Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check

Wednesday: Buddy Check

Thursday: Making Connections

Friday: Buddy Test

Get ready for a great Get ready for a great year!year!

Get ready for a great Get ready for a great year!year!

For questions, comments, or concerns, For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me at please contact me at

Jennifer_L_Hawkins@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.usJennifer_L_Hawkins@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us