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2nd Grade
Hoover Elementary School
Mrs. Richards
krichards@mtlsd.net
Mrs. McMullen
jmcmullen@mtlsd.net
 Language Arts
Journeys by Harcourt is a literature-based, integrated language arts program. It provides for the integration of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The program also utilizes collaborative learning and higher-order thinking skills, and builds on the students’ interests and experiences. The five main components of the program are phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program provides a variety of supplementary materials to use in meeting students’ needs across a range of skill levels. The activities used by each teacher may vary although, the same objectives will be taught in each classroom.
*Emphasis is placed on making reading meaningful and pleasurable.
*Spelling, grammar, mechanics and vocabulary are integrated into each story.
*Provides language arts activities to explore content across the curriculum.
*Assesses student achievement and documents student progress with a variety of formal and informal assessment options.
*Writing Workshop is standards-based, with an emphasis on narrative, informational, persuasive, and procedural writing.
 Math
This year we have an exciting elementary Math program. It is a blend of traditional Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley Mathematics along with a hands-on approach from Investigations in Numbers, Data, and Space. The traditional text of Scott Foresman will focus on the procedural understanding of mathematics while the Investigations program will provide student-centered activities focusing on the conceptual understanding of math.
Students will have opportunities to develop and explain their creative problem solving strategies utilizing manipulatives and their communication skills. The children also learn that there is more than one way to correctly solve a problem.
 Science
We cover two ASSET (Allegheny Schools Science Education and Technology) units in second grade. The ASSET program is a “hands-on” approach that emphasizes the steps of the learning cycle: focus, explore, reflect, and apply (FERA). Our modules for this year are:
1. Changes – Physical Science
2. Plant Growth and Development – Life Science
 Social Studies
Throughout the school year we will be alternating between Social Studies and Science Units. Our social studies series, Social Studies Alive! My Community revolves around types of communities around the world. We will start off the year with Social Studies where students will focus on rules, neighborhoods, good citizenship, map skills, and our own suburban community of Mount Lebanon. During the month of October we will take a walking tour of Mt. Lebanon including a visit to the Public Safety Building.
 Character Education/ Guidance
Seven attributes are covered in our character education program. They are respect, honesty, justice, courage, hope, loyalty, and love. In this program, we use children’s literature to discuss and promote the understanding of each attribute. Throughout the year students will have the opportunity to participate in district-wide service projects for our Character Education Program.
During the months of September and October we will focus on the character attribute of respect. We will be reading the stories Chicken Sunday and The Great Kapok Tree as tools to help children grasp the concept of respect.
 Spanish
Señora Brown is our Spanish teacher at Hoover Elementary. Second graders will have Spanish lessons 30 minutes twice a week.
 Homework
Homework will be assigned Monday-Thursday. Upon completion of your child’s assignment please assist them in checking over the work for completion, accuracy, as well as neatness. Also, please remember to initial your child’s homework sheet to ensure good communication between home and school.
 Important Information
Please be sure to arrive on time each morning and afternoon for school. It is very beneficial for your child to have ample opportunity to socialize and be well organized prior to the bell ringing. Thank you for all of your help and support with this important skill.
 For a detailed outline of the second grade curriclum please view the Grade 2 Key Understandings.
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