Welcome to the Adventures of Second Grade!

Second grade is an exciting and wonderful year for students. As students transition from the first grade into second on the “second floor” we begin to encourage, develop, and work on  their independence in order to prepare them for the third grade responsibilities. 

Second grade focuses on strengthening and building upon the skills and concepts taught in first grade. 

**Research shows that Reading holds the key to writing. Students who are “readers” will ultimately become better writers!   

Reading is a vital part of your child’s education. In Language Arts this year, we will be reading a great variety of stories and books. “Bookworms” is our reading series which incorporates Spelling, Grammar, and Writing into the curriculum. 

Each of the ELA lessons are designed to support and enhance the spelling, grammar and writing strand in “Bookworms.” Each lesson has leveled exercises to enforce each skill. There will be a rubric that will be used as a grading tool for each of the major modes of writing. Your child will be taught how to prepare and recognize Narrative, Descriptive, Persuasive, and Expository writing throughout the year.  

Technology: i-Ready

i-Ready is an interactive website that helps the students develop computer test taking skills which have become the new method of NJ state testing. It also allows the students to take brain breaks throughout the assignments so they do not become overwhelmed. Iready levels your child according to their progress, all topics assigned are reflective of what is being taught in Language Arts and Math.  

Our Math series is called “Envision Math.” This is a hands-on approach to grouping numbers and solving problems. We will be learning how to write, draw, and compute the ways in which we solve problems. 

Solving word problems is an integral part of the math curriculum, as it prepares the students for the preceding years of their state mandated testing which requires them to write an explanation of how they solved the problem, draw a model of the problem to help them visualize what is being asked and what needs to be solved.

In Social Studies, students will be learning about different types of communities, geography & map skills, and the ways we need to help preserve our environment.

Our new science series, FOSS, (Full Option Science System) teaches the students how to develop critical thinking skills that will help them to investigate and perform hands-on activities that encourage higher-order thinking. FOSS provides tools and strategies to help students and engage them into a deeper understanding of the natural and designed world we live in.

Mr. Focarino also posts important notices on the Dojo as well, under the Hilltop School Story, so please check it daily or set up notifications on your phone so please remember to  check Our Classroom DOJO for the daily assignments.

We, the Second Grade teachers, want to assure you that we share in your commitment to your child’s education. We believe that ALL children can learn; ALL children deserve love and respect inside and outside of the classroom; and We believe that “TOGETHER” we can help your child build a strong foundation of learning which they will carry with them throughout their educational journey.  

We look forward to an extremely productive and enjoyable year!

May the adventure begin…