Welcome to 2nd Grade!

1. Welcome to 2nd Grade! Miss Van Matre’s 
Moose

2. Basic Info: Red Daily Folder Includes: Behavior Chart Reading Log Assignment Pencil Homework Word List in Spiral Please check daily

3. Behavior Chart Reflects child’s behavior each day Green: doing great Yellow: warning (reminded of appropriate behavior) Red: 2nd reminder Red: 2nd reminder Blue: 3rd reminder and/or severe infraction I give one or more verbal warnings. If the undesired behavior continues the student will then be instructed to change his or her color. Please initial the behavior log if your child has changed his or her color from green. Do not be alarmed if your child changes his/her color to yellow, this is a warning and a wake up call for your child.

4. Reading Log Record any reading outside of school 2nd graders should read at least 15 minutes per night all year. Record the date and minutes read on the log Please initial next to each entry 1000 minutes = GOLD MEDAL and recognition in 
morning assembly on the first Wednesday of every month.

5. Assignment Pencil Updated weekly Includes homework and the Phonics rules for 
the week. Also contains 5 Words of the Week, special 
events, Library and Specials reminders, etc. Needs to stay in the red folder in case of changes

6. Homework  Recorded on the Assignment Pencil Unfinished class work may be sent home to 
complete. Assigned Mondays and is to be turned in by 
Thursday. Late homework is a responsibility infraction 
and the student will be expected to complete it during Fun Friday.

7.  Folders BLUE Folder EVERY Tuesday Contains school notes and class work Please remove the papers Sign the sheet inside before returning 
it each Wednesday

8. Reading & Language Arts Warm- Up: Daily “get in gear” activities such as, Making 
Words, journaling, and Daily Language Review Spelling using phonetic patterns. In 2nd grade we do not have a 
spelling list, but a spelling rule for the week. In addition there will be 5 word wall words for the week. Writer’s Workshop: Students will use the Writing Process to 
compose original writing pieces. Handwriting: Improving on modern manuscript Vocabulary- We will be expanding our vocabulary in all subject 
areas using vocabulary activities to help us make connections with new words

9. Writing Workshop 2nd graders will learn the writing process and take original 
compositions through each step. Using literature examples we will focus on various aspects of writing

10. Math Graphing and probability Focus on: Addition, subtraction (one 






 and two digits), problem solving, time, fractions, estimation, money, and measurement Introduce multiplication and division Reinforced through Math games and songs Online textbook, games, and activities on my website

11. Science Weather and Space Force and Motion Plants and Animals Matter (Solids, Liquids, Gas) Natural Resources and Conservation Hands-on Science using: FOSS (Full Option Science System) United Streaming and Educational Videos Computer Games and Science Lab

12. Social Studies People and Communities-Communities Project Map Skills- Flat Stanley Project Pioneers- Pioneer Day Landforms Biographies-Biography project

13. Computer & Library 
Times Library Time: Thursday 1:30-2:00 2nd graders may check out 2 books at a time Encourage your child to check out appropriately 
leveled books 2 week check out period per book Computer Lab: Tuesday 1:15-2:15 (for 2nd) Various projects relating to topics studied Students will use Brain Pop Jr., Powerpoint, 
Microsoft Word, etc

14. Grading & Report Cards You will see checks, smiles, or ratios on 
 graded student work The report card is skills-based The student is graded on a scale from 1-3. 1: The student has not mastered the skill 2: The student is making progress toward 
 mastery 3: The skill is mastered *Do not be alarmed if the report card 
reflects 2’s in any skill.

15. Snacks Every day your child may bring a snack Healthy and nutritious Some suggestions include yogurt, 
granola bars, fruit, cereal, crackers, or 
pretzels Only water is permitted in the 
classroom. Your child may bring a water 
bottle to keep at his/her desk.

16. Student Birthdays District policy states: On the last Friday of the month, 
the last 15 minutes of the day, the classroom will 
celebrate those children’s birthdays for the month in the 
classroom. 2:15-2:30 Celebration The homeroom parent will organize who brings cupcakes 
for that month Only cupcakes and water are permitted The room parent will coordinate celebrations *Birthday invitations: If your child is 
passing out invitations at school please 
make sure the whole class is invited

17. Conferences Planning Period: 9:45-10:35 Feel free to schedule a meeting during this time as 
needed Early Release Day Conferences: Oct.15 Oct.16 Afternoon Times Available Sign up afterwards

18. Please Keep in Touch Communication is the key to success! Please do not hesitate to contact me 
through notes, e-mail, or phone. E-mail is an effective way to reach me 
during the day: vanmatrea@ltisdschools.org Contact office about last minute transportation changes Phone messages: 533-6500 x 5513

19. Thanks for coming!