Ms. Ballenger’s Classroom

2012

Welcome!

• This is going to be a great year for your child!

• I will give you an introduction to 2nd grade

and to our classroom.

• I’m so happy that you could join us for a night of

fun.

All About MeMy Background

– I grew up in Harpers Ferry, WV. – I attended Jefferson High School and

Shepherd College in West Virginia. – I have a Master’s Degree from WVU in

Educational Leadership.

My Experience– I’m entering my fifteenth year of teaching.– I have taught in the Pals program, 1st grade, and 3rd grade, but 2nd is my favorite.

Fun– Love to travel– Shop for antiques– Read– Spend time with family and friends– Garden

My Family

• My Family:– Mom, Bonnie– Brother, John– Sister-in-law, Monica– Niece, Emma– Nephew, Kyle– Granny, Betty

• My Pets:– Dog, Kramer– Cat, Sidney

Goals for the students

• To give the students the academic tools they need to progress to 3rd

grade.

• To provide a supportive learning environment.

• To allow them to have fun while they learn.

• To make new friends and discover new interests.

Class Content

• We will cover all the subjects and topics that

the state of Virginia believes are important for your child to learn

during 2nd grade.

Geography

Throughout the year, students will be able to:

• Locate the equator, the seven continents, oceans, rivers, mountain ranges, and the Great Lakes on a map and globe.

• Demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps, using map titles, a map legend, and a compass rose.

Math• Collect and record data to create simple picture

and bar graphs.• Fractions

• Tell and write time to the quarter hour using analog and digital clocks.

• Recall basic addition and subtraction facts.• Solve double digit addition and subtraction

facts with regrouping.• Identify, determine, compare, and write the value of coins

and one-dollar bills whose total value is $2.00 or less.• Geometry

• Read the temperature on a Celsius and/or Fahrenheit thermometer.

• Begin basic multiplication• Measurement

Reading/Writing• Reading on a daily basis.• Making predictions about content.• Reading to confirm predictions.• Describing characters, settings, and

important events in a story.• Writing stories, letters, and simple

explanations.• Revising their writing for clarity.• Organizing their writing to include a

beginning, middle, and end. • Writing to a given prompt.• Editing for correct grammar,

capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. • Using singular and plural nouns and

pronouns.• Using apostrophes.• Recognize and write complete sentences.

Word StudyYou will hear a lot about word study in

second grade. I will be working to teach your child far more about spelling than basicmemorization. We are also studying about

letters, sounds, and meanings of words.

We have four main goals for our word study program:

1. Learn common patterns used in spelling.2. Students will learn to memorize words. I will teach

them which words should be memorized. Expecting students to memorize every word doesn’t work.

3. Students will learn common patterns used in spelling.4. Students will develop a “spelling consciousness.” I

expect your child to become a word expert.

History• Describe at least four inventions from Ancient

China and Egypt that have affected our lives to the present day..

• Identify and compare changes in community life.• Describe the differences between natural

resources, human resources, and capital resources.

• Distinguish between the use of barter and money in the exchange for goods and services.

• Identify– George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan

B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Canada and Mexico• American Indians

– Eastern Woodlands– Plains– Southwest

Science

• Life cycles (butterflies and frogs)

• Forms and properties of matter.

• Collect and classify data through investigations.

• Understand living systems.• Types and patterns of weather.• Seasonal changes on plants,

animals, and surroundings. • Magnets

Class RulesMs. Ballenger’s Class Will

Soar This Year• To respect teacher and classmates at all times.

• Raise hand to speak.• Walk at all times in the hallways.

• Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.• Respect others and their property.

• Respect the learning process by working quietly in class and being prepared.

• Enjoy 2nd grade!

Homework

• Every Monday, your child will be bringing home a Homework

Assignment Sheet.

• If a homework assignment has been added for the evening, it will be written in your child’s agenda

book.

We Hope you had a great evening!

Thanks for visiting our classroom!