Second Grade

Mrs. Bystrom

ebystrom@trinityhudson.org

My Favorite Bible Verse

For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14

My Greatest Joy in working in a Christian School

I am able to incorporate Godly values into our curriculum. Praying with the students and helping them grow in their walk with Jesus is an honor and a privledge.

I Love Trinity Academy because

I am able to develop a personal relationship with the families that are in my class. We can support each other in our spiritual walk and work as a team to bring up strong Christian young adults.

About Me

I grew up in a strong Christian home in the Hudson area. I have been married for 8 years and have a son. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking by the river with our two pugs, and writing. Being a wife, mother and teacher are the three biggest blessings in my life.

Mrs. Bystrom
WELCOME


Dear 2nd Grade Students and Families,

Welcome to Second Grade!  I am very excited for our journey together through the school year!  We will learn a lot and have a good time getting to know eachother over the next nine months.

From the time I was in second grade, I wanted to become a teacher.  I went to college at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and learned to be a teacher to students just arriving in the United Sates (TESOL - Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and then decided that what I really wanted to do was be an elementary teacher.  So, I went right back to school to be an elementary teacher.  That's a lot of school! (19.5 years from kindergarten to graduate school total...yikes!)

I now live in Roberts, WI with my husband, two-and-a-half year old son, and our two crazy pugs!  I enjoy spending time with my family, playing outside with Ezra (my son) and the dogs, reading, writing, and learning new things.  I hope to go back to school (again) and learn how to be a Reading Specialist.  My husband is currently staying home with Ezra and working on starting a church in River Falls (New Song Celebration Church).  Being a wife, mother, and teacher are the three main passions in my life! 

I praise God for the opportunity to be a part of your lives!  He is the center of it all!

Blessings!

Erin Bystrom

HOMEWORK

HOMERUN READING:
Read a book/books of your choice for at least 20 minutes per day. Be sure to record your minutes on your Homerun Reading Log.  We made it to first base...rootbeer floats at school...and are on our way to 2nd! Mrs. Johnson will be calling periodically to "catch you reading!"   (This is usually between 7:00 and 7:30)
 
GUIDED READING:
Guided Reading Folders will be sent home every Thursday. In the Folder you will find a book that is at your "independent reading level."  You should be able to read this book without much help. Read this book at home on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday or Monday (you get one day "off").  Put a check mark on the record sheet for each day that you read.  Fill out the graphic organizer as well.  Return your Guided Reading Folder to Mrs. Bystrom on Tuesday morning. 

*Guided Reading folders will be sent home Thursday afternoons.  They should be returned to school on the following Wednesday morning.
 
MEMORY WORK:
Quizes on Memory Work will be given the last Friday of each month.  Students may either complete a fill in the blank quiz or repeat it orally to Mrs. Bystrom or Mr. Malsack. 

January
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

February
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

March
Galatians 5:13
Serve one another in love.

Morning Prayer (We will begin working on this in January)

I thank you my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son,
that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger;
and I pray You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil,
that all my doings in life may please You. For into your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.
Amen.

April
Psalm 100: 1-2
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

May/June
Psalm 100: 3-5
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.


SPELLING:

List in ABC order due the Thursday before the test.

TEST ON THESE WORDS - FRIDAY, May 14th
1.  always
2.  because
3.  these
4.  gave
5.  around
6.  enough
7.  those
8.  many
9.  does
10.  they'll
11.  before
12.  later
13.  been
14.  don't
15.  upon
16.  why
17.  very
18.  would
19.  today
20.  myself
21.  handwriting
22.  historical
23.  fortunate
24.  rhythmic
25.  sincerely

MATH:
Math Folders are now coming home nightly.  They reflect what is going on in our classroom.  Students should do at least one page of homework from the left hand side of the folder, but may do as many as they would like (and you have time for :) as long as they are still understanding the concept. Please do not keep unfinished math pages at home.  Every Wednesday night there is no math homework.




CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Important May Dates:

May 3-7:  Fitness Testing in Phy. Ed.

May 5:  Tye-Dye t-shirts (Way to go everyone!)

May 10:  All school practice of Spring Concert (12:30-1:15)

May 12:  Late Start (Students may arrive at 10:30; school begins at 10:45)

May 14:  Non-uniform Day!  Wear your tye-dye t-shirts!!

May 18:  2nd Grade leads Wendy’s Night!

May 21:  INVENTOR’S FAIR

                Pop and Popcorn Day ($0.25 for popcorn and $0.50 for pop)

May 24:  Non-Uniform Day (Boxtops – You do NOT need a pass to participate)

May 26:  Field Trip to Concordia

May 31:  No School

Important June Dates:

June 1:  Non-Uniform Day – You MUST have a pass to participate – Purchase a pass

               for $1.00 at Trini-Mart on Fridays

               Triple-G

June 7:  All School End of the Year Field Trip (more details to follow)

June 10:  Last Day of School

                Staff vs. 5th Grade Kick Ball Game!



BIRTHDAYS!


Zach Thompson – May 4
Joseph Blake – May 29
Callie Lemke – June 6



 

Second Grade News

May Academics:

Reading:  We are wrapping up the curriculum!  There is one more story, “Swimmy,” that we will be reading as a class.  In this story we are focusing on forming generalizations are we read.  We will be reviewing soft /g/ and soft /c/ and learning about adverbs. Reader’s Theater and Guided Reading/Center Activities will enrich our reading block.

Writing:  This month will include a special Mother’s Day project (shhh J), recording observations in our Mealworm Study Journal, and two larger writing projects in which we go through the entire writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing).  Please check out the hallway display in mid-May to see your student’s writing.

Spelling: 

Week of May 3-7  Science Words

Week of May 10-14  Review of 2nd Grade High Frequency Words plus challenge words

Week of May 17-21  Review of 2nd Grade High Frequency Words plus challenge words

Week of May 24-28  Introduction to 3rd Grade High Frequency Words with teachers’ names as challenge words

Handwriting:  We will review our printing (upper and lower case letters) one last time and then move into practicing lower case cursive writing.

Math:  As a large group we will continue to practice adding multiple digit numbers.  The following chapters include:  subtracting multiple digit numbers, fractions, probability, interpreting data, and an introduction to multiplication and division concepts.  Math Folders will make up independent practice time and should go home every night aside from Wednesday.

Science:  This month we are studying metamorphosis by observing the life cycle of mealworms!  We are also watching radishes grow in order to study taproots.  We are continuing to observe the process of composting with “composting worms.”   What a busy time!

Social Studies:  This month our volunteer for Junior Achievement will be presenting in our classroom!

Faith Formation:  We are nearing the completion of our curriculum which led us through the Gospels and Acts.  We will continue to study the missionary journeys of Paul and work on memorizing the books of the Bible and May’s Memory Work.

 

Important May Dates:

May 3-7:  Fitness Testing in Phy. Ed.

May 5:  Tye-Dye t-shirts (Way to go everyone!)

May 10:  All school practice of Spring Concert (12:30-1:15)

May 12:  Late Start (Students may arrive at 10:30; school begins at 10:45)

May 14:  Non-uniform Day!  Wear your tye-dye t-shirts!!

May 18:  2nd Grade leads Wendy’s Night!

May 21:  INVENTOR’S FAIR

                Pop and Popcorn Day ($0.25 for popcorn and $0.50 for pop)

May 24:  Non-Uniform Day (Boxtops – You do NOT need a pass to participate)

May 26:  Field Trip to Concordia

May 31:  No School

Important June Dates:

June 1:  Non-Uniform Day – You MUST have a pass to participate – Purchase a pass

               for $1.00 at Trini-Mart on Fridays

               Triple-G

June 7:  All School End of the Year Field Trip (more details to follow)

June 10:  Last Day of School

                Staff vs. 5th Grade Kick Ball Game!

 

 

NEEDED:

Clorox wipes


Hand Sanitizer

 

Kleenex


Class snacks


Prizes for the prize box (ideas:  pencil top erasers, stickers, fancy pencils, small toys, etc.)




 
SCHEDULE


MONDAY
8:45-9:05 Morning Work
9:05-9:30 Morning Meeting
9:30-10:20 Language Arts
10:20-10:40 Snack
10:40-11:35 Language Arts
11:35-11:55 Lunch
11:55-12:25 Recess
12:25-12:45 Quiet Time
12:45-1:45 Math
1:45-2:15 Science/ Social Studies
2:15-2:35 Recess
2:35-2:55 Science/ Social Studies
2:55-3:15 Faith Formation
3:15-3:25 Closing

TUESDAY
8:45-9:05 Morning Work
9:05-9:30 Morning Meeting
9:30-10:10 Language Arts
10:10-10:25 Snack
10:25-11:08 Phy. Ed.
11:08-11:35 Language Arts
11:35-11:55 Lunch
11:55-12:25 Recess
12:25-12:35 Quiet Time
12:35-1:10 Math
1:10-1:53 Spanish
1:53-2:15 Recess
2:15-2:55 Science/ Social Studies
2:55-3:15 Faith Formation
3:15-3:25 Closing

WEDNESDAY
8:45-8:55 Morning Work
8:55-9:38 Chapel
9:38-9:50 Morning Meeting
9:50-10:05 Snack
10:05-11:35 Language Arts
11:35-11:55 Lunch
11:55-12:25 Recess
12:25-12:45 Quiet Time
12:45-1:45 Math
1:45-2:15 Science/ Social Studies
2:15-2:35 Recess
2:35-2:55 Science/ Social Studies
2:55-3:15 Faith Formation
3:15-3:25 Closing

THURSDAY
8:45-9:05 Morning Work
9:05-9:30 Morning Meeting
9:30-10:30 Language Arts
10:30-10:45 Snack
10:45-11:35 Language Arts
11:35-11:55 Lunch
11:55-12:25 Recess
12:25-12:35 Quiet Time
12:35-1:10 Math
1:10-1:53 Phy. Ed.
1:53-2:38 Music
2:38-2:55 Recess
2:55-3:15 Faith Formation
3:15-3:25 Closing

FRIDAY
8:45-8:55 Morning Work
9:05-9:30 Morning Meeting
9:30-10:30 Language Arts
10:30-10:45 Snack
10:45-11:35 Language Arts
11:35-11:55 Lunch
11:55-12:25 Recess
12:25-1:08 Music
1:08-1:55 Math
1:55-2:15 Science/ Social Studies
2:15-2:35 Recess
2:35-2:55 Science/ Social Studies
2:55-3:15 Faith Formation
3:15-3:25 Closing



Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering at any of these times/events via email.

ART ADVENTURE

This May's Art Adventure theme is "Amazing Animals in Art". We are looking for a volunteer to lead our class in the theme (about 3 times throughout the month of May).  there is a kit that can be picked up in the office.

Correct papers
               Wednesday and Friday Mornings (9:30-11:30)

Assist with Reading
               Wednesday and Friday Mornings (9:30-11:30)

Assist with Math
               Monday and Wednesday Afternoons (12:25-2:00)

Faith Formation

At Trinity Academy, we incorporate the Christian life-style into all areas of the curriculum. To help students further their understanding about our Father as well as how we should live our lives, students participate in a Religion curriculum developed by Concordia Publishing House (CHP). Students are nurtured in their understanding and living of the Christian faith as they are taught a sequential selection of Old and New Testament Bible stories. Within this context they learn key concepts of faith such as Law and Gospel, confession and repentance, forgiveness and grace.

Second graders participate in daily devotions which include singing and prayer. They also begin to lead others in worship. Through a planned memory program, students learn Scripture verses and prayers.

Reading

The second grade reading program continues to develop reading fluency, leading to greater comprehension and enjoyment of reading and the ability to use reading skills and strategies for inquiry and research. The children review phonetic work knowledge and skills. Students explore concepts in science, social studies, literature and the arts. Each week during whole group instruction (Shared Reading) students review and continue developing new reading strategies. A whole group lesson can also be used to introduce new strategies or develop common vocabulary. Guided Reading (Flexible Grouping) is a small group of students who work to progress toward a common goal. Groups can be formed in a variety of ways to work on a variety of specific skills. Groups change and evolve throughout the year. The final component in the second grade reading program is literacy centers. Students choose to work on tasks that interest them. Centers are teacher developed to practice a specific set of skills. Students are expected to try new things, but they may practice in a way that best meets or challenges their needs.

Writing

Writing is used as a form of learning and personal communication. The writing process is used to develop the student’s skills in the written word. Sentence structure, parts of speech, punctuation and capitalization are all emphasized. Much of the student’s written work is shared with classmates and displayed in the classroom.

Spelling

The spelling program consists of words taken from the material in the reading text, high frequency words, and curriculum-linked challenge words. Students practice working with word families, word sorts, and spelling rules both directly and indirectly.

Handwriting

The children practice proper handwriting techniques in their daily work. D’Nealian printing is reviewed weekly. Cursive writing is introduced in the second semester.

Language Arts


Science

The science program offers students a chance to use text and experimentation to better understand the world around them. In science we use a variety of resources to instruct: Foss learning kits, Christian perspective textbooks, and hands-on experiments. The topics taught at this level are landforms; balance & motion; insects; sun, earth, moon; bat ecology and caves; plants; body organs and health.

Literature


Mission Class


Bible


Math

Student’s mathematical skills are being learned and refined using the Macmillan McGraw-Hill curriculum in second grade. The students begin the year practicing addition and subtraction facts through 20. Numbers and patterns to 1000 are discussed. Graphing, money, time, measurement, geometry and fractions are included. The addition and subtraction of two-and three-digit numbers is emphasized and multiplication and division concepts are introduced. We begin each day with review questions and a story problem. We work together on each lesson to build common vocabulary and understanding. Students finish each day in math challenging themselves with a variety of learning experiences. Concepts are practiced and mastered using games and hands-on activities.

Social Studies

The second grade social studies program helps children understand the working of their community and the world around them. The units in the program are People All Around; Earth, Our Home; A Working World, We the People; Discovering Our Past; People, Places and Holidays. 

Art

Students will continue to explore the elements and artists that demonstrate the learning objectives. Vocabulary takes on more importance. Knowledge of the elements are used in creating a variety of media including drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, print making, sculpture and textiles.

Click here to learn more about Art.

Music & Band

Students explore various types of musical styles. They learn through listening, echoing, movement, pitch, simple instrument play, rhythm, and tonal exploration. All students are required to participate in the annual Christmas Musical and spring choral concert. Students in these early elementary grades have the option to sing as part of the Trinity Academy Choir.

Click here to learn more about Music.

Technology

Technology competencies include the ability to open, run and close a program from either a disk or a network; demonstrating the correct use of input and output devices (mouse, keyboard, printer); and identifying and defining computer components and basic terminology. Creating a program using a word processing program is required, along with creating a picture using a paint, draw, or graphics software program.

Click here to learn more about Technology.

Physical Education

In second grade, units introduce basic rules of games along with the building of skills previously learned. The progression of skills is a primary focus to prepare students for the ability to participate in activities and games at a higher level. Students will have an introduction to the rules and skills focused around four-square, soccer, floor hockey, basketball, softball, and kickball.

Click here to learn more about Physical Education.

Spanish

Learning short Spanish phrases increases knowledge of Spanish vocabulary in 2nd grade. Children will be speaking and spoken to more frequently is Spanish. Students will expand on the basic concepts and will be introduced to additional vocabulary. To aid in reading of the language, students will be introduced to the Spanish alphabet and will learn the letter sounds.

Click here to learn more about Spanish.

Specialized Learning