The Second Week of Advent

 

Hello Second Grade Families,

Welcome to the second week of Advent!  During Advent we focus on preparing our hearts, minds, and souls for the gift of the arrival of Jesus.  There are four candles on an Advent wreath and a candle is lit each Sunday for a total of 4 weeks.  On the first Sunday of Advent, the candle of hope is lit.  On the second Sunday of Advent, the peace candle is lit.  Next Sunday, the pink candle will be lit and it represents the gift of joy.  On the final Sunday of Advent, the candle of love will be lit.  In the center of an Advent wreath a white candle is often found.  This candle is known as the Christ candle and it's white to signify the pure love that Jesus Christ has for each one of us.  Your children have been learning all about the meaning of Advent and the purpose of the Advent wreath.  Ask your child what the four candles represent and perhaps you can also ask your children why the liturgical color for Advent is purple.  Our second grade class has been discussing in great detail this beautiful tradition within our Catholic faith.

Please continue reading to discover all that will be taking place both inside our classroom and right here at ACS.

ELA

This week the second graders will be utilizing a complimentary text that coincides with our Journey's reading series.  The title of this week's story is Poppleton in Winter.  The children will have a Spelling list that's a little more challenging this week, but it will also only have ten words.  The Spelling list can be found below.  Two bonus words will also be added to your child's Spelling list this week.  The two words are Advent and Christmas.  To enhance your child's learning of this text this week, the class will be engaging in a wide variety of literacy activities based on this fun winter themed story!

Also note that your child will have an "Engage It" Christmas themed reading log for homework this week.  Your child will be required to read for at least 15 minutes each night, however, at the bottom of the engage it is a list of selections of how your child may choose to read for their fifteen minutes.  For example, your child may choose to read next to their Christmas tree, or perhaps, your child will choose to build a fort and read inside their fort.  Engage Its offer fun and "engaging" ways for your child to enjoy their nightly reading.

Math

The students will continue to focus on double digit addition with and without regrouping and the students will soon be moving into the unit that focuses on subtracting with and without borrowing.

Science

The students will continue learning about how scientists classify animals. 

Examples include;  reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, fish, etc.

Social Studies

If time permits, the students will also begin learning about how Christmas is celebrated all around the world.  This will allow the students to experience other cultures and traditions found around the globe!

Religion

The students will have a school wide Rosary on Monday, December 7th.

The students will have a sacramental preparation lesson this Wednesday.

The students will focus on the season of Advent utilizing an engaging activity packet. 

The students will pray throughout their school day and this includes at daily Pledge/Prayer, before lunch, and prior to dismissal.

The second graders will continue to pray for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel per Father Chad's request.  All of the ACS students will be saying the prayer each time we attend Mass on Wednesday mornings and in our second grade classroom.

The students are also beginning to learn "The Act of Contrition" to prepare them for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Here are the Second Grade Specials:

Monday ~ Art at 12:10

Tuesday ~ P.E. at 2:25

                  Spanish at 12:00

Wednesday ~ Mass Day at 8:15 a.m. 

                        Spanish 9:40 and Music at 1:00

Thursday ~    P.E. at 2:25

Friday ~ No special area classes

Computer Corner

Don't forget that your child has access to several academic computer sites to enhance their learning at home.

Here is a quick list to assist your child in their academic growth at home.

• RAZ kids ( Your child may utilize this site to complete their nightly reading homework.)
• IXL (Section G focuses on double digit addition with and without regrouping)

Upcoming Events

December 7, Monday:  Monthly Rosary, Glorious Mysteries will be led by the 5th grade in the church at 2:20 pm.  Parents are welcome to join us.

December 7, Monday:  8th Grade $1 Free Dress for 8th Grade fundraising for expenses to the Grand Canyon Trip, and luncheon.  Thank you for your continued support.

December 7, Monday:  Sock Religious-wear your saint or rosary socks  with your uniform or free dress!

December 7 – 16, Mon. – Fri. Confession is available for grades 3 – 8,  1 class per day.

December 8, Tuesday: Holy Day of Obligation: Immaculate Conception.  Due to Covid gathering size restrictions, students will not be attending Mass for the Holy Day during school time.  Please join us at 5:30 p.m. on December 7, Monday for the Vigil Mass or 5 p.m. on December 8 on the day of  the Immaculate Conception.

Homework

This week, the students will need to read each night for at least 15 minutes and log their reading utilizing their reading log.  The reading log is due on Friday.

The students will also need to study for their Spelling Test that will take place on Friday.