Academic Focus

Reading: We are learning about fiction texts. The students are learning to:

  • summarize stories and events with beginning, middle and end in the correct sequence.
  • describe characters, setting and important plot events using details from the text.
  • identify the conflict and resolution.
  • identify the theme.
  • ask and answer questions using the text for support.

Throughout the year, the students will expand vocabulary and use of word meanings. They will learn to:

  • use knowledge of homophones.
  • use knowledge of antonyms and synonyms.
  • use knowledge of prefixes and suffixes.
  • use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words.

Writing: The students will be working on fiction and nonfiction pieces. They have been learning to:

  • write in a variety of forms to include narrative, descriptive, opinion and expository and in response to what is read/learned.
  • understand writing as a process.
  • use prewriting strategies to generate and organize ideas before writing.
  • recognize and use complete sentences.
  • correctly punctuate declarative, interrogative and exclamatory sentences.
  • capitalize all proper nouns, the word “I” and words at the beginning of sentences.
  • write neatly and space words in sentences.

Math: Unit 4 Computation

  • I can recognize and use the relationship between addition and subtraction to solve single-step practical problems with whole numbers to 20
  • I can determine the missing number in an equation (number sentence) (e.g., 3 + ___ = 5 or ___ + 2 = 5; 5 – ___ = 3 or
  • 5 – 2 = ___).
  • I can write the related facts for a given addition or subtraction fact (given: 3 + 4 = 7, write 7 - 4 = 3 and 7 - 3 = 4)
  • I can demonstrate fluency with addition and subtraction within 20.

I can estimate the sum of two whole numbers whose sum is 99 or less and recognize whether the estimation is reasonable (e.g., 27 + 41 is about 70, because 27 is about 30 and 41 is about 40 and 30 + 40 is 70).

  • I can determine the sum of two whole numbers whose sum is 99 or less using various methods and models.

I can estimate the difference between two whole numbers each 99 or less and recognize whether the estimate is reasonable.

I can determine the difference of two whole numbers each 99 or less using various methods and models .

  • I can create and solve single-step practical problems involving addition and subtraction.
  • I can use addition to find the total number of objects in an array.
  • I can write an addition number sentence to match the array.
  • I can identify a pattern as growing or repeating.
  • I can describe the core (the part of the sequence that repeats) of a given repeating pattern.
  • I can describe how a given growing pattern is changing.
  • I can create a growing or repeating pattern, using objects, pictures or numbers.
  • I can extend a given pattern, using objects, pictures or numbers.
  • I can transfer a given growing or repeating pattern from one form to another using objects, pictures or numbers. I can transfer a given growing or repeating pattern from one form to another using objects, pictures, or numbers.
  • I can identify the equal symbol (=) as the symbol used to indicate that the values on either side are equal.
  • I can identify the not equal symbol (≠) as the symbol used to indicate that the two values on either side are not equal.
  • I can identify values and expressions) that are equal (e.g., 8=8, 8=4+4).
  • I can identify values and expressions) that are not equal (e.g., 8≠9, 4+3≠8).
  • I can identify and use the appropriate symbol to distinguish between equal and not equal quantities (e.g. 9+24 = 10+23; 45 -9 = 46 - 10; 15 +16 ≠ 31 + 15).
  • I can use a model to represent the relationship of two expressions of equal value and two expressions that are not equivalent.

Science: We continue our matter unit with fun investigations. The class is learning:

SCI.2.3 The student will investigate and understand basic properties of solids, liquids and gases. (SOL 2.3)

SCI.2.3.1 Classify materials as liquids, solids or gases. (SOL 2.3a)

SCI.2.3.2 Describe the transformation of matter from one phase to another. (SOL 2.3c)

SCI.2.3.3 Measure the mass of solids and the volume of liquids in metric and standard English units. (SOL 2.3b)

SCI.2.3.4 Identify the phases of water and the uses of water in its various phases in the home and at school. (SOL 2.3a, c)


Social Studies: This month the class will also learn about a famous person and a holiday in his hon. During the second grading period, they will learn to:

  • describe the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • describe why American citizens celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day.
  • compare and contrast people, places or events in American history.

Our history unit will continue the week of February 3rd as we begin learning about the American Indians.

SS.2.3 The student will compare the lives and contributions of three American Indian cultures of the past and present. (SOL 2.3, 2.7)

SS.2.3.1 Understand the lives and contributions of the Powhatan of the Eastern Woodlands. (SOL 2.3a)

SS.2.3.2 Understand the lives and contributions of the Lakota of the Plains. (SOL 2.3b)

SS.2.3.3 Understand the lives and contributions of the Pueblo of the Southwest. (SOL 2.3c)

SS.2.3.4 Locate and describe the relationship between the environment and culture of the three American Indian cultures. (SOL 2.7)

SS.2.3.5 Explain the contributions of American Indians and how American Indian cultures have changed. (SOL 2.3)

SS.2.0.1 Identify artifacts and primary and secondary sources to understand events in American history.

SS.2.0.3 Use and create graphs, diagrams and pictures to determine characteristics of people, places or events to support an understanding of American history.

SS.2.0.5 Compare and contrast people, places or events in American history.

SS.2.0.7 Make connections between past and present.

Science: We continue our matter unit with fun investigations. The class is learning:

SCI.2.3 The student will investigate and understand basic properties of solids, liquids and gases. (SOL 2.3)

SCI.2.3.1 Classify materials as liquids, solids or gases. (SOL 2.3a)

SCI.2.3.2 Describe the transformation of matter from one phase to another. (SOL 2.3c)

SCI.2.3.3 Measure the mass of solids and the volume of liquids in metric and standard English units. (SOL 2.3b)

SCI.2.3.4 Identify the phases of water and the uses of water in its various phases in the home and at school. (SOL 2.3a, c)




At home support;

Read daily for at least 20 minutes.

  • Select a "just right" book (not too easy, not too hard). Use the 5 finger rule to help you choose.
  • Try different genres. Find what suits you. Look for topics of interest or books in a series.
  • Talk about the books you're reading. Practice retelling fiction stories. Share facts that you learned from a nonfiction text.
  • Try to use the strategies we are practicing in school. Make connections, make predictions, and ask questions as you read.
  • Make use of the online resources in Clever, such as PebbleGo.
  • Look for special kinds of words, such as homophones, compound words, contractions, synonyms, and antonyms.

Practice addition and subtraction facts to 20.

  • Flash cards are great.
  • Online practice games are fun, too!
  • Play math card games that we have learned in class.
  • Be sure to try the math programs on Clever. All work should be done by the student independently.

Practice your word study.

  • Work on Smarty Ants in Clever. All work should be done by the student independently.
  • Look for spelling patterns in the text around you - books, magazines, food packages, advertisements. Words are EVERYWHERE!


Be sure to stay in touch with all questions or any concerns.

ddykes@vbschools.com