Instructional Programs
Literacy: Balanced Literacy is the approach Bandelier takes when teaching
reading. This program includes the following strategies.
Guided Reading: Students read leveled text in small groups where we focus on
strategies to help students improve their reading skills and comprehension.
These groups will be designed specifically according to each child’s ability
level.
Shared Reading: We look at text in a whole group setting and work on fluency
and expression. We also work on making predictions and increasing
comprehension through the use of graphic organizers.
Read Aloud: This is where the teacher reads to the class modeling fluency and
expression.
Independent Reading: Students read books independently at their level. At
times, students will practice partner reading.
Bandelier has also adopted a research-based reading program, Harcourt Brace.
This program uses basals that have a collection of stories within. This
program facilitates discussion and works toward increasing comprehension. We
will be using this program during Guided Reading.
Fundations: This Wilson research-based reading program focuses on the five
essential areas of reading, Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary
and Comprehension. Spelling strategies are also addressed through this program
as well as some focus on writing. The program is sequential, systematic, and
multi-sensory. Students will be assessed weekly on their progress. Fundations
is taught at the Kindergarten and first grade level as well so we will be
building on skills and routines in which students have already been exposed.
Writing: Bandelier endorses the 6-Trait writing program. Along with mechanics
and grammar, students will be provided many opportunities to learn different
types of written pieces. We will focus on ideas, organization, voice, word
choice, and sentence fluency as we look at our work. Writing takes a lot of
practice and can be done at home as well. We will be introducing cursive
writing after Winter Break.
Mathematics: Bandelier has chosen the EveryDay Math researched-based program
for teaching mathematics. It is a hands-on program using manipulatives, math
games, journals, and various investigations in order to learn new math
concepts. This program is taught at all levels so students will come into
second grade familiar with many of the games and routines. The program is a
spiral program in which concepts appear many times throughout the year so that
students have many opportunities to achieve mastery of a concept. Some
concepts we will cover throughout the year include patterns, multiple addends,
time, money, double-digit addition and subtraction, measurement, and
fractions. Problem solving and word problems will also be addressed. In order
to encourage automaticity with math facts to 18 in both addition and
subtraction, I will be giving a weekly timed math quiz in which the students
will work toward a goal being able to complete several problems within the
allotted time. Students will graph their progress. I encourage using flash
cards at home to practice this important skill. The better they know their
basic facts, the easier it will be grasp new concepts.
Science: The district provides the school four science kits throughout the
year. The kits will cover rocks and soil, living things, matter, health and
energy. Students will be doing hands-on activities in which they will learn
about the scientific method. Students will be observing, classifying,
describing, identifying, and communicating findings both in written and verbal
communication.
Social Studies: There are four central units that will be covered in second
grade. These units include the concepts of self, neighborhoods, family, and
the world. We will also be reading Weekly Readers that cover social studies
topics.