In second grade, our focus on literacy is centered around building a strong foundation in both reading and writing. This year, the second graders are engaging in a variety of activities designed to help them become confident, skilled readers and writers. We are using the Collaborative Classroom curriculum, which offers a comprehensive approach to literacy by focusing on both comprehension and fluency. These two areas are key to helping your child develop a deeper understanding of texts and the structure of language. The children enjoy working with their teachers in small groups and diving into rich literature that encourages them to discuss their thinking.

In addition to the Collaborative Classroom curriculum, we are also using the UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) word study program. UFLI focuses on teaching students the patterns and rules behind how words are constructed, which is essential for both decoding (reading) and encoding (writing). Through this program, the children are learning about the structure of words—such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words—and how these components work together to form meaning. This knowledge not only supports spelling but also improves their ability to decode unfamiliar words while reading.

In writing, second graders are actively learning how to express their opinions about book characters by using specific reasons to support their thoughts. They are encouraged to think about what they like or don’t like about a character, whether it’s their actions, feelings, or decisions in the story. Through guided lessons, students practice writing clear sentences that explain their opinions, often with examples from the book to back them up. This process not only strengthens their writing skills but also deepens their understanding of the characters and their motivations. Through these activities, second graders are becoming more confident in sharing their personal views while learning to respect and consider the opinions of others.

Overall, our goal is to help our students become more independent readers and writers by giving them the tools to understand and manipulate language. Through consistent practice, engaging activities, and focused instruction, we are building the skills that will help our students grow as confident and capable literate learners.