HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD
In Grade 2, your child will find more than just a classroom, they will discover a space for growth, curiosity, and faith. This year we will learn that mistakes are part of the learning journey and opportunities to grow, we will explore how to build meaningful friendships and care for one another, and we will become young scientists, readers, writers, and mathematicians who ask questions, wonder, and create. Most importantly, this will be a year of walking more closely with God, as the children will prepare for and celebrate two very special sacraments: the Sacrament of Reconciliation and their First Holy Communion. In this journey they will come to know God’s love in a deeper way, strengthen their relationship with Jesus, and learn how to live their faith in daily life as part of our community.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out. You can contact me:
- Email: apaez@stjude.ca
- At school in the mornings between 8:15 and 8:45
- After school between 3:00 and 4:00
Healthy Routines: Good nutrition is essential for your child’s learning and well-being. Please make sure your child has a good breakfast before coming to school and brings a healthy snack and lunch each day. A good night’s sleep is also important for focus and energy.
Health & Safety: If your child has allergies, hearing loss, vision difficulties, or any other medical condition, please let me know as soon as possible.
Attendance: If your child is absent, please fill out the absentee form found on the school website (Absentee Note) or email the office at office@stjude.ca.
In Grade 2, English is taught five days a week and is organized into three main strands: Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening. Each week, students are introduced to new vocabulary that not only expands their word knowledge but also lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Through curiosity about the world around them, they will develop knowledge, understanding, and skills that can be applied across all subjects, while making connections to their personal and local context.
- Reading (Word Structure & Phonics): Students will strengthen their decoding skills, which form the foundation of reading at all stages. By exploring word structures and phonics, they will become more confident and fluent readers.
- Writing (Word Structure & Spelling): Students will develop an understanding of spelling strategies, patterns, and rules, and learn how to apply them in their own writing through meaningful learning experiences.
- Vocabulary and Language: Students will broaden their vocabulary and refine their language use, helping them to express themselves with clarity and confidence.
Through these strands, students will engage with texts, ideas, and conversations that nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Guided reading of short stories and poetry, on theme based literature, in small groups and as a class. We will be focusing on reading strategies such as prediction, reading to find out, new vocabulary, discussion of story through questioning, forming opinions based on the story, oral and silent reading, reading in groups and with a partner.
The children will be involved in the home reading program, and will complete book reports for the books they read.
Reinforce, strengthen, and improve upon writing in complete sentences. We will continue working on improving printing skills. The spelling program will introduce the children to spelling of a new group of words each week. We will be following the writing process in creative writing.
In Grade 2, students will have Math five times a week. They will build confidence and understanding through meaningful practice, exploration, and problem-solving. Students will be counting objects from 0 to 100, and will learn to count on and count back in ones, twos, fives, and tens, starting from any number. They will recognize the characteristics of even and odd numbers, and begin to understand and explain the relationship between addition and subtraction. Students will also explore money notation in Canadian currency, learning to recognize values and use them in real-life situations, as well as order and compare units of time (seconds, minutes, hours, days, months).
Aligned with the BC Curriculum, students will develop number sense, patterns and relations, and measurement and financial literacy skills. Through games, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, students will see math as a practical and creative tool for everyday life.
In Grade 2, students will have Science three times a week. They will become young scientists: asking questions about the world around them, making predictions, testing ideas, collecting and recording observations, and sharing what they discover. Science will give students the chance to explore with curiosity and wonder while building critical thinking skills.
Aligned with the BC Curriculum, students will explore:
- Matter: how materials can be changed and used in different ways.
- Water Cycle: how water moves through the environment and why it is essential for life.
- Forces: how pushes and pulls affect movement.
- Animal Life Cycles: the stages of growth and change in living things.
- Earth Science: describing land as being made of rock and soil, recognizing that Earth is the planet on which we live, and reflecting on our responsibility to care for creation.
Through hands-on activities and meaningful connections, students will see Science as a way to explore God’s creation, understand how it works, and learn how to care for the world around them.
In Grade 2, students will explore how people live and work together in communities, and how traditions and stories shape who we are. They will learn about rights and responsibilities, roles in the community, and the importance of cooperation and respect. Students will also begin to understand diverse cultures and perspectives, including Indigenous ways of knowing, and recognize how people connect to the land and to each other. Through stories, maps, and projects, students will develop an appreciation for their own community while becoming curious about the wider world.
Christian Education is at the heart of our Grade 2 classroom, where faith is woven into daily life. This year will be especially meaningful, as students prepare for two important sacraments: the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Students will come to know God’s love more deeply, learn about Jesus’ teachings, and reflect on how to live as disciples in their families, school, and community. Through prayer, liturgies, stories from Scripture, and acts of service, students will grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith, experience the joy of the Eucharist, and recognize God’s presence in their daily lives.
In Grade 2, Art is a time for creativity, imagination, and expression. Students will explore a variety of materials and techniques, such as drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture to bring their ideas to life. They will learn how art communicates feelings, stories, and connections to the world around them, while also gaining an appreciation for the artwork of different cultures and times. Art activities will encourage students to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate the unique gifts God has given them. By the end of the year, students will see themselves not only as learners but also as artists who can create, express, and inspire.
REMINDERS
Gym
Gym takes place every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Children are required to have a complete gym strip (runners, shorts, and t-shirt). If possible, they should wear their shorts and t-shirt under their uniforms. Runners are kept in a bag here at school for regular use. If your child is unable to participate in gym class, please send a written note excusing them. Gym is a time to develop teamwork, and confidence while learning the importance of healthy and active living.
Library
Library is every Monday. Students are encouraged to borrow books, enjoy reading, and return their books on time. The library fosters a love of stories, builds research skills, and nurtures curiosity through books and resources.
Music
Music takes place every Tuesday and Wednesday.
Spelling Program
Every Monday, a new list of words will be introduced that focus on vowel sounds or specific spelling patterns. Children are encouraged to practice the words that may be challenging throughout the week. A spelling test will be given on Friday to assess understanding and mastery of the words. This program helps students develop strong word recognition, spelling skills, and confidence in their writing.
Homework
Homework will be assigned to support learning in Math, English, and occasionally in Science or Social Studies, as well as to study for the weekly spelling test. Homework should be completed in a quiet space, free from distractions, to help your child concentrate and do their best. Regular homework practice helps reinforce concepts learned in class and encourages good study habits and responsibility.