"SECOND THOUGHTS" for STUDENTS ENTERING SECOND GRADE

WAYS TO GET READY FOR SECOND GRADE
The First Graders have just finished an exciting and fun school year! They have been working hard for nine months and look forward to a wonderful summer vacation!  Here are some suggestions a First Grader can do over the summer months to be ready when they enter Second Grade.

READ, READ, READ!
Let me repeat that, READ!  Nothing is more important for a young student than to read and also to be read to!  Over the summer make "field trips" to the neighborhood book store and/or Public Library.  All Public Libraries have summer reading programs designed to encourage young readers to have fun reading over the summer months.  Read aloud to your child every day!  Reading to young people is always a favorite time for both the one who is being read to and for the one who is reading to the child.  Also, allow your child to read to you!  Reading aloud helps a child to learn how to read with expression and fluency.  Have a fun and relaxing summer reading books!

MATH
Math can also be fun to do over the summer months.  When going to the store, young mathematicians can add up how much items cost.  They can weigh fruits and/or vegetables for you!  They can figure out how much more fruit than vegetables there are in the cart.  A child entering Second Grade should know the addition and subtraction facts through 18!  If they know their facts, then work on their speed to help them improve even more!  Playing games with flash cards can help keep youngster's skills sharp and stay at grade level when summer is over!  Playing "school" is also a fun way for brothers and sisters, and neighborhood friends to practice Reading and Math skills.  When going to the pool carry in a pack some math flashcards and some books to read!

RELIGION
During Second Grade the children receive two important sacraments; the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion/Holy Eucharist.  A child must be baptized before making these two sacraments!  Summertime is a great time for children to become familiar with the Mass.  Mass is a special way to get closer to God, and a wonderful time to spend with your family.  A Second Grader will become a full participant in the Mass when she/he makes their First Communion.  It is important for the children to know what the Mass is all about and how to behave during Mass.  Please always remember that you, the parents, are the first teachers of your child’s faith journey!

Attached to this note is the Second Grade Supply List for the next school year!  I look forward to seeing you and your child in August!  May God bless you and your families this summer and always!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Donna White

SECOND GRADE SUPPLY LIST

ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

___ 12 #2 Wooden Pencils (No mechanical pencils and/or pens.  Fancy pencils have plastic coatings that ruin the pencil sharpeners.  All will be sent home!)

___ Thin Markers/Washable/Classic colors/8 count only

___ Wide Markers/Washable/Classic colors/8 count only

___ 1 Box of 8 count watercolors

___ 2 Boxes of Crayons, 24 Count only/Classic Colors

___ One 4oz Bottle of white school glue

___ School Scissors with pointed tip (Please label with child's first and last name with permanent marker.)

___ Plastic Supply Box (9" by 5" size only)

___ 3 Pocket Folder (label with child's first and last name)

___ 4 Reams of White Copier Paper

___ 2 Reams of Color Copier Paper

___ 4 Large Boxes of Tissues

___ 1 box of Large (one gallon) baggies

___ 1 Container of "Clorox" Disinfecting Wipes

___ 1 LARGE BACKPACK!!

BRING ALL SUPPLIES TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

LABEL ONLY THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES:

                   Scissors

                   Plastic Supply Box

                   Pocket Folders

                   Backpack

All other supplies are collected and used throughout the school year as a community.  Thank you!