All about grade two

It's really thrilling and pleasing for all teachers as we are starting a new academic year. We hope you feel like wise.

Stemming from the belief that the role of school is to make students active and motivated learners.

The department of the English Language would like to shade light on its policy to equip our learners

with the essential skills to expand their built-up studying horizons, as well as to create an interactive learning environment.

Our Aims:

  • To develop learners' awareness and understanding of the language through the integration of the four language skills.
  • To help learners express their ideas and opinions in real life situation and through task based activities.
  • To assist learners in acquiring critical thinking skills through extensive reading projects and research.
  • To encourage learner independence and the acquisition of different strategies for learning.

Our approach:

I. Grammar:

It will not be taught in isolation. It will be integrated in the four language skills; through listening, speaking, reading and writing. The focus will be on meaning and use rather than form (rule).

Don't expect a lot of sheets as enough grammar is practiced orally and in written exercises in both language and practice books.

Also the structure is clearly presented in the course book giving children a model to refer back to.

II. Vocabulary:

New vocabulary for the unit is taught using fluency book together with poster and flash cards.

Children will do a variety of activities in the unit to reinforce the language and give them the chance to practice their language actively. The new words will be practice in their log copybook.

III. Spelling:

  • Spelling will be done systematically focusing on phonics and selected vocabulary words.
  • Children read, say and write the word in context of a sentence.
  • Spelling Bee Competition is held every year to give our students the chance to gain valuable experience and evaluation.

IV: Listening and speaking:

  • Listening will be practiced and enhanced systematically through the course book and home assignment given every fortnight.
  • Learners will be encouraged to express themselves in English in real life situation or by using authentic materials in Show &Tell sessions.

V: Reading:

  • Learners will read for different purposes. Their reading will focus on stories, authentic texts, poetry and comprehension texts.
  • Macmillan Readers will be used in class your son/daughter will take the book home as soon as it is finished. Please listen to your child's reading, support and encourage him/her.
  • ( Please keep the books in a good shape to be used by other children: otherwise you have to pay 40 L.E as a refund)
  • Home Reading Log:
  • As any language is mastered by exposure, the school is implementing a Home Reading Log. Each student must read at least 5 books of his/her own choice at an appropriate level. He/she will present the books to his/her colleagues in class, thus learning adequate presentation skills.
  • All what parents have to do is to make sure that the child reads at least 15 minutes every night and discuss what she/he read with him/her, and then record the date, title of the book and sign your initials in the reading log received by your child.
  • Do we have to read a new book each day?

No! Revisiting a favorite book is an important step in learning to read.

  • This program is a combined effort between the school and home for the benefit of our children.

VI: Handwriting:

The Macmillan English Handwriting Book will provide students with the skills necessary to begin writing, and will help them develop a fluent, legible style of handwriting. The book is carefully graded in difficulty.

VII: Writing:

This skill will be enhanced through different activities on weekly basis. Writing tasks and compositions will be done every fortnight as the writing process needs time for drafting and editing.

VIII. Homework:

Homework will be assigned every day and it will be collected the following day. A longer one will be given on weekends. It is considered to be an essential part of our grade one program, and should take 20 minutes to complete. It reinforces classroom learning, opens communication between you and your child about school, and teaches responsibility.

  • Please don't interfere in your son / daughter assignments just make sure he / she completed the given assignment.
  • If you have a homework complication, please write a note in your child's channel book

VIIII. Assessments:

Learners will be assessed as follows:

  • Continuously through homework, quizzes, participation, tasks, projects and research.
  • Listening and speaking will be assessed systematically through bimonthly tasks.
  • Reading aloud will be assessed during reading classes.
  • Reading comprehension will be assessed continuously and during monthly tests.
  • Writing will be continuously assessed and during monthly tests.
  • Grammar, vocabulary and spelling will be assessed through quizzes and monthly tests. The spelling test will be every Sunday.

X: Absences:

Much of second grade learning is based on experiences in classroom and can't be sent home. If your child is ill, you may arrange to pick up written work as soon as your child gets better to work on it, or it will be saved for your child's return. If your child is out of vacation, please have him/her keep a journal of the trip. Your child will make up his/her class work upon return, not ahead of time.

XI: Displine:

  • An active class is not bad as long as it is managed to work with the class/lesson objectives.
  • Use active child as helpers to get out their negative energy in a positive way.
  • Choosing those who are sitting properly to be helpers as a reward.
  • Ignoring interruptions in class as long as they don't distract or hurt others.
  • Applying preventive system instead of punishing system by setting ground class rules and routine clear and direct for all children.
  • Use "Dos" rather than "Don'ts" to set positive self- images for children. Instead of saying "Don't run" say "Walk slowly".
  • Competitions between teams or groups to enhance social skills, following directions and respecting others.
  • Good behavior will earn rewards as encouraging good behavior is more effective than punishing.
  • Ground punishment system for repeated misbehavior:
  1. Verbal warning.
  2. Time out for two minutes.
  3. Five minutes from break time.
  4. Time out from activity.
  5. Warning note to be sent home.

Copybooks should be covered in brown and labeled.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Please don't hesitate to fix an appointment to come and see us for any queries or clarification about your son/daughter.

With best wishes for a new academic year,

Primary Two Members of Staff.