RESEARCH! It's rough going, but we're pushing through! The hardest part, the kids say, is finding the information (for the different cards) in our library books. Yep, this IS hard! This is a valuable skill; looking for specific information in a text. Part of the issue is that not every book provides the information asked for, the other part is that for many of the kids, this is the first time they are being asked to perform such a task. But it won't be the last. I am checking online sources for them and printing additional articles to reference - but sometimes the information just doesn't exist or isn't applicable, so we're learning that we do the best we can with what we have. One student suggested we add a card to our six for "other interesting information" - what a great idea! Perseverance is an important quality to develop, and why not begin now?!  Because I know this I am determined that the kids don't give up; that they recognize that because something is rough going does NOT mean it can't be done. I know they will be very proud of the final product, it will make all of their current frustrations worthwhile.

Mrs. Goldyn asked that I give you the following link; it is one they are using in music class while studying instrument families. The kids have asked to have it available outside of class, so here it is: http://listeningadventures.carnegiehall.hall/ypgto/game.aspx 

You should have received the ABC countdown, it begins this coming Monday, April 29. Yes, that does mean there are 26 school days left in the year. As I remind the kids, there is quite a bit left to learn yet in second grade, so yes this is fun, but it should be a, "sit up and take notice" kind of moment for us all. There is much to be done, we can not lose our focus now. 

Jump-rope for Hearts day was today, there was plenty of crazy-fun jumping going on after recess by the second grade. We had a lovely afternoon to "get our jump on" and we did! 

There won't be any further Treasures spelling lists this year. Soon, however, I will send home the classroom spelling bee list. This list is for the class-level bee only. From there, three students will go on to compete in the grade-level bee on May 29, in the MPR. For the grade-level competition there is no list from which to study; it's about having a natural affinity for spelling. This can be stressful for many of the kids. I do give my "everyone has talents, but not everyone's talent is spelling" speech, but it seldom really sinks in - they just all want to win and only three in the entire grade level will win. So why do we do this? Tradition? A life lesson? I'm not sure. Spelling has never been one of my strengths, the kids know that! I try to tell them that I am perfectly happy anyway, but still they want to win. I know that will be hard on quite a few of the more competitive and sensitive students, so if yours is one like that - be ready. 

Well, okay for now - my daughter is moving out of the house (again) this weekend, and though my son has temporarily moved back, it will be an emotional couple of days. I told the kids about it, it's a good healthy thing that she is moving on, but that won't make me miss her company any less...y'all have a good weekend - more another day.

Twitter

Students attended an assembly this week.  They heard different stories from a woman named Donna Washington.  She is a famous storyteller and engages kids into her stories by having them participate by chanting, singing, and repeated parts of the story. She is AMAZING and she has a website... www.donnawashington.com.  You should check it out!

Twitter

Students prepared for open house by writing their own autobiographies and drawing a portrait of themselves.  They also created their very own constellations after learning about the sky.  

Students enjoyed sharing the activities that they have worked really hard on with their parents at open house.

Twitter

Last week we have started a new Treasures reading unit focusing on stories about things in nature. The focus for last week was all about the moon!  We learned about the moon phases, space travel, and did creative writing about visiting the moon.  We even watched a fun rap song about the moon phases! We were also very busy working on projects for Open House this week and they are excited to show these to you.  I hope you can make it to Open House on Tuesday (4/23) from 6:30-7:30. 

In math we have been learning how to measure length using nonstandard units of measurement like cubes. This week we also introduced time. The children will be learning time to the hour and half hour on both analog and digital clocks.

This week our reading unit will focus on what scientists do. The children will be reading       biographies about both men and women who have made important contributions to science.

First grade will be going to the Brookfield Zoo on May 9th!  This will be a great field trip for students to see all of the animals that we have been studying during our habitats unit.  Please return the permission slip sent home on Friday ASAP. 

Twitter