Comfy fun

     Read Across America Day was a success in our class today.  Everyone looked comfy cozy with their stuffy's and pj's.  We had three different sprawled out reading sessions.  Around 9:00 we spread out and read to ourselves for about 20 minutes.  After computers, around 11:40, we got to read with friends of our choice for a bit.  Then after lunch we read with our second grade neighbors.  It was super fun!

     I have declared an XTRAMATH challenge and the other second grade is joining in.  By the end of March, every second grader will have competed XTRAMATH addition.  This is absolutely a reasonable goal for us (for first graders too).  Many have reached this months ago and others have a longggg way to go.  Your child must long on often, practice makes perfect.  If you cannot log on at home, please let me know and I will get you the set-up information again.  I will make time available in class for those who don't have computer access.  The link to XTRAMATH is located on the side of this page.

     Friday we will be having a state test.  A practice page was sent home today and we will be practicing (a lot) in class.  The children will have to locate CA, FL, TX, SC (for our pen pals) and each New England state on a blank map.  I'll give them the name of the state and they will mark it appropriately.  For example, I'll say "color Massachusetts blue, Maine green, put a T on Texas" etc.

     Save the date, April 3rd.  Kindergarten, first and second graders will be taking a field trip to see a production of Henry and Mudge.  Permission slips should be coming home soon so keep an eye open for them.

     Gym has been changed this week.  We are SUPPOSED to have gym on Wednesday BUT due to some conflicts, we will have it on Friday for this week.  It's just a one time change.

     Reminder, animal project question sheets are due on Friday.  Make sure your child understands what he/she writes. =)

Animal Projects

Click here (last year's post on animal projects) for some helpful hints on your research.

Read Across America

     Monday is Read Across America Day in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday.  Your child may wear their pj's, bring their favorite blanket, pillow or teddy and BOOK(S) for some comfy read time to celebrate.  Remember, their book doesn't have to be a Dr. Seuss.  It can be any book of their choice.

     What a great talent show Friday night!  Everyone did a bang up job, but undoubtedly the stars of the show were 2nd graders!!!!!!!  I'm not at all surprised, second graders ROCK.

Super Proud

     I am super proud of the class today and you should all pat yourselves for raising such wonderful children.  Our new student started today and EVERYONE went out of their way to be friendly and welcoming.  I don't doubt for a minute that she went home bragging about how wonderful her classmates are.  It really was heartwarming and a joy to see.  Kudos to you and your child.

     We wrote today about something we did during our vacation.  It seems everyone had a blast.  More importantly, our writing was FANTASTIC.  The students had bold beginnings, juicy details and vivid verbs.  I was IMPRESSED.

Happy Vacation

     I just wanted to wish everyone a happy vacation and post the latest USA Olympic medal count.  We have been charting all week and I was excited to learn we are now tied for first place and knew the children would be to.  I also know we have a lot of hockey fans in our class, me NOT being one of them, but I watched the end of the USA/Russia men's game and it was EXCITING! I may be changing my ways.  Click here to see the latest medal totals.

     Want to jump ahead this vacation? We will be starting our animal habitat dioramas after vacation.  You'll need a shoebox and an animal to research.  Feel free to start thinking about it.

Crazy Week

     Valentine's Day, President's Day, 100th Day of School and wrapping up all loose ends before vacation is wayyyyyyyyyyy to much to handle in the same week.  We are rocking it though.  "Busy, busy, busy" is what I say almost every morning and this week will be no exception.  We have NO TIME for a snow day, so let's keep our fingers crossed that we don't have one.

      We started reading about Abe Lincoln.  Everyone seems to be interested in learning about our 16th president.  I have to apologize to George.  I'm  not sure he's going to get the same attention Abe is getting but at least some of the student will be reading about George tomorrow.

     Many students have had a chance to read Franny K. Stein.  A silly chapter book about a young mad scientists who wants to make friends and discovers that classmates will like her for who she.  She realizes she doesn't have to pretend to be someone else.  Saving the school with her lunch-meat monster may have helped a little.

     We made heart "pockets" for our valentines.  What's more exciting than the prospect of getting and giving Valentines?  Not much I say.  We can fill them up with our cards on Friday.  Remember to pack a special party snack for our Valentine's celebration.

      I hope we have time to read one of my favorite's  Froggy's First Kiss.  There are a ton of Froggy books and I just love them all.

 

Could this be Froggy???????

Money Money Money

     I have a love/hate relationship with money.  Of course, I love when my pockets are full and hate when they are a bit thin.  But more so, I HATE teaching it.  HATE HATE HATE.  It's a skill that students need to have real life experiences with or they have the hardest time picking it up in class.  By second grade, your child should be able to easily identify each coin and know it's value.  If you child isn't quite there yet, PLEASE practice at home.  We are starting to count up coins in class.  Have your child play with money at home.  Empty out their piggy banks and see how many different ways they can make $1.00.  They need real, hands on money experiences to really understand and be successful.  (I will be writing exactly the same thing shortly with telling time-PRACTICE AT HOME).  IXL.com has second grade money practice online available to your student.

     We have been studying penguins all week.  I've been calling it Penguinpalooza.  It's been lots of fun.

     My mom, Kaycie and I went out last night for a girls night.  We went to dinner in the Seaport district, Salvatore's, YUM, and then PAINT NITE in the restaurant.   SOO FUN.  Keep in mind, I have not one lick of art talent, so I'm super impressed by how great my picture came out.