Listen to Online Reading!

I've bookmarked some reading sites on Sqworl. Perhaps some of my children will fine some extra time to squeeze in some online reading this summer! We'll be using this site in our class when school begins in August. I'll be adding more links in the coming days. Enjoy!

http://sqworl.com/supdl8

Our 2010-2011 Second Grade Journey

The end of a school year is quite bittersweet. Teachers are very proud of their children, for they know how hard those little ones work each day. The journey passes much too quickly, but Ms. Cranfill and I know that each of these "Stars" is ready for their next adventure.

Each year at our Author's Tea, a video is shown so that our parents can see a few special moments of our second grade journey. I couldn't post the music that was played with this video, but I encourage you to think of the song "Let Them Be Little", grab a box of tissues, and treasure your little star.

Thank you for sharing your precious child with Ms. Cranfill and me this year!

Author's Tea

Our little STARS gathered the books they had written in our class and chose a "favorite" to share at our annual Author's Tea. Parents and our principals joined us for some tasty lemonade and cookies as the children read their books to our special audience.
Author's Tea on PhotoPeach

Surprise!!!

One of our old classmates paid a special visit on one of our last school days. What a wonderful surprise for us to have time to visit, catch up, and share our second grade adventures!

Field Trip to SciWorks

One of the second grades' favorite trips each year is to SciWorks. The children always have an engaging lesson that aligns with our curriculum. Our lesson this trip focused on "Sound". The outdoor "Animal Exhibit" is also a yearly treat!
SciWorks on PhotoPeach

Our Second Grade World of "Social Studies"

If you haven't already guessed, our class loves food. I'm sure the grocery stores wonder what I do with some of my rather unusual afternoon purchases. This week we completed a mini unit about landforms. To better internalize what North Carolina looks like on a map, we used our fine motor skills to cut a replica from flour tortillas. With a pattern, toothpick, and fork in hand each child carefully cut out the shape of our state. The fun part then began. We always get excited when cake icing appears! After spreading our "base glue" (icing), we then used different yummy treats to form the three regions of North Carolina. Take a look at our video and see if you can determine which treats we used!
The Regions of North Carolina on PhotoPeach

Operation "Mouse Tails"

Second graders have to learn a lot of things and it just makes more sense if we have a real life purpose for learning those things. Measuring with centimeters...when could we really use that skill in the real world? We slipped into the role of "College Lab Assistant". Our Quest: Determine the length of mouse tails so the professor knows how his growth serum is working! These dedicated workers quickly began their task. When measuring, organizing data, and recording results were complete, the challenge began! What kind of cage could our little designers create for our furry friends? Stay tuned for upcoming peeks at the cages!
Operation "Mouse Tails" on PhotoPeach

A Day With Ms. Rogers

Our class has been very fortunate to have a very special student intern from WFU this semester! Ms. Rogers spent time with us every week and jumped right in help us with our daily activities. She worked with small reading groups and math groups and even spent time jumping rope with us during recess! We love you Ms. Rogers and know that you are going to be a fabulous teacher!

April

Our little Stars have been quite busy! They have donned their detective's hats, latched onto their case folders, and delved into a Reading Mystery Unit. Take a look at our "Detective Line-up"...
Super Star Sleuths and some projects.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CELEBRATE!
I have the most wonderful class of children and parents! They are always helping me with projects, reading activities, and more in our classroom. No surprise that I was given a special birthday party last Monday. Take a quick peek at our party pics...and thank you for sharing your children with me each day. The smiles on their precious faces and the times they call me "Mommy" are daily gifts!

Slideshow generated with Smilebox

Weather or Not

We have been learning about Weather during our Science lessons. Using books and online resources, we're learning more about the Water Cycle, Clouds, Wind, and more. One of our recent topics was "Wind". One windy afternoon we decided that a perfect way to end our day was to try out our wind vanes!