Writing 101

We have been very busy getting into the "Second Grade Writing Groove".  We spent the first few weeks learning why writers write.  After much discussion, we decided that writer's write to express themselves and we found that there are many ways to do this! For example, writers can make a list, write a letter or postcard, or write a story.  Last week, we changed our focus.  Each student had to write about their best friend!  We did some brainstorming, then we used a rubric to guide our writing.  We worked hard to make sure that the reader learned all about our best friend using interesting details and good sentences.  At the very end, we also made a portrait of our best friend.  Everyone brought their masterpieces home last week. I hope you enjoyed reading them!!  Here are some pictures of a few authors hard at work on their writing!!

We are now starting to write "small moments" which is a snapshot in time.  Ask your child what they have been learning!

News From Mrs. McCleary

Here is an update on what Mrs. McCleary has been doing in our classroom!  Enjoy!

Guidance with Mrs. McCleary

The second grade students have just finished a guidance unit on introducing the concepts of social thinking.  Social thinking is understanding that we have thoughts about how other people behave and that they have thoughts about how we behave.  (That’s how opinions are formed.)  We talk about two types of behavior:  EXPECTED and UNEXPECTED.  Expected behaviors give people good thoughts and unexpected behavior give uncomfortable thoughts.  The more good thoughts people have about what we are doing the more comfortable they are being with us. 

We have also used the terms “too much”, “too little” and “just right” to bring awareness to behavior.  An expected behavior can become unexpected if it is “too much” or “too little”.  An example of this is raising your hand. 

·         If it is “too little” your hand may not be visible or raised long enough for the teacher to know you want to say something. 

·         If it is “too much” your hand and body are moving a lot and you may be using your voice.  The teacher will not call on you.

·         Raising your hand in a “just right” way, calm hand and quiet mouth, will produce good thoughts by the teacher and peers and an enjoyable learning environment (and you have a better chance of being called on!).

During our next unit on Cooperation, we will continue to use these terms and ideas!

No School!

This is just a reminder that there is no school tomorrow, October 21st.  This is a teacher in-service day.  I will see everyone back at school on Monday, October 24th!  Have a great weekend!

Busy Week!

We have had a very busy week in Room 9!  Let me apologize first for not having pictures to go with this post.  I usually do all of my blogging at home so that is where my camera usually resides unless I remember to bring it to school.  Obviously, I kept forgetting to bring it all week!!  Anyway, even without pictures, I am sure you will enjoy reading all about our adventures this week!

Flynn Theater:
On Monday, October 17th, we went to the Flynn Theater to see Slyvester and the Magic Pebble.  (The students were very excited to leave school and have an adventure!)  The performance included live actors, puppets, dancing, and music.  Everyone behaved wonderfully and really enjoyed the show.  We sat up in the balcony which became half the fun.  It was a sold out show and well worth the trip.  When we came back to school, we talked about the performance and everyone told about his/her favorite part.  I love the Flynn Theater and I hope your child did too!

Fire Safety:
October is Fire Safety Month!  We had 2 firefighers visit us on Tuesday, October 18th.  We had a 45 minute discussion on fire safety.  The students asked some really insightful questions and they were wonderful listeners.  Here are some quick points that everyone learned:

• If you think there is a fire, feel the door. If it is cold, open it and peek outside. Stay low to the ground and get out of the house. "Get low and Go" was the phrase that the firemen kept repeating.   If the door is hot, don't open it! Go to a window, open it up, and yell loudly for help until someone hears you. Keep yelling until you are rescued.
• Call 911 if you think there is a fire. It is important for the students to know their address so they can tell the dispatcher. We realized that many students in Room 9 didn't know their address, so this is something you can practice with your child.
• We saw one of the firemen get dressed up in his full firefighting gear.  He explained each piece of clothing and why it is important.  Once he was all dressed up, he sounded a little like Darth Vader.  He talked alot about not being scared of him, he is there to help.
• Lastly, we had a chance to go outside and get a "tour" of a real fire engine.  We saw all of the tools, lights, and hoses on the truck. We all even had a chance to sit inside the fire truck!

We had a great time and I want to send a special thank you to the Colchester Center firefighters!!

Reading Workshop

We are all finally in the groove of reading workshop!!  Each hour and 30 minute reading block starts with a whole-class read aloud  that I then use to teach a mini lesson.  The last few weeks we have been working on making connections, identifiying a favorite part, and I have introduced the major story components of main character, setting, problem, and solution.  We have also started using complete sentences!!

Anyway, once the mini lesson is complete, the students go back to their desk to work on the concept that I just taught.  When they finish that, they have a worksheet to complete independently that reviews a spelling or reading skill that we have been working on.  This week, the worksheets have included short vowel review, complete versus incomplete sentences, the "h" brothers, and and rhyming. 

Students then go to their reading club of the day. I have five clubs, one for each day!  Students will visit the book nook once during the week, as well as use the computer, create an art project, and complete activities centered around working with words/writing and fluency skills.

I also meet with reading groups while all of this is going on!  There is often a busy hum in our room as everyone does their jobs!  I had the chance to take a few pictures this week to showcase some of our reading workshop time!  Enjoy!

Here are some students working hard right after a mini lesson.  They are writing about the main character, the problem, and the solution to the first half of the story Justin Time, Amber Brown.

 Miss Pigeon is working with a reading group on comprehension questions using the book Beef Stew.  This is a tough skill to learn in second grade and they did great!!

 I couldn't get my pictures to switch order so they are a little jumbled now!  This student is working on his fluency club using the poem Cookies.  Students read a poem several times, answer questions on the poem, and then put the poem in their poetry folder.  Students then practice their fluency (pace, expression, pausing at punctutaion, and phrasing) as they reread all of the poems in their folder!

 This student is working on Word work.  He is writing about his all about his Halloween costume using describing words.

One of the favorite clubs is the computer club.  Students play reading games on the computer to enhance their reading skills.  Some common websites that I use are abcya.com and starfall.com.

These students are creating pumpkin glyphs during art club.  They are following directions to create a special pumpkin that tells other friends all about him/herself.

In the book nook, students can find interesting books to put in their book box, use the ABC magnetic board, use the tubaloo, and read for fun!

This picture was supposed to be first!  This is a picture of my reading club board. Each week I post the assignments on the board so students can see what I expect!

Open House 2011

This is the slideshow that I will be showing at open house.  I look forward to seeing everyone.  (oops Ms. Pigeon name is spelled wrong but she has forgiven me)

Learning in Many Ways

For the last week and a half, we have been busy learning how to work in second grade.  We have talked about how learning happens in many different ways!  Take a look at some of the "action shots" I was able to capture during the last few days!!

Students practice using classroom materials appropriately.

 Students use teamwork to create a pattern block design.

 Students complete a worksheet to practice a skill. 

  Students play games to reinforce skills that we are learning.

 Students play a cooperative game to reinforce a skill.

 Students respond in writing to a story that they heard.

 Students converse about a story we just read.

 Students create bookmarks to use during silent reading time.

 Students buddy read together.

Students practice picking books that they can read and will hold their interest.

There are many exciting things happening in Room 9!! We can't wait to show you everything we have been doing at Open House next week (Oct.6th)!!  See you then!!