We had a great time learning about shaker instruments, used in a variety of cultures. We were introduced to instruments made out of gourds, bamboo, woven grass, wood, animal skins, metal and wood. Baba Ceeloe taught us that different shapes, made from different materials, make different sounds. The children enjoyed making rainsticks. They each decorated a tube with interesting colors and designs, sealed one end, and then filled it with a variety of seeds, beans, rocks, metal and rice to create their own unique sound. It was especially fun to do some table drumming with our small groups. When we get together in April, we will be focus on the rhythms and patterns our rainsticks can produce. It is always nice to reconnect with our friends from Guadalupe and Indian Community School.
Purim
We will be celebrating Purim at school on Tuesday, March 10th. The children can wear costumes. They need to follow the dress code and have no weaponry or inappropriate language attached to them. The kids must wear shoes as well. We are all looking forward to a fun filled day. Thank you for your help!
Maple Sugaring
We had a beautiful day to follow the maple sugaring process from sap to syrup. The students heard a legend of how maple syrup was discovered and gained a glimpse into the life of a sugar farmer. They learned how to identify and tap maple trees using a spile and made spile necklaces out of staghorn sumac. A hand thermometer helped them understand how the outside temperature affects the sap traveling back and forth from the roots to the branches. At the Maple Cloud evaporator we got to see firsthand how the sap winds its way through the channels until it is 219 degrees and becomes syrup. Did you know that it takes over 35 gallons of sap to make just 1 gallon of maple syrup? The kids got to sample sap dripping from the spile in the tree and maple sugar. It was especially tasty to be able to enjoy pancakes and dill pickles with syrup. I wonder what other ways maple syrup might be enjoyed?
Repairing Together- Global Learning Continues
Stanley is ready to explore the world!
Letters have been written, Flat Stanleys designed and envelopes addressed, licked and stamped. Stanley is off to adventures in Israel, Australia, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Arizona, North Carolina, Oregon, England, Illinois, California, France, Washington D.C., Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin! We will be so excited to receive letters back, sharing what kinds of things Stanley enjoyed while visiting families and friends.
Writer’s Workshop- Gail Gibbons Author Study
Gail Gibbons will be the focus of our Writer’s Workshop. She is an author and illustrator who writes nonfiction (informational/explanatory texts). Gail has written over 100 books on a variety of interesting topics. Her books center on her curiosity and desire to know “why?” She uses colorful illustrations and text features that help the reader gain a clear understanding of each topic. As we explore her mentor texts, the students will learn how Gail uses her life experiences and observations to generate ideas for writing. This will help inspire the students as they select topics for their own writing. It will be exciting to share the children’s interests.
Nonfiction
Today, we began our study of nonfiction in Reader’s Workshop. We will focus on three types of non-fiction; literary, biography and reference. Your kids have a natural wonder and curiosity about so many things. Through a variety of interesting mentor texts the students will develop an understanding of various forms, features and purposes of nonfiction. Nonfiction texts encourage students to observe and learn about everything around them. They will employ strategies that will enable them to discover facts, identify big ideas and learn new information about topics they read about. I will be excited to share their interests.
Learning Pays!
We have kicked off our community unit! Students have begun earning money to purchase classroom houses by following directions, completing daily assignments and using appropriate hallway behavior. Each student can earn $18 daily, and if their work is corrected and returned by Friday, they can earn an extra $10 weekly. Daily deposits into their bank accounts are enhancing math skills. Students will choose between a ritzy ditzy or regular home. The homes (refrigerator boxes) will be delivered after we have earned for one month. We will be holding an election for mayor, judge, housing commissioner and supervisor of maintenance in the next couple weeks. Each child running for a community position will prepare and present a speech to the class. We will all work on campaign slogans, banners, signs and buttons to promote the candidates. We will keep you posted on our community development. There is never a dull moment in second grade!
Global Experience – Kenya
The kids did an amazing job sharing their learning. They have gained so much knowledge about Kenya. It was an incredible learning experience! The learning continues as we focus on the water situation in Kenya.
Witches, Potions, Giants, Spells…
The children have crafted and published wonderful fairy tales and fables. Our first grade friends came to listen to each of the children as they added their voice and brought their stories to life. They will be coming home today. I know you will enjoy celebrating the characters, creativity and adventures that lurk within their pages.