Elf Holiday Store

Elf Store Essential Question:   How can you decorate your paper elf on a budget of sixty-cents? 

The children had a wonderful time on December 5th as we conducted our Elf Holiday Shop.  In addition, to constructing creative elves, the students had the opportunity to practice money skills.  

 

 

Meeting a Famous Author!

Yesterday, we met author Matthew Tavares!  Thank you TESPTO for funding this wonderful and educational visit!  In class, the students have been learning about the steps of writing a narrative, and today they got to hear Matthew Tavares speak to the steps of writing a narrative. 

http://www.matttavares.com/

Common Core Standard:

Writing
Text Types and Purposes

3. Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.

When we got back to class, the children couldn't wait to sketch and write!  They were very inspired!

Wednesday, November 19th Homework!

Boys and Girls, Tonight you are going to complete your homework on 'padlet'. Please read the question and double click on the 'wall'.  Fill in your name (first name only), and then answer the question. Remember to write in complete sentences (capital letters and punctuation).

Created with Padlet

Common Core Standard

W.2.6

Writing

Production and Distribution of Writing

6. With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.

Bar Modeling With Educreations!

The Munchkins used the IPADS as they practiced 'part-part-whole bar' models on Educreations.  During this activity, the children were given word problems and had to solve the word problems using the strategy of bar models.  Later, the children were given 'the whole' and had to write their own word problem and solve by constructing a bar model.  

Creating an original word problem and solving with a 'part-part whole' bar model.

Check it out!

Creating a bar model from a word problem!

Common Core Standard 2.NBT.B.7 Number & Operations in Base Ten

Use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract.

7. Add and subtract within 1000, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value,

Using Educreations on the IPADS adds a new level to our 

learning experience!

Xtramath Computer Program

The Munchkins learned how to use 'Xtramath'-a computerized fact fluency program they can access at school and home. This program will provide ample opportunities for the children to practice and master their math facts to twenty in both addition and subtraction.  This skill is an expectation of Grade Two.
Common Core Standard 2.OA.2-Operations and Algebraic Thinking:  Add and subtract within 20.

• 2.OA.2. Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies. By end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.

Learn more about Xtramath:

https://xtramath.org/

Practicing Xtramath on the IPAD

Please have your child practice his/her math facts using xtramath.

Skyping with a Celebrity!

Wednesday, November 5th  The Munchkins enjoyed a special treat as we 'skyped' with actress/storyteller Mrs.  P!  Mrs.  P.'s message came across loud and clear as she shared with students the importance of using their imagination to create stories.  Mrs.  P. suggested 'the word game' to activate imaginations and create stories.  For example, think of a word: Cat (What does this word make you think of?) Dog (What does this word make you think of?) Playing fetch Mrs. P. urged the children to write down their word associations and use these words to create a story!
We will try the word game in December when we begin our creative writing unit.  Thank you Mrs.  P. for this fabulous idea and thank you Mrs.  Klipfel for organizing this skype visit!

The students are responding to a question asked by Mrs.  P. by raising their hands 

Mrs.  P. talks with a student as she weaves a tale about his hedgehog.

A very animated Mrs.  P. shares her secrets with the children of how she creates wonderful stories, using her imagination.

The children had a wonderful time visiting with Mrs.  P.!

The Munchkins Voted in a Mock Election

On Tuesday, November 4th, Mrs.  Madden's class hosted a 'mock election' for Governor.  All the second graders had a chance to vote! Many Thanks are sent to Mrs.  Madden and her class for sharing this special event with the grade level. Take a look.....

Before the students voted, each student had to sign in before receiving a ballot.

As four students voted at a time, Mrs.  Madden read 'Duck for President' to the rest of the class as they waited for their turn to vote.

Each student sat in a private 'voting booth' as he/she decided who to vote for as Governor.

After voting, each student put his/her ballot into the ballot box!

The results were shared with the students on Wednesday, Nov. 5th.....Martha Coakley won by one vote!  

The children thoroughly enjoyed the 'voting' experience!  Thank you Mrs.  Madden and Class! 

  

Halloween Party!

The children had a wonderful time out our Halloween Party!  Many thanks are sent to our Room Parents and all the parents who donated food and beverages!
Take a look at the Munchkins dressed in their Halloween costumes!

RAZ Kids Information!

Reluctant Readers?   Raz-Kids is Sure to  Help!   

The children are very excited and can't wait to start Raz-Kids at home!  I am happy to inform you that your child has access to hundreds of eBooks using the school's subscription to Raz-Kids.  Children can read and listen to books on Raz-Kids and even record themselves reading!  Afterwards they can take a quiz to check for comprehension.  On Wednesday, October 29th, the students will be given information about accessing Raz-Kids at home. 

Read about the program here: www.raz-kids.com Having a Gr-8 Time with Raz-Kids......

Learning how to access the many eBooks.

"This is so much fun!"

Mrs.  Klipfel worked with our class today and showed us all kinds of great activities we can do on Raz-Kids!  Thank you Mrs.  Klipfel for all your help!

Halloween News!

Our Halloween Party is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 31st from 11:15-12:00.  Students are asked to bring their Halloween costumes to school in a bag clearly labeled with his/her name.  Please have your child leave small items at home, so items will not get lost before trick or treat.   Our rooms parents may contact you to provide food/beverages, or to volunteer to help out at our classroom party. The children are getting excited for Halloween!