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Welcome to Mrs. Shaw's Second Grade Classroom!
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Check out our newest proposal on Donors Choose:
Looking to the Past to Create the Future: A Look at Heritage!

Our proposal, Clean Grean Watershed Protection has been fully funded by RBC Blue Water Project and will benefit second graders in the upcoming school year and years to come! Yippee!!!

11/17/09     Room 12 second graders painted their leaf bowls, completed another portion of the July art, and went on a leaf walk today to gather inspiring leaves. We also worked with a partner to make sure our realistic fiction stories make sense and have a beginning, middle, and end. For our social studies, community learning we focused on the places we live, work, and play, and in math we practiced taking timed math facts in the classroom.

11/16/09     Today we had an art day to complete some more of the art for our holiday art calendars! We finished three and a half projects and worked hard! We also viewed two short videos about community and focused on our aha moments of learning.

11/13/09     During shared reading we buddy read a bit, and then we practiced giving interviews to our friends in order to prepare for our community interviews. In RWs we continued to focus on finding the main character in books by focusing on what characters want. During word study we made words using the hard o sound. After runch we focused on creating meaningful solutions to large problems in our realistic fiction stories. During handwriting we learned how to make z: go across, slide down, go across! Next we took a science assessment to see how much we learned and then we took a math assessment.

11/12/09     Today we visited the Shoreline Historical Museum to solidify our social studies, community learning - thank you volunteers! After runch we focused on making a problem that will grip the reader and begin the story in WWs. For handwriting we learned how to make x: slide down, slide down! After that we went to community time with the other second grade classes and focused on how to show respect. In science we investigated motion by using runways, marbles, and rolling.

11/10/09     For shared reading we reread, The Postman and discussed the difference between wants and needs in a community. In RWs we learned to pick out the main character by focusing on who wants something in the story. For example, Oliver Button wanted to dance, Peter wanted to whistle, and Ann Estelle wanted to be queen in the play. During word study we focused on soft o sounds and threw in a few hard o sounds as well. For WWs we learned that authors provide background information at the beginning of a story to ease the reader in to it, sort of like you ease into a hot tub or bath. In handwriting we learned that some English words originated from Latin and we saw how they combined to make words we know, such as microscope and submarine. During science we learned that in order to make an object roll (have motion) we neede a ramp that provided a slope. For math today we continued with our 3D shapes and added to our geometric vocabulary: edge, vertex, apex.

11/9/09     During shared reading we read, The Postman and discussed that there are four main needs in any community: post office, school, grocery store, and a community gathering place. In RWs we focused on how to find the main character in a story; one strategy is to look at the cover because many times the main character will be illustrated on the cover. In word study we categorized the words into groups that were alike, and counted the words on our word wall...we have 196!!! During WWs we focused on creating problems that grab the reader in our realistic fiction stories. For handwriting we continued our learning about paragraph writing: three sentences all focused on the same topic. After that we read a bit more in, The Sisters Grimm and were introduced to Mr. Charming and Mr. Seven. In math we learned about 3D shapes and how to identify their 2D parts, and faces.

11/6/09     Today Mrs. Whitney was the guest teacher and they worked on many different skills and strategies as well as attended the Veterans Day assembly.

11/5/09     For shared reading we learned that when a book or poem reminds you of another book or text it is a text-to-text connection. During RWs we discussed stamina and how that means that you do something for a length of time with focus - we practiced our reading stamina today. In word study we focused in 'igh' words and how they say hard i sound. In WWs we continued our focus on problems that lead to solutions. For handwriting we did a word search and practiced writing the letters we have learned so far. After that we read a bit more in, The Sisters Grimm. In community time we talked about respect and then we did our leaf bowls. Our day ended with Ryan's VIP celebration.

11/4/09     During shared reading we focused on adjectives and how the describe things. In RWs we continued to focus on the use of a timeline to plot out a character's journey. For wor study we continued with the hard and soft i words. During WWs we learned that a realistic fiction story always has a problem and a solution, and they need to balance each other out. For handwriting we further practiced turning an h into a b with some rhyming words and a sentence as well as some h to r practice letters. Ask your kiddo for an update to our read aloud, The Sisters Grimm: Fairy-Tale Detectives...it's getting interesting! In math today we learned how to describe angles: obtuse, acute, and right.

11/3/09     For shared reading we continued with, Autumn Leaves and focused on repetition because it makes the poem more bouncy and rhythmic, as well as more fun to read! During RWs we worked on making a timeline to map our a character's journey: we used, Where the Wild Things Are. For word study we continued to work with the hard i vowel. In WWs we learned that all stories follow a sequence and to plan our our realistic fiction stories we can use: beginning, middle, end, or we can plan it across our five fingers to make a longer booklet. For handwriting we learned how to make neat and tidy h and then turn the h into a b: dive down, swim up and over, down...then to make a b you dive down, swim up and over, around, bump! In math we learned about parellel lines and how they may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

11/2/09     During shared reading we read, Autumn Leaves and focused on our visions and creating movements based on our visions of the poem. In RWs we began our new unit which highlights characters in books, and the journeys they take (emotional and literal). In word study we practiced soft e and i words, and hard i words. For WWs we began writing our realistic fiction stories and learned that stories have a sequence: beginning, middle, end. During handwriting we practiced n and m: dive down, swim up and over, down and then make an n, swim up and over, down! For our working snack we finished up our Sisters Grimm characters and background and tomorrow we will pick up in the book. For math we practiced identifying geometric shapes and learned the word meanings: tri=3, pent=5, hex=6, and oct=8. Then we began a Bill Nye DVD about balance to reinforce our learning from the past couple weeks. If you would like to continue this learning at home you may borrow Bill Nye DVDs from the public library, or challenge yourself to build a balanced mobile using found objects (old, scratched CDs, twigs, toys, etc.).

10/30/09     Today for shared reading we focused on buddy reading and how a partner can help you answer questions that come up during reading. In RWs we discussed the importance of not only knowing the words in your reading, but understanding the story because it will help you enjoy your reading more deeply! During word study we categorized the words we've been making based on similarities in our groups. For WWs we cleaned out our writing folders and began thinking about realistic fiction stories and what they are. In handwriting we learned two diver letters, p and r - dive down, swim up and over, around, bump! and dive down, swim up and over! Then in math we learned that 100 centimeters = 1 meter and used that knowledge to estimate how tall, in centimeters, various items were. After that we had our harvest party and made fantastic things, and won fantastic things. Thank you to Annalise for making this party come together, and all the parent volunteers for the supplies and time. Have a safe, fun weekend!!!

10/29/09     During shared reading we focused on 'ee' and how it says hard e and then looked for words containing 'ee' in other poems we are familiar with. For RWs we discussed how it is important for readers to use all the strategies they know to understand the story. In word study we continued focusing on soft and hard a sounds. After runch we had our Writer's Celebration - thank you so much to the parents, grandparents, and one principal who showed up to make it extra special. During handwriting we learned that a paragraph consists of at least three sentences about the same topic, while practicing our best printing. The entire second grade cohort had shared community time with our wonderful family advocate and talked about respect: how to show it and give it. In math we practiced using centimeters on a ruler to measure various items, and during science we talked about how when a top is in motion it is spinning, or rotating on its axis. Our day ended with Jayme's V.I.P. celebration - check out the image gallery!

10/28/09     Today in shared reading we learned that asking questions during reading can help us understand the poem more deeply. For RWs we discussed the importance of not only reading the words, but understanding the words and what they mean! For word study we continued focusing on soft and hard a words. During WWs we learned that to "fancy up" our small moments means: color the sketches, add a cover including illustration, title, and author. In handwriting we reinforced our learning of plurals with a sheet dedicated to plurals...and there were some tricky ones in there - plural of goose anyone? For our working snack we made plans for creating our story board characters in, The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives, so that every person in the team contributes to the characters or setting. During math we learned that another standard measurement is the centimeter and we practiced using this standard measurement to measure pencils. Room 12 scientists began their motion learning today and we investigated how to make a top and learned that tops are in motion and they spin, or rotate. Check out our image gallery!

10/27/09     During shared reading we practiced envisioning what we read and drew sketches. In RWs we learned that readers use all the strategies they know to tackle tricky words. In word study we worked in soft a and e words. For WWs we learned that when we get our ideas down it is called a first draft, and then when we rewrite on a fresh booklet it is called our second draft (this one needs to be uber neat and tidy - words and sketches). During handwriting we learned that you make a y by sliding down, then sliding down, and a j by going down, turn, dot! During our working snack each team received their specific character or setting and we began making more detailed sketches of our visions. For math we learned that a meter is a bit longer than a yard (by three inches!) and is used in the metric system of measurement. In science we created balancing pencils by creating a stable balance point, wire to create equal balance above and below the balance point, and counterweight placed accordingly.

10/26/09     Today in shared reading we talked about getting the meaning out of a poem, and how there is no right or wrong answer because meaning is specific to the person. For RWs we learned that we can replace tricky words that we may not use as often, with a synonym of a more familiar word. During book talk we focused on being good listeners for our partners (eyes on them, hands quiet). In word study we focused on soft a and hard a sounds. In WWs we learned that writing partnerships can help us fix spelling and sentence structure as well as make sure our small moments make more sense. For handwriting we learned that capital l is big line down, little line across, lowercase l is big line down, and capital k is big line down, karate kick! and lowercase k is big line down, hiiya! During math we learned that three feet is equal to one yard and then used yard sticks in partnerships to measure various things around the classroom. For science we continued to solidify our understanding of balance and our expert language with part one of the pencil trick. Check out our new photos in the image gallery!

10/23/09     During shared reading we worked on buddy reading for enjoyment and to have book talk (alright, poem talk) afterward. Buddy reading can help you read tricky words, build rhythm while reading, and grab the meaning of a poem through discussion. For RWs we talked about how knowing sight words in a snap will help you read more challenging books because you won't encounter as many tricky words! In word study we focused on soft a and i sounds. During WWs we learned that readers can see through an exaggeration and so it's best to make sure your small moments are telling what actually happened. For handwriting today we learned the hand motions for uppercase (palm and fingers flat out) and lowercase letters (tall lowercase letters are fist with pointer finger pointing, short lowercase letters are a fist, and lowercase letters that drop below the line are a thumbs down fist). In read aloud we focused on envisioning what the characters look like, and how mental images can change with new information the author writes. After that the Richmond Beach librarian stopped by with some great information about library cards and checking out books...GET TO IT! Our day ended with measuring with the standard measurement of inches and some music. Happy weekend!

10/22/09     For shared reading today we learned that the more times you read text, the better you get at it, and the more you understand (I do this when I read emails, articles, and books). In RWs we learned that you can tackle a tricky word by seeing if it reminds you of another word you know how to read in a snap. During word study we focused on soft i and e vowels. For WWs we learned that if we are using best guess spelling we can see if the word we are trying to spell sounds like another word we know how to spell in a snap - if it does, then you are pretty darn close to spelling it correctly (probably!). Instead of handwriting today we went to the computer lab and did some art using KidPix for our holiday calendars. In math we discussed standard measurements and why they are so important. Our day ended with our VIP celebration of Kallon.

10/21/09     During shared read aloud we talked about how envisioning can help us understand and connect to our reading. In RWs we learned that by figuring out the end of the tricky word (endings are more simple) we can focus on the meat of the tricky word. For word study we worked with soft e and i, and hard i words. During WWs we learned that we can spell tricky words by chunking into smaller, familiar words we already know how to spell. In handwriting we learned you make a 'u' by going down, travel, go up, back down, bump! You make lowercase 'i' with a small line, dot! And you make 'e' by hitting the ball, running the bases, and stop! In math we further discussed the standard measurement of an inch, and used inches to measure each other and compare data. For science we tested our investigation skills by looking at illustrations of possible balancing positions and deciding if they would balance or if they would not.

10/20/09   For shared reading we discussed contractions and how they are just two words that are smushed together, then we looked over our poems and tried to figure out what the two words were that make contractions. In Reading Workshop (RWs) we focused on tackling tricky words by skipping, reading ahead, and rereading to figure out the word based on what would make sense. For word study we made words with soft e and soft i. During Writing Workshop (WWs) we discussed that when doing our best guess spelling we should stretch the word out like gum and listen for the beginning, middle, and ending - the word may not be spelled perfectly, but it should be darn close! In handwriting we practiced punctuation and taking pride in our work (not only during handwriting, but throughout the day and even on homework!!!). For read aloud we read the rest of, How to Behave and Why and talked about what message we would take from the book in our hearts forever and ever. We had some pretty deep thinking (none of the kiddie pool, shallow thinking here!!!). For math we began thinking about standard and non-standard forms of measurement and in science we solidified our knowledge of balance and continued using our expert language to describe our investigations. Check out our pictures!

10/19/09     During shared reading we tried to get at the meaning of the poem, I'm a Frozen Icicle (what was the poem really saying?). For RW we learned that if you encounter a tricky word and you've tried all the strategies you can ask a neighbor for help...not the answer! For word study we put our words in alphabetical order and they will go back up on the word wall. In WW we talked about puncutation (. ! ?) and how they help the writer tell the reader how to read the words - just like Kevin Henkes! During handwriting we reinforced our knowledge of using magic c to make the letters, a, d, g, q, and o with silly spelling words. Room 12 mathematicians began thinking about measurement and the different tools used to measure, and the different things we can measure using tools. For science we further investigated balance with a particular focus on counterweight not only needing to be equal on the sides, but on the top and bottom as well.

10/16/09     For our shared reading today we created movements and focused on doing our jobs, participating, and working together - check out the pictures of the presentations in our image gallery. In RW we learned that we can tackle tricky words by asking ourselves, "What would fit?" and "What would make sense?" We also discussed that readers use many strategies while reading, never just one. After that we took our spelling test, and cut out our word wall words, and then scurried off to library. *Special note: thank you parents for such great conferences this week. I know it was a bit harried time-wise, and yet I feel like we got quite a bit accomplished through our discussions. The goals we set will allow Room 12 students to aim high and be successful. Happy weekend!

10/15/09   During our shared reading, Four Seasons, we focused on sentence structure. In RW we learned that readers can tackle words by chunking them into smaller portions or small words. During our word study we worked with soft 'i' words, and then we learned about balance points and counterweight in science.

10/14/09     Today in our shared reading we focused on commas and how they are used when items are listed (and they are not quotations, semicolons, or apostraphes). In RW we learned that we can tackle tricy words by using the picture clues and guessing, and then take it a step further by crosschecking that the first letter in the word with your guessed word. In word study we categorized our words by vowels (soft vowes and hard vowels) and the problem solved our ever-growing word wall! For science today we began our balance investigations - be SURE to ask your kiddos about it, I'm sure their explanations will blow you away! Expert language we learned today: investigation, balance, equal weight, stable. 

10/13/09     During shared reading we focused on the soft and hard sounds vowels make, and began to discuss the idea that some times vowels are seen, but not heard. During RW we learned that this month we are going to learn strategies to tackle tricky words - it's sort of like when you are riding your bike, skateboard, or skooter and you hit a bump it the road...do you give up? NO! For word study we focused on soft 'e' and soft 'a' words. In WW we learned that in order to help the reader read our small moments we must use sentence structure - this helps the reader breathe, and read the words the way we would like them to. During handwriting we learned the magic c helps us make a, d, and g and practiced those letters. During working snack we read, How to Behave and Why. For math we took another check-up quiz to see if I need to re-teach anything. Our day ended with music.

10/12/09    For shared read aloud today we used a poem titled, Four Seasons. This poem uses nonsense words because they rhyme. Some times poets will use nonsense words because they rhyme, add some whimsy, or are just funny. During R.W. we learned how to take an AR test - woohoo! During word study we focused on soft 'o' words and then played a word game where students have to guess the secret word based on clues. During W.W. we learned that in order to continue thinking about the reader we need to use our resources to spell correctly: best guess, word wall, dictionary, or other classroom resources. During handwriting today we learned about the Magic C Bunny (how to make him - with a napkin, and how the magic c helps us make the letters a, d, g, o, and q). We took our spelling pre-test, and then did a math check in to see how much we learned during September math review.

10/8/09     *Don't forget! No school tomorrow! For shared read aloud we focused on how some times words don't sound like they look - this is because the English language borrows words from different languages and modifies them. So, next time you come to a word that doesn't look like it sounds you know why! During R.W. we talked about how to sign up to take an AR test (next week we will learn how to take AR tests). In word study we continued to focus on 'o' in it's soft form. During W.W. we learned that writers can think about the readers when they are forming their letters - who would purchase a book that had sloppy writing? In handwriting we further studied the idea of making letters look neat and tidy, and the same size when we practiced writing a paragraph. During math we continued working on time, this time reading the difference between two times (challenging!). Please practice reading an analog clock with your kiddos whenever possible!!! We took our spelling test, and then finished our day with some vowel bingo. Have a nice weekend.

10/7/09     During shared reading we focused on the vowel, 'o' and how it can make a soft sound or a hard sound. During R.W. we learned that we find just right AR books in the library and their purpose is to allow me to see how many books they are reading, and if they are understanding the books through AR tests. After runch we did some word work with the soft o sound and then we dove into our next focus as writers: thinking about our readers! We learned that if our favorite authors didn't write so that we could read it, spell words correctly, or use sentence structure (so that we could breathe!) they probably wouldn't be our favorite authors! Sad. During handwriting we worked on the letter, 'Tt' and figured out that capital T is tall and has a top, lower case t is also tall, but crosses in the middle! For math we worked on telling time on analog and digital clocks, as well as using the vocabulary of o'clock and half past. Before P.E. we had a talk about when to use the restroom (and that's not a place to play - YUCK!!!) and when to get drinks of water. *Remeber, we do not have school on Friday, so our spelling test will be tomorrow!

10/6/09     Today we focused on vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and learned that vowels are the music in words during our shared reading time (we also learned that tongue twisters are really fun to say super-fast!). During Reading Workshop we learned how to shop for books: one time per week (on specified day), get multiple books (just right, interested in, and will enjoy), and be efficient (no dilly dallying!). During Word Study we put up our words from last week (we worked on short e) and then after runch we had our first mini writer's celebration. During handwriting we learned about capital partners (c, o, s, v, w) and how they are just mini versions of the uppercase. After library we made some art to go in our art calendars...  ***A lot of paperwork is coming home today since I was not at school last week - we have a slight backlog (yeesh!). Spelling pre-tests, spelling tests, small moments from September, old homework packets, new homework packet (week 4), and some notices. The notices are VERY important!!! They include information on: conferences, VIP, and walk-a-thon.

10/5/09     Wow - I'm finally back after a long absence! Today we eased back into things with an art day. We learned about impressions and creating artistic interpretations of famous works of art. I cannot divulge any more information (it's a Room 12 secret). What I can tell you, however is we worked on two different projects... VIP weeks are being sent home tomorrow on peach colored paper and are posted on our events site under "VIP."

9/28/09     The bug is going around! I went home sick this morning, and will not be in tomorrow either. Ms. Swanson came to Room 12's rescue and will be our substitute tomorrow too. She has, and will work on envisioning in Reading Workshop, clarifying and adding details in Writing Workshop, posture and sentence structure in handwriting, and place value in math.

9/25/09     Today we learned that what makes us laugh in text is the mental images we get! The same can be said for jokes and some times even T.V. news anchors get tongue-tied (did you get a mental image of *that*?!). During Reading Workshop we learned that readers can continue to take charge of their reading by listening to their inner voices to help them make choices about just right books. For word study we put our new words up on our Word Wall...we are now at...72 words!!!!!  After runch we learned that writers can use punctuation (. ? !) to tell the reader how to read their writing - oh, and punctuation also helps the reader to BREATHE! In handwriting we learned how to make center starting capitals...they start in the...center... We also sang a rousing rendition of, Where Do You Start Your Letters? AT THE TOP! For read aloud we read one of my all time faves, Chrysanthemum and focused on how the reader feels what the character feels through connections, and looking at the facial expressions in the illustrations. After that we did some TTL, took our spelling test, did some review math (addition, subtraction, number sense, etc.) and our day ended with some music - la la la!

9/24/09     Don't forget!!! Curriculum Night is TONIGHT!!! Today we began with our shared poem, A Mouse In Her Room, and we noticed that we could change the rhyming words to create an even funnier poem! Before runch we did art switch and my kiddos got to go to Ms. Airhart's class...and they earned TWO (count 'em!) WOW slips for outstanding behavior - woohoo!!! Our word study today used a double letter (b) and we further focused on the correct spelling of small words and manipulation to create new words. During Writing Workshop we discussed proper sentence structure and the importance of it for the reader to read your work! In handwriting we learned the starting corner capitals, practiced our typing with TTL, and our day ended with my Very Important Person (VIP) celebration.

9/23/09     Today we started off with our shared poem, A Mouse In Her Room and we discussed how the gender of the person in the poem could be changed by chaning words such as: her, she, and Miss to his, he, and Mr. During Reading Workshop we learned that readers can futher take charge of their reading by using the five-finger rule determine whether a book is too challenging, too easy, or just right. For Writing Workshop we learned how to use best guess spelling for those tricky words and listen for the beginning, middle, and end. For handwriting we learned about frog jump capitals, then we practiced our typing in the lab with TTL, and our day ended with P.E.

9/22/09     Happy first day of fall!!! Our day  began with a new shared poem, A Mouse In Her Room, and the focus was on reading with rhythm - makes it more enjoyable to listen to and read...and helps you read smooth like butter! For Reading Workshop we learned a just right book is like a just right jacket - it feels good and fits perfectly. Be sure to ask about what I did with clothing...I received quite the laugh! Before runch we did art switch with the other second grade classes and my kids went to Ms. Detert's class to do fall trees. After runch we worked on some word study and focused on creating words using the vowels 'i' and 'u'. During Writing Workshop we discussed uber zoomed-in small moments which really focus on things like feelings or facial expressions. For handwriting today we had a mini-celebration (ask your kids to show you what that means) because...are you ready?...we finished our number writing lessons! So, we filled in the same sheet we completed at the beginning of our number writing to see how much better we are doing now! Our day ended with a spelling pre-test and some review math.

9/21/09     Today was an art day. We had two half finished projects and one that needed to get finished for Curriculum Night this Thursday. We practiced finishing our work in a timely manner, being Self Managers, and working independently. My second graders also worked on their typing skills in lab today and we finished up with P.E.

9/18/09     During our shared reading we looked for it, in, is, if in Take Me Out to the Ball Game and for Reading Workshop we learned that readers can take even further charge of their reading by setting daily goals and meeting them. In our word study today we made words using the vowel u. After runch Room 12 learned how to make gorgeous 10s: big line down, frog jump! big curve, back up to the top. Then we did some leaf art using multiples of three with Ms. Vidlak's 3rd graders! Next we practiced our typing skills in the lab with TTL and our day ended with music. Happy weekend!

9/17/09    Today we found the words am, at, an, am in our shared song, Take Me Out to the Ball Game and then in Reading Workshop we learned how to take charge (fist in the air!) of our reading by choosing books we are interested in, sitting where we can be successful, and deciding what we are going to talk about during book talk. For word study today we categorized the words we've been working with all week by words within the words, how many letters in the words, and alphabetical order. So far, we've put 47 sight words on our word wall - and the best part...WE KNOW HOW TO SPELL THEM!!! In Writing Workshop today we leanrned how to add details to our small moments by thinking about who? what? and where? For handwriting we learned that you make a nine by using a little curve, up to the corner, big line down. During our working snack we read a book titled, Shhhh! It's a Secret! and learned that secrets don't make friends, but are sure to make you a bit crazy! In math we reinforced number patterns with the 100 chart and then we did some math centers focusing on telling time, addition/subtraction facts, and fact families.

9/16/09    During our shared poem we talked about how some words can be replaced with other words and the meaning will stay the same. We practiced with Take Me Out to the Ball Game. For Reading Workshop we learned how to take charge of our reading by thinking about what we like to read, when we like to read, and how we like to read. In our word study we began making larger words using two vowels, 'a' and 'i'. For Writing Workshop we learned how to use lables in our sketches so that the reader can know what is happening in the small moment without even reading the text! In handwriting we learned that to write an eight you begin with an S and go back to to top. For read aloud we had the chance to read three Kevin Henkes books and focus on how the characters were, or were not being Self Managers. The three books were: Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick, Julius's Candy Corn, and Owen's Marshmallow Chick (these are in his, A Box of Treats Collection - I found mine at Third Place Books!). Room 12 went to the lab to practice typing skills, and then we did some review math. Our day ended with music.

9/15/09    Today we began by taking the STAR test to find our just right books for the Accelerated Reading (AR) program. After that we learned, through our shared poem that we can get our mouths ready to say a word simply by looking at the first letter! Then we discussed the idea of silent sustained reading (SSR) and how readers, look, sound, and act during that time. Next we continued our work with 'i' during word study. For Writing Workshop today we learned how to zoom in to the best part of an experience to begin a small moment. After that we learned that you write a seven by using a little line across, big line slide down. For our read aloud today we read, Never Spit on Your Shoes and discussed how the characters were, or were not being Self Managers in the book. Next we went to the computer lab and did some typing practice with TTL. In math we focused on tens and ones groupings. Our day ended with our first spellling pre-test. *The first homework packet goes home today!!! Be sure to look at it and inquire with your students because we went over what to do today!!!

9/14/09     Our day began with a shared poem...does anybody know a little diddy called, Take Me Out to the Ball Game? We highlighted all the 'i' words in the shared poem. Room 12 als discussed what the best readers they know look like and sound like and we practiced being the best readers we know how to be today during Reading Workshop. During our word study time we began looking at the vowel 'i' and we focused on purposefully moving letters around to make new words. For Writing Workshop my writers and I created a shared seed, small moment (I knocked the chart over! YIKES!) - and we practiced zooming in on the most important part and stretching the moment out across four pages. During handwriting we worked on making sixes - big line down, curl up in the corner. Afterward we read, David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon and noticed how he probably used small moments from his life to write his books. Then we worked on our typing skills in the lab with TTL, did a little review math, and then went to P.E. Phew!

9/11/09     Today we began our day with...a fire drill! Yeehaw! The kids did so well. After that we worked on crosschecking words by looking at the first part and the last part to make sure that we were reading them correctly. Then we did some word study and focused on the simple act of moving one or two letters around to create whole new words. During Writing Workshop we further discussed the idea of focusing in on a small moment and in handwriting we learned that fives are made with, little line down, little curve, FROG JUMP!, little line across. Then we read Chowder and learned that some times readers read and don't really pay attention to what they're reading!!! Do you ever do that? We learned that the remedy is to just go back and reread - it's what readers do! Room 12 also had the opportunity to practice typing in the lab and our day ended with music. Happy Friday!

9/10/09     Room 12 began the day with the third verse of our shared poem, The Cow and then in Reading Workshop we learned that the whipsper phone can help us listen to ourselves read choppy (tricky words!) the first time and then smooth like butter the second time around. After that we did some word study and put new words on our word wall. We furthered our use of word wall words by highlighting them in our poems. Next we learned that writers do not write a watermelon story (from waking up to going to bed) because it can sound a bit like a grocery list - and who wants to read a list?...writers write about a seed moment (a small moment that focuses on one thing). Then we worked on 4s in handwriting - small line down, small line across, big line down. During our working snack we read, Lily's Purple Plastic Purse and focused on how she was...or was not (wink) a Self Manager. Our day ended with some TTL in the lab and we began our book squares with our books that changed our lives for inspiration.

9/9/09    During Reading Workshop we learned how to use our whisper phones (they are so that readers can hear how smoothly they're reading, and to cut down on classroom noise). We also learned the second verse in our shared poem, The Cow and continued to focus on how movements help us remember words. After that we did some Word Study and runch. Next we learned that writers can also think of small moments to write about by thinking about someone they love and during handwriting we learned that you make a three with a little curve, little curve. After that we read, Howard B. Wigglebottom Listens to His Heart and focused on being true to yourself even when others are not being Self Managers. Then we visited the computer lab to do some Type to Learn (TTL) and focused on correct finger placement on the keyboard as well as getting 100% accuracy on typing. Our day ended with P.E.

9/8/09     Today we learned how to reread smoothly until the end of the line or sentence (after first reading for tricky words!). We also worked on our word study by purposefully moving letters in three, four, and five letter words to create new words. After runch we continued discussing the idea that adventures and memories can create small moment booklets. After that we learned that to write a '2' you use a big curve, little line across. We read, Hey There Ant! and focused on how to be kind and put yourself in someone else's shoes. Room 12 mathematicians had the opportunity to group tens and ones to make numbers - you can do this at home with simple manipulatives such as: beads, macaroni, buttons, crayons, popscicle, etc.

9/4/09     Happy Friday! Today we had our first all-school assembly! Room 12 was a very responsible audience. After that we read a couple short books focusing on how readers use pictures to figure out tricky words. Then we did some more word study to see how moving a letter in three and four letter words makes new words. After runch my second grade writers began using booklets to write about their adventures in small moments (true adventure stories). During handwriting we learned 1 is written with a big line down and practiced making perfect ones. Then we discussed how the characters in the book, Teasing were Self Managers, or were not Self Managers. After recess we did some more math using the 100 chart and practiced counting by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s. Our day ended with a new shared poem (the first verse) and music. What a great first week of school! Have a wonderful three day weekend.

9/3/09     Wow! What a day! Today we began with a read aloud that focused on pointing to each word so you don't get lost in the text. After that we practiced our shared poem, Apples are Red, and focused on putting clues next to each line of the poem in order to help us recall the words more easily. Next we had our very first Reading Workshop where we learned that the mini lesson is where the teacher teaches a skill or a strategy, and then independent reading is when students get to read books at their desks. We also learned that readers pick books based on personal experience and interest in a topic. Then we did some word study where we learn that by purposefully changing where letters are in a word we can create new words....and this was all before runch!!! Then we discussed that writers write about their adventures (check out the image gallery for some great photos!). After that it was math time, so we did some 100 chart practice by playing a couple games and our day ended with Self Manager presentations, and the reading of Cha-Cha Chimps. Great news today...every student in Room 12 is a Self Manager!!! They are kind, helpful, safe, responsible, and honest! Way to go, second graders!!! Don't forget the purple writing folder is due tomorrow! I need to laminate them tomorrow so I can cut them out over the weekend and they can be ready to go on Tuesday for Writing Workshop.

9/2/09     TODAY STUDENTS WILL DISMISS FROM MUSIC. Happy first day of school! We had SO much to do today! First, we organized our supplies and figured out what stayed in our desks. Room 12 second graders also made pattern book marks, colored their Self Manager badges, and learned about what Self Managers are: kind, helpful, safe, responsible, and honest. After that we went to runch and then came back to learn about the different ways kids around the world get to school with the book, This is the Way We Go to School. After that we took some data and entered it into our graphs (transportation and last years teacher)...and then...are you ready for this?...we did some DATA ANALYSIS!!! Yeparoo! Ask your kiddo about it! Then we wrapped up our day with a working snack, Self Manager posters, and a shared reading poem called, Apples are Red. "Homework" (wink, wink) was sent home today in a purple folder - there is a letter regarding the directions inside. Reminder: send in a picture book that has changed your child's life, and a 4x6" photo if you haven't done so already.

9/1/09     Thank you for coming to meet me today at Meet the Teacher! It was a pleasure to see you all and I know this year is going to be fun, exciting, and full of new learning! Don't forget to bring a picture book that has changed your life and a 4x6" photo of yourself for the first day of school...TOMORROW!!! Yeah!    

I write a daily blog where you can check to see what we've done throughout the day and it is a great conversation tool for when your student says, "Um, I don't know..." in regards to the school day - because you know they will! I can't wait to meet you!