Aquarium Field Trip Part 3

At the end of our time at the Two Oceans Aquarium, we watched the penguins being fed.  We learned about baby penguins and why the parents of chicks get so hungry.  Some of us even glimpsed one that was hiding away!  We are all excited for our next field trip in second term.

Aquarium Field Trip Part 2

After our class, we had free reign inside the aquarium to complete a challenging scavenger hunt for creatures of the sea!  Thank you to all of the chaperones (Sos, Francien, Ahnjayla, Robin, and Joanne) who made everyone's day safe and special. 

Aquarium Field Trip Part 1

When we got to the aquarium, we took a class about different reef animals: the sea urchin, sea anemone, and the starfish.  We even got to touch all three animals!  Our instructor (and Ms. Anderson) was very impressed by our knowledge of the oceans and its animals.  We blew everyone away when we started talking about symbiotic relationships!

Science with Mr. Adkins

Yesterday we took an in-school field trip to Mr. Adkins' high school science lab to see his salt water and fresh water fish tanks.  While we were there, students started asking about some of the experiments around the room from his chemistry students.  Mr. Adkins showed us a few different chemical reactions that were quite interesting!  In one, he dropped a 20 cent coin in a beaker of acid, and right before our eyes the coin started to disappear!  Here's a picture of what the coin looked like after the reaction. We couldn't believe how thin it was!  We think we'll definitely have to visit Mr. Adkins' room again for some more demonstrations...

Meet Pamela Kawuma, our T.A.

We are so lucky to have Ms. Pam, a 12th grader, as our T.A. this year in Grade 2!  She comes to help in the classroom for a few periods on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Pam is an incredibly hard worker and a caring addition to our classroom.  We are always excited when she comes!

First Grade Friends

Today, Grade 1 came to our class to see our dioramas!  We are such experts now, we know our animals inside and out!  Amazing work, Second Graders.

Kindergarten Buddies.... Ocean Museum!

Grade 2 is buddies with Kindergarten, so we decided to invite them to our ocean museum we've created with our dioramas!  Our buddies got to stop at each box to learn about 14 different animals.  We wrote a reflection about how we thought things went, and we all had a great time, but, as Mati says, "It was exhausting giving so much information!" Next we will share our dioramas with Grade 1.

Readers' Theater

After finishing a unit of study in Reading, we put on Readers' Theater.  This week, three different groups performed news scripts.  Acting out stories helps us read fluently, practicing our speed, accuracy, and expression. 

Diorama Mania!!!

I hope everyone had fun creating a diorama at home!  The boxes are a beautiful addition to our room.  This week we each gave an oral presentation to the class.  Students tried their best to remember all of their information, to speak clearly, and to make eye contact with the audience.  Way to go, Grade 2!

Nonfiction Text Features

In reading, we are learning about the different parts of a nonfiction book.  We identified 7 important features that are in most books, and we learned how to use them!  Can you find all of these parts in a nonfiction book at home?

American Coins

Ms. Anderson was very impressed bye everybody's Chapter 1 math test because everyone was able to identify and count American coins!  We all know how confusing and similar the coins can be... Way to go Second Graders!

Yellow Coin Project

The Yellow Coin Project is still going strong!  We need your help.  Here is some more information from the coordinator for this year, Shirley Donohue (donohue44@hotmail.com):

"The aim of the project is to collect people's small change and then twice a year, in December and June, divide the amount collected among the ground and cleaning staff.  This additional money is very much appreciated by them.  Although it is called the Yellow Coin Project, silver coins and notes are also welcomed!"

Please donate whatever you can, the class with the biggest amount wins a pizza party!  Go Grade 2!

Vowel Review

In phonics, we have reviewed and learned about several different sounds since the beginning of the year.  So far, we've covered the short vowels (apple, elephant, itch, octopus, up), the "magic e" that makes vowels long, and the long "e" pattern spelled -ee and -ea.  We all brainstormed our own words that had each of these sounds, then drew pictures! 

Welcome to our blog!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

Welcome to our 2nd Grade blog!  We are so excited to share stories and information about what's happening in our classroom.  Whenever something exciting happens, we will try to keep you updated with pictures and words.  Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Grade 2