My students participated in the Hour of Code today seeing first hand how to program a game in order to make programs run. They were so engrossed in each project they actually groaned when I told them they needed to log off so we could go home.
For more information go to: http://code.org
It was great walking around and watching the problem solving, determination and joy expressed by students!
So excited that our Scholastic news magazines arrived! Our school is currently participating in a drive called, "Random acts of Kindness" where students are encouraged to donate items to others. Today students read their first issue called "Giving for the Holidays." I loved how relevant the topic was to their lives. The magazine is available online so I was able to pull it up on the board to read along with students. The online version includes videos, games, and allows me to write or highlight on the magazine. This issue asked students questions and as we discussed it together, I could write the answers. What a fantastic resource! We were so blessed to receive this grant.
I did post two new grants asking for sets of books so everyone could read together. I borrowed a set of books from another teacher and the students and I have really enjoyed reading and being able to discuss the book as a class.
For the first 7 days the Disney company will match all donations with the code:DISNEY
A parent had already given us a twenty dollar gift card to use on our next project, so we are on our way!
This week each student chose an animal to create that represented them. The animals were combined to make class totem poles. Students used construction paper and paint samples to create these amazing totem poles. FYI: My local hardware store was SUPER generous and donated a large box of paint samples for us to use!
And here is our bulletin board with the individual student totem poles.
One area of focus for the Social Studies standards for Second grade is understanding "cultural contributions" made by people within the United States. Students are also expected to understand how traditions are passed down from one generation to another and understand these traditions will continue over time.
During our recent studies of Native Americans students learned the role of Native Americans and the customs and traditions of different tribes. Students were given the assignment to create a Totem Pole with three symbols and a picture sharing with others more about them, their family, and their heritage.
As students presented so many shared their excitement and surprise as they discovered where they came from. One student told me she had no idea she had so many people in her family.
I loved reading Juliana's paragraph where she wrote that her mothers family were Coal Miners from the mountains of Kentucky. Hannah chose a whale as one of her symbols. In her paragraph she wrote, "My dad is in the Army. When he was away I had to be brave and that is the symbol of the whale."
Edward explained that he chose the rattlesnake jaw as one of his symbols because it stood for strength. He said,"My family has strength because we always work together." Natalie told us about her families tradition of going to her Grandmothers house every Christmas morning.
Trevor explained that he and his twin brother Tyler worked with their Grandfather to create their Totem Poles. It was so heartwarming to hear how they worked together to create a totem pole that represented their family, customs, and traditions.
I was so proud of my students and loved hearing their amazing stories! We learned so much about each other, our families, traditions, and heritage.
Edward
Chrissa
Elliott
Kole
Ally
Hannah
Trevor: front view of Totem Pole
Side view: actual branch used for Totem Pole!
Kellan
Allena
Jeremiah
Adriyana
Caitlin
Jake
Natalie
Kristopher Michael
Henslee
Grant
Jacob
Luke
Today we received a box of 25 seat sacks that were donated to our classroom through a Grant funded with Donors Choose. I wish I had videotaped my students! They were sooooo excited to open these and immediately put them to use. When the box came, I knew immediately what they were. I gathered the students around me and opened the box to reveal what was inside. They went nuts! I immediately heard, "Oh Yea", "We will never have to pick up our things AGAIN", "Man these things are awesome", and "I am so glad we got these. These things are going to make my life so much easier."
I knew our seat sacks were stretched out and I knew they were an issue; this is exactly why I wrote the grant. What I didn't realize was just how much of an issue they were for my students. I am so grateful to the six donors for supporting our classroom and helping us receive these amazing resources! I bought the original seat sacks and it is true, you get what you pay for! I didn't get a good deal after all.
Why seat sacks? Well, we've been very blessed through Donors Choose and have gotten dry erase boards, erasers and markers for every student. Through another grant, every student has their own dictionary to keep at their desk to help them with their writing. The dictionaries have lines for students to write their own words for later use. This allows a dictionary to truly meet students needs. These materials are used everyday and need to be easily accessible for students.
The new seat sacks hold Everything WITHOUT sagging, tipping, or sliding off. Just look at their faces! It felt like Christmas and they were so grateful!
The seat sacks seem like such a small thing, but it makes such a difference in our room!
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