Ye Olde School House

 1 room school house

 Boys Line- 3 helpers carrying in the firewood

Reciting the Pledge 

 Adding the wood to the stove

Filling the water pail 

 Pouring a drink of water

Ringing the bell 

 Eagerly awaiting our ink pens

 Using the ink pens

 Handwriting

Playing "Where's My Birdie?" 

 Punishment #1- nose on the chalkboard

 Punishment #2- Tape braids to chalkboard

Punishment #3- Dunce Cap 

Happy Photo 

Serious Photo

October 5-October 19

Hello Families,
We have had a great beginning of October! We ended September completing our Catching Compliments incentive. We earned an extra recess for adding  20 baseballs to our catching compliments baseball glove. This group of kids takes care of each other's feelings and work well together. Now we are starting a new incentive with a Fall theme- Kind Words Are Falling Out of our Mouths. At the end of everyday, we will share any kind words we heard someone say to us. Check the right sidebar to see what we are learning in 2nd Grade. Have a fabulous weekend!

Conferences- I am looking forward to meeting with everyone in the next two weeks to talk about where your child is and how we are going to progress throughout the year. I did send home a brief survey for you to fill out and return before your scheduled conference time. I appreciate your time. The Book Fair will be open beginning next week. Our class will go to a preview session where your child will make a book wish list. This is a great opportunity to participate in a school fundraiser and help build your child's love for reading. You could have your child earn their book i.e. cleaning up their room everyday, following directions at school, starting their homework right away...
4th Grade Buddies-We met with our 4th grade buddies for the second time. Mrs. Schultz and I are so excited about the learning partnerships that have been created. Our 4th grade buddies have prepared a book talk- they practice reading a book and prepare questions for their 2nd grade buddies to answer. It has been wonderful for the second graders to hear what a 4th grade reader sounds like and how they talk about books. I have notice3d my second graders using the same language during buddy reading in our own readers workshop. It has been a great experience so far!
Math Facts- We took our first addition math facts 3 minutes timed test this week. Fact Power is very important for kids to develop. Therefore, I encourage you to have your child practice basic math facts several nights a week. An addition fact is defined as a 1 digit number plus another 1 digit number (ex 4+5 not 15+19)
Ask Your Child
What is a sum?
What does balance mean?
What are three different types of communities? (urban, suburban and rural)
What are some strategies you can use to figure out a tricky word in reading?
What is a personal narrative? (A true story about yourself)
Reminders
*Ye Olde School House field trip slip and fee
*Conferences are coming- double check your calendar

Balancing a Pencil Trick

1st Post of the Year

Hello Families!
Welcome to our second grade blog. Please bookmark this site so you can refer to it weekly throughout the entire school year.
Reading Bag: After reading for 20 minutes, please help your child fill in the reading log with the book title and place the completed book bag in his/her backpack. It is vital to our reading program that your child brings the book back to school every day. Thank you for your help.
Assignment Notebook: Please sign your child's assignment notebook every night. If your child forgets it at school, check the blog to see what the assignments for the day are (see right sidebar)
Homework: spelling and math homework have officially begun. You can expect your child to have math homework every night, Monday-Thursday, and a new spelling packet most every week. The spelling packet will always be due on Friday. Please help your child work on their 6 high frequency words throughout the week.
MAP Tests: Your child completed MAP testing (a standardized test taken on the computer). We took a Reading, Math and Language test.While it is only one tool, it gives me great information to meet each child's academic needs and help them flourish in second grade. You will receive results later this fall.
Surprise Reader- Every Friday at 12:00, a parent surprise reader comes in to read one of their child's favorite picture books from home. It is my goal to have every family represented- it could be mom, dad, cousin, grandparent... I am flexible if the time/day does not work for your schedule. Please let me know and we can make special arrangements. I included all the open Fridays in the email I sent "The Blog Is Updated".
Healthy Snack- please have your child help you choose a healthy snack to bring to school each day. School is hard work and we move at a fast pace. It is important for your child to be fueled with foods that will give them energy and mind power to do their best. Foods high in sugar will cause their energy to spike and then plummet. Thank you for your support.
Ask Your Child:
Which read aloud did the class just finish? (Pirates Past Noon- Magic Tree House)
Can you retell me the story?
A community is a place where people...(live work, play and make decisions)
Where do writers get ideas? (from people or animals they love, something they love to do, something that frightens them, a place they love)
What is the sum? (The answer to an addition problem)
Who is your 4th grade reading buddy?
Mark Your Calendar:
Ice Cream Social Fri. Sept. 28 5:30-7:30 (this the rescheduled date)

 Save Freddy- Groupwork Activity

 Our Communities

 School Theme: What I Am Is...

Last Post of 2nd Grade

Hello Families! The conclusion of 2nd grade is officially upon us. What a wonderful year it has been! Here are the final notes:

Reader's Theatre- All are invited to our very informal Reader's Theatre presentations in our classroom on Monday June 4th at 2:45pm.

Bag with Handles- I do not like to send the kids home with everything on the last day of school, so we will plan to clean out our desks on Wednesday June 6th. Please send a bag with handles (paper or reusable) to school with your child on or before Wed. Thank you!

End of the Year Party- Our party is scheduled for Thursday, June 7 from 1:30-2:30. All are welcome to join us! A big thank you to our room parents this year for all their hard work. We truly appreciate your time and effort this year! Thank you!

Field Day-Although it was chilly (I think I was the only one who noticed), we had a great morning at field day. The kids cooperated, showed good sportsmanship and had lots of fun! Here are some photos:

 Imaginary Bench

 Clothespin Tag

 Birds in a nest

 Memory Hunt

Sled races

Village Hall Field Trip- We got an inside look into our community services and descision making at Elm Grove's Village Hall. We first got see how decisions are made and by whom in the community. Then we got to see in ins and outs of the fire station. Lastly, we we were able to go inside a squad car and go behind the scenes of the police station. It was a great trip that helped make strong comnnections to our social studies units.

May 18- June 1st

Hello Families! This is the 2nd last blog posting of the year! I can not say enough how much I truly enjoyed teaching your children every single day! I miss them greatly next year! Read the right side bar to see what we are currently learning. Here are some highlights and important information:

Report Card Envelopes (note from Jackie)- If you would like your report card sent in the mail, please send to the office a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED (stamps now cost .45 cents) envelope ONE PER STUDENT. Envelope size must be 4 (wide) x 91/2” (long) which is a #10 sized envelope. Please do not send any other sized envelope. Report cards will be mailed the week of June 11th.
Report cards will be available for pickup starting June 13th. Any questions please contact Jackie at 785-3950 or weyerj@elmbrookschools.org
Scholastic Orders-Our last book order of the year was due today. If you are still interested in ordering, you can either email me the book choices or order online at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs Passcode GQM3K
Art For Youth- We concluded our year in Art For Youth with a gallery of artwork throughout the year and reflections on our experiences. The kids completed an artwork scavenger hunt and enjoyed a small snack. Mrs. S and Mrs. M dedicated their time and efforts this year to put together fabulous lessons for our class. We extend to them a huge thank you!
MAP Testing- We completed the math and reading sessions for Spring. It was a successful 1st year of MAP testing in second grade. The district will send out reports to families.
Human Growth and Development- Second grade teachers will present the district's Human Growth and Development curriculum on Friday, May 25. This lesson includes vocabulary instruction related to male and female body parts. Boys and girls will be separated during this teaching. Curriculum materials are available to review at our school library, the public library, and at the central administrative offices. If you have any further questions about the content or the opt-out process, please contact me.
Mark Your Calendars

*Village Hall Field Trip- Thurs. May 24 (we will be back for lunch)
*Reader's Theatre- Mon. June 4th at 2:45
*End of the Year Party- Thurs. June 7 time is TBA
Ask Your Child
What are the 3 types of clouds (cumulus, stratus and cirrus)
What is the title of the fairy tale you are writing?
What is your favorite fairy you have read in class?
What is a product? (the answer to a multiplication fact)
Our "What Have Your Done Today To Make Yourself Proud" Incentive

May 4-18

May is here! We have a fun filled end of the year. Among field trips, field day, Art for Youth Gallery, Fine Arts Fair and an Author visit, we will be reading and writing fairy tales, studying weather, learning about citizenship and finishing up the year in math with some multiplication! June will be here before we know it!
Art For Youth: Mrs. McSorley facilitated our final classroom Art For Youth lesson in the classroom last week. We looked at some pieces by Paul Cezanne. Then we collaborated to create a piece of art with our desk table that showed collaboration.  We will conclude our Art For Youth curriculum with a Gallery this month.
Poetry Cafe: The Poetry Cafe is this coming Friday, May 11 at 2:45pm. All families are welcome. We will share our poetry adn what we have learned as readers and writers. You may take your child home after our Cafe. There should be enough time to beat the parent pick up and bus traffic. If your child is in Poetry Club, the Cafe on Wednesday will be very similar to the Cafe for our classroom. You are welcome to come to both, but you might want to choose one.
Reminders:
*Mike Thaler is coming on Monday- bring books to sign. If you ordered on Friday, I have them at school.
*Walking field trip to Sunset Playhouse is on Tuesday, May 8. Your child should bring a disposable bag lunch.
Ask Your Child:
Who is your favorite character from Sideways Stories from Wayside School?
How was Mouse and the Motorcycle the movie different from the book?
What is a fable?
What lesson did The Magic Fish teach?

April 20-May 4

Hello families! We are in the home stretch of second grade. I must admit, I am already feeling sad about letting this group go to third grade! While we only have a little time left, there is still so much learning to do! See the right sidebar to see what we are learning right now.
MAP testing- Please note the days will participate in the spring MAP tests. Try to avoid any appointments or early pick ups/late drop offs on these days- thank you!
*Tues May 15 9-10am
*Thurs. May 17 1:30-2:30pm
*Fri. May 18 11-12am
Author Visit- Mike Thalor, author of humorous children's books including the _____ from the Black Lagoon series, will be visiting our school on Mon. May 7. In the Friday folder, there is a information packet with an order sheet if you are interested in purchasing a book to be signed by the author.
Poem in my Pocket- The poem your child brought home in his/her reading bag is their one of their favorite poems. On Fri. Apr. 27, second grade will have Poem in My Pocket Day. The kids will all carry a copy of their poem in their pocket and wear a special sticker. Teachers will stop them in halls, lunchroom, playground, etc and ask the kids to read their poems. Please practice the poem with your child so he/she is ready to read the poem fluently on Friday.
Mark your calendars!
*Poetry Cafe- families are invited to attend our Poetry Cafe on Fri. May 4th at 2:45pm.
*First Stage Field Trip Tues. Apr. 24- bag lunch needed
*Family Fun Night- Fri Apr. 27 (see Friday folder and Ton webpage)
Ask Your Child
Why did you choose ________ poem as your favorite?
What is onomatopoeia?
How do you read a poem with good fluency? (line breaks, expression, read punctuation, rhythm)
What is the value of the 6 in 7,654? (600)
What can you do to help the Earth (turn off the lights when not in use, turn off the water when not in use, recycle at school, home and in the community)