Happy New Year! Happy January!

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas Break! I know I did. Returning to school and seeing the second grade smiling faces was such a happy moment for me! These kiddos truly are the best. This month has been very busy. Two of the weeks in January involved a teacher quarantine, virtual math lessons, and Mrs. Kandice as the 2nd grade teacher. She was so sweet to the kiddos and communicated often about what a kind and bright group of students are in 2nd grade this year. Mrs. Kandice also bragged on what hard work and perseverance was demonstrated during my absence. Fun STEM Friday was taken to the next level when Kandice had the students explore how to use baking soda and shaving cream to make snow. The class also researched types of paper airplane designs, created their own paper airplanes, and competed in a distance contest. Since then, all indoor recesses involve some type of paper airplanes. Thank you, Mrs. Kandice for inspiring 2nd grade to become scientists and engineers!

This week, students participated in a Writer’s Conference. During the conference, students are required to listen to each others writing pieces and give positive and constructive feedback. We established a set of rules that included being good listeners and respecting each others accomplishments and areas of improvement. Writer’s Conference encourages taking ownership of writing and promotes face-to-face constructive conversations. Each student was required to compare and contrast two different animals and they were excellent researchers. We learned facts about the walrus and harp seal, Guanaco (related to the llama) and Fennec Fox, Dracorex (extinct dinosaur) and the Boa Constrictor, and even the Regal Horned Lizard that shoots blood from its eyes and the Red Bellied Piranha. Way to go kids!

In technology, students started a month-long group project. Ms. Kirkland had the students create storyboards that included: characters, setting, plot and climax of a story. After story boards were completed, students then designed and constructed a scene from their story. The students are currently creating movies of their story by taking series of photos using I-pads and green screens.

Upcoming events include:

-Grandparent’s Day (be on the lookout for precious art for grandparents and a video)

-Winter Break: February 15-19 (early dismissal Feb. 12 @ 11:15)