Welcome back SJDS parents! We are off to a busy and exciting start here in 2nd grade. The kids are thriving with new learning and getting to see their friends again! I would say I am also thriving here in the classroom. It is a joy to teach at St. James and a privilege to teach your children every day. Thank you for trusting me with your precious kiddos.

The first month of school has been a blast! We are learning something new every day and having plenty of fun when we can. On Wednesday of every week we get to choose the location of our lunch. So far, lunch has been in the amphitheater, Lower School Commons, and the 2nd grade playground. It has been a sweet experience to eat lunch with the kids in the great outdoors.

We’ve also had choir each week with Ms. Tipton. Choir occurs in the amphitheater or any place we can have proper spacing between the students.

In class, many things have occurred! Each week is filled to the brim with activities that include counting collections, workshop, Happy Counting, whole group reading, and some science experiments, just to name a few!

Stay tuned for more information throughout the year and photos of what we have going on here in 2nd grade at St. James.

Jaclyn

In the second grade, we are studying about Earth and Space for our scope unit. The students are learning about rocks and how to classify them. After discussing the many ways that rocks can be classified, the students went outside and collected several rocks. They then sorted and classified according to size, shape, color , and texture. Next week we will expand what we learned and learn about the effects of weathering and erosion on the Earth’s surface.

We had a special visit from the tooth fairy! The students learned about the importance of oral hygiene. They even did a few experiments that showed the effects of sugar on the teeth. The students really enjoyed our special guest and learned about how important it is to take care of their teeth and gums. They were each given their own toothbrush to take home!

The 2nd graders collected several donations over the course of two weeks. We received 100’s of pounds of cat and dog food, treats, bedding, and toys for the Texarkana Animal Shelter. The students helped load up two trucks from the shelter. Some of the students even made adoption posters for some of the animals from the shelter. This project helps kids to have a better understanding of those around them who are in need.

The 2nd grade students have been learning about Ancient Greece in our Social Studies unit this month. They learned about many of the Greek inventions that we still use today. The students learned how to write their name using the Greek alphabet. To wrap up our unit, the second graders performed a Greek play and did a presentation of their favorite God and Goddess. We even learned how to make pottery just as the ancient Greeks did!