Saturday, September 17, 2011

Pandas are really that cute!

This week in writing, we attempted to do a little research. I went to the library and chose a bunch of books about all kinds of animals. On Monday when I introduced the topic, it was met with many cheers and applause. Literally. (Another great thing about young children... it truly is the little things.)


So, here is how the week went:


Day One- Browse all the books and think about what animal interests you the most. (Shockingly the insect books grossed the kids out- since when are kids scared of creepy crawly bugs?!? This new generation!)


Day Two- Research your animal and find the answers to your questions in the text using post-its. (Note that just as adults like to use post-its in all their bright glory, children get the same joy. It's SO very adult-like.) 


Day Three- Use the post-it information to complete the graphic organizer. And the kicker for 99% of my class... USE COMPLETE SENTENCES!!! As easy as reciting the pledge of allegiance backwards and as fun as plucking one's eyebrows, I assure you. 


Day Four- Asking myself why we began this project and how my class seems to have 50 students when I need to edit with each one! Exaggerating slightly, but they are so NOT ready to edit by themselves or with partners yet. So, we push through the battle. 


Day Five- Finally made it through the editing and ready to put those sentences into a final draft. Would seem very easy, but 5 sentences in 1 paragraph is a lot of work for these kiddos. Then make a picture of your researched animal (I LOVE to see there pictures, kid art is amazing!) 


Exhibit A: Sweet little girl's finished project. She studied and researched pandas. This picture just makes me happy. Very happy.



Wonder what those panda bears are thinking about??? Bamboo, bamboo, bamboo!
Here's to learning some science!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Second Grade Love

Who knew that second graders know about love?!? But I stand corrected. This was turned in as a writing assignment by one of my little boys. 
It says, "First I went to met my Girul friend. Next I went to the fer with my Girul friend. Last I went to mec donald with my Girul friend and back home."


Oh. My. Goodness. All I can say is that is one GOOD date.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

What is this?!?

Sometimes you just run across things or pictures that make you smile. Well, back in the winter, when it was freezing cold and we were eternally trapped in the house... we found some ways to keep ourselves occupied. 


And I must say as well, that Betsy's Nanna helps up in this area. The following pictures are a gift from Nanna. Introducing the "Snap-uggy" (combination Snuggy blanket with snaps) 

Betsy getting snapped into the Snap-uggy.  


 Trying to figure our all the snaps on the Snap-uggy.   
        
             
TA-DA!!! Got it snapped!
                                                     

 "See you suckers later, I'm off to flaunt my new threads."



And I didn't have to be too jealous, 
because Betsy is good at sharing.
                                               
I call this pose my "T-Rex" arms. Rooooaaaarrrr!