We have been spending a lot of time in our school's maker space. The second graders were challenged to make a rabbit maze for Cookie to exercise her mind and body. They have been working on this project in groups of four. Together they designed and are currently constructing their mazes. They have been using cardboard pieces and cardboard boxes as well as hot glue and makedo pieces to attach and secure the components. When the makers are finished, they will put their work to the test and let Cookie run wild!
Our exciting insect study is well underway! We have been watching live insects grow and change in our classroom. We have ladybugs, painted lady butterflies (currently in the chrysilis stage), harvester ants, and moths. We have been doing research to answer the question, how are insects helpful to people? Last week the second graders began making nonfiction ibooks on the iPad app Book Creator. On Friday the second grade entomologists drew a diagram of an insect of their choice and labeled the body parts. All insects have three body parts: head, thorax, abdomen, as well as six legs, two antennae, and most have two wings.
Next year all third grade classrooms will be using the math curriculum Math in Focus, Singapore Math. To help ease the transition from Everyday Math to Math in Focus, we have been solving number stories using the bar model method. The upcoming third graders will continue using this method next year. We will continue practicing this method next week using a free computer program called Thinking Blocks. Thinking Blocks is a great resource for all learners because it is easy to differentiate based on skill level. Have your child try it out at home!
We have been using some good apps in the classroom lately. Here is a list for your second grader to try at home:
Math
Math Bingo
Jungle Time
Jungle Coins
Geoboard
Sumstacker
Literacy
Book Creator
Math
Math Bingo
Jungle Time
Jungle Coins
Geoboard
Sumstacker
Literacy
Book Creator
On Thursday we will cook with tomatoes. We'll make tomato, basil, mozzarella kebobs and roasted tomato salsa. It will be our last Kids in the Kitchen of the year. Thank you so much to all of our parent volunteers. We appreciate your help!
Cookie has been a wonderful classroom pet to us this year and we just love her! Cookie is a gentle and friendly rabbit who loves to be petted and cuddled. She is curious and loves to explore. We are currently looking for a family or two to take care of Cookie over the summer. If you're interested in having Cookie in your home this summer (and do not have a pet dog), please let me know.