What Thanksgiving means to Room 7

I think thankful means…

I think thankful means to be happy for what you have. - Emma

I think thankful means to be nice to others. - Nate

I think thankful means to have a good family. - Sam

I think thankful means to be happy to have what your friends give you. - Isabella

I am thankful for…

I am thankful for my family who gives me food and toys. - Leah

I am thankful for my family because they are really nice to me. - Danielle

I am thankful for a nice life because if people didn’t protect me I wouldn’t be here right now. - Nick

Special Author Visit @ MBS

On Tuesday, November 18th, PPS and Union Memorial are hosting author and parenting coach Vicki Hoefle at Mallets Bay School from 6:00-8:00 pm.  Vicki Hoefle wrote the book Duct Tape Parenting, which gives parents a new perspective on what it means to be effective, engaged parents and to enable kids to develop confidence through solving their own problems.  This presentation is free and open to the public.  Free childcare is available and so is free pizza for dinner, but you need to register for both by calling Greg Kriger at 264-5927.

Lunch with Ms. Maddie

Our school social worker, Maddie Sivo, often meets with students during their lunchtime.  She sometimes allows students to invite friends to join them so they can all work on social skills and building positive friendships.  If you are not comfortable with your child being invited for these small groups, please let me know or contact Maddie directly – sivom@csdvt.org or 264-5918.

Wonder of the Week - When is sugar too much of a good thing?

I think that sugar is too much because you can't have it all the time but you still need it in your body. - Nick

I think that sugar is too much when you go off the walls crazy. - Owen M.

I think sugar is too much when you get hyper. - Amani

Writing with Intention and Emotion

This week in Writer's Workshop we have been working on writing with intention and emotion! We learned that authors have a purpose for their writing and that they want to make their reader feel a certain way.

We decided that books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid are written to make us laugh out loud, while books like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day are written to make us remember a bad day we have had and how sad / mad / annoyed we felt.

We are adding emotion into our own writing. Many of us wrote about a time that we felt nervous (a ski trip, being late for football practice, the first day of school), and some of us wrote about bad days (sisters being noisy, being late for school). We are all writing with intention and emotion. Make sure to check in with your writer to see what emotion they are making their reader feel!

Rereading Our Writing Like Detectives!

Today we worked on rereading our writing like detectives! We used a colored pencil to go back and add appropriate punctuation and capitalization to our stories. We were also on the lookout for overuse of the word 'and.' What an impressive group of second grade authors!

First Few Days

What an exciting first few days we have had here in 2nd Grade! We have been busy learning our routines and making new friends. We are focusing on how to be Safe, Respectful and Ready to Learn all over our school. Please make sure to check in with your student to see what this looks like!

2014 - 2015 School Year

It's time for another exciting year here at Porters Point School! Make sure to check your mail for important back to school letters. Also, remember to mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 26 from 8:00 - 9:00 for our first Open House! I can't wait to see you all. 

If you are interested in completing the Student Information and Family Hopes and Dreams forms online please click here . 

If you are going back to school shopping and want to donate to our classroom check our our Classroom Wish List . 

Wonder of the Week: Where do freckles come from?

This week in preparation for summer we have been wondering where in the world freckles come from? Many of us thought that you are simply born with freckles, but today we learned that really they come from sun exposure! We learned about melanin and the difference between freckles and a tan. We also learned that if your parents have freckles - you probably will too!

Make sure to check out the students' blogs to see their initial thoughts about where freckles come from as well as what they learned this morning! Below are a couple of things that we learned:

• I learned that when you get older you might not have your freckles. -  Nicole
• I learned that you have melanin and when you are in sun you get more melanin and that is how you get more freckles.   -  Kaden

To see where we got our information for this Wonder check out Wonderopolis! 

Bridge Building - Day 2

We had another great day working as Second Grade Engineers! Our bridges are all taking shape!! 

Do Plants Need Soil to Grow?

I think that not all plants need soil to grow because seaweed doesn't have soil. - Kaden D.
I think that plants don't need soil to grow because seaweed and moss don't grow in soil. Moss gets its nutrients from the sun. - Tucker  F.
Sometimes seaweed can be upside down with the leaves in the sand and the roots in the water. I think the sand is kind of like the soil. It doesn't need the sun it pretty much needs water. - Sawyer A.
I think all plants do not need soil because there is this really cool thing called hydroponics where you don't need soil you just need water and fish. The fish produce the food and it is good for the environment and for nature. - Summer L.

Folk Tales and Fairy Tales

We are currently studying folk tales and fairy tales! So far we have identified key characteristics of these types of books as well as traits that make them different from other books. We are also learning that folk tales are passed down from generation to generation and often have many different versions. Last week we discovered how many different versions there are of The Three Little Pigs. We had a great time exploring different points of view by reading The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Stay tuned to see which folk tales or fairy tales we study next!

^ PicCollage Credit: Gwenyth L.

^ PicCollage Credit: Kaitlyn M.

Do all plants have roots?

I think that some plants have roots and some don't. I think this because I saw a plant that didn't have roots before and I have seen a plant with roots before. - Nicole

I think all plants can have roots and can not have roots. I think this because I have seen them with and without roots. - Bradyn

I think that some plants have no roots because they are from different countries and they grow in different ways. All plants can grow from other different kinds of plants. - Angie

I think that plants can and can't have roots because they are like trees and they grow differently because there are different types of plants. - Hailey

I think that all plants can and can't have roots because I went to Lowes and I saw venus flytraps that said "Do not put any soil in it." - Kaden

I think some plants don't have roots like grass and some plants do have roots like trees. If you go to places with flowers you can learn more about them and see if they have roots. You can tell if it has roots if it has a big long space that the flower is put in. - Tucker

Why Mystery Skype?

What do we like about Mystery Skyping?

• I like Number Mystery Skypes because they are fun and you get to work with a partner. - Nicole
• I like Mystery Skyping because I like how you see other countries and other states. - Natalie
• I like at the end of the Skype when we share interesting facts about others states and we get to learn what different states are famous for and what famous people were born there. - Selena
• I like Mystery Skyping because you get to see other classes and other states. Sometimes they have accents and sound different than us. - Morgan
• I like Mystery Skyping because I like to meet new people and see new faces and learn more education about where they are from. - Summer

What advice do you have for other classes who are starting to Mystery Skype?

• It always helps to have maps of the United States or if it's a different country - maps of the world. Having a map for students to write on helps too. - Tucker
• It helps to have a marker to write on your map and to listen so you don't have to ask other people what the question or answer was. - Nicholas
• It helps to know what your question is going to be ahead of time so when you get up to the ipad or computer you are ready to ask. - Kaden
• It always helps for a teacher to show what to cross off or not on a map. So the class can follow along. - Josh L.
• You should always listen to the questions that the other class is asking and then you have to think about it so you can answer the question or ask someone what they think. You could ask them a question too and they will think about it. - Angie
• It always helps to draw in the Mississippi River and the directions (North, East, South, West) before the Skype. - Thorsten

What have you learned from our Mystery Skypes?

• I learned from the Mystery Skypes that the Wright Brother were from North Carolina. - Bradyn
• I learned that Michael Jordan was from North Carolina and that he was the best basketball player ever. - Ryan
• I learned that George Bush is from Texas. - Josh D.
• I learned that Mystery Skypes aren't only about finding out where the other class is but it's also about having fun! - Hailey
• I learned that Mystery Skyping is teamwork with your partner and yourself. - Nicole
• I learned that Barrack Obama lives in Illinois. - Josh L. 

Biography Reports!

This week the students have been busy researching for their biography reports! We are using internet and print sources to find information about important Americans. Each student has selected an important American to create a report about. The students have been working hard collecting information and we are all very excited to see the final products come together!

Wonder of the Week - What does it mean to pay it forward? How can you pay it forward?

If you’re behind in taxes, you have to give back the money or you won’t be able to live in your house. - Nick

I think ‘to pay it forward’ means if someone pays you money for something, you have to pay it back. You pay it back with the money that they give you or if they just want to give you it they can. - Kaden

I think ‘to pay it forward’ means that you have to pay somebody back and you pay them a lot. - Nicole

I think paying it forward means that you are paying something that you earned to somebody that needs it. - Tucker

I think that ‘pay it forward’ means that you go to the bank and give the bank some money and then the bank gives some of the money back. - Thorsten

Wrapping Up Our Study of Characters

We have officially wrapped up our study of Characters! We learned how to describe characters based off of their actions, thoughts, conversations and feelings. We also learned that characters can change. Characters usually experience a turning point - a action / situation that causes them to have this change. 

The second graders did an outstanding job exploring character change and were even able to identify green or good character traits and yellow or not so good character traits! 

Balance and Motion!

We have been having a wonderful time exploring balance and motion! Last week students experimented with balance points and counter weights while trying to balance a paper crayfish on only one finger! This week we continuing to use counter weights while attempting to balance arches and triangles in stable positions.

Students have also been practicing Writing like Scientists! We have been using phrases like I observed… The evidence shows… I predict… and I noticed… Students are learning that when they make a prediction or a claim they must back it up with evidence or observations. Our science notebooks are really coming along! 

Make sure to ask your student about their hard work in science! 

Wonder of the Week: Are Leprechauns Real?

I know that a leprechaun is a man that makes shoes and buries a pot of gold. I think leprechauns are real because they bury pots of gold. – Ryan B.

I know that leprechauns are green and trade shoes for gold. I think leprechauns are not real because I set up a trap and it never worked. – Tucker F.

I think leprechauns are not real because I have never seen one. – Addison M.

I think leprechauns are real because they bury a pot of gold and you never find it because they are so tricky! – Bradyn M.

I know that leprechauns run really fast and are green. I think leprechauns are real because they made up Saint Patrick’s Day. – Nicole N.

Literacy Breakfast!

We had an amazing time at our Literacy Breakfast! Thank you to all of the families and friends who came out to celebrate these hard working second grade authors!

What is the Scientific Method?

Our Wonder this week asks us - What is the Scientific Method?

I think the Scientific Method is a list of stuff you need to do in Science. - Jayden J

I think the Scientific Method is something that scientists make a list of to help them do science experiments. - Kaden D

I think the Scientific Method is a step because you put one thing and then another and another when you do a science experiment. - Addison M

I think the Scientific Method is asking a question, collecting data and asking a new question. I think this because it is up on our back wall. - Nicole N

Now I know...

I learned the scientific methods is steps that scientist use when they are running an experiment. (Summer)

I learned that the first step of the scientific method is to ask a question.  (Gwen)

I learned that the second step of the scientific method is to make a hypothesis. (Hunter)

I learned that the third step is to run the experiment and test your hypothesis.  (Nadja)

I learned that you have to test get an accurate result you have to do things the same exact way.  (Roma)

I learned that the fourth step of he scientific method is to look at your data and draw a conclusion.  (Josh P)

I learned a conclusion is the end of an experiment and what you learned.  (Dana)

I learned the second to last step of the scientific method is to share what you learned.  (Kaitlyn) 

I learned that the final step is to ask a new question. (Talan)

Wonder of the Week

Our Wonder this week asks us to consider the following questions: Does the Olympic Flame ever go out? What does the Olympic Flame symbolize (stand for)?

We think...

I think the Olympic flame never goes out because I think that the stand that holds it is hard and it will never melt. I think the Olympic Flame stands for the Olympics. - Bradyn

I think that the Olympic Flame never goes out because when they light it, the flame goes up and it never goes out because it's strong. I think the Olympic Flame stands for the opening ceremony and the different countries competing. - Tucker

I think that the Olympic Flame will not go out because it means that the Olympics is starting. I think the Olympic Flame stands for the Olympics. - Addison

I think that the Olympic flame never goes out because when they hold it, the people around them could get hurt. I think the Olympic Flame stands for the Olympic sports. - Nicole

Wonder of the Week

Time for Kids - Winter Olympic Events

Our wonder this week asks us - What are the Olympics? What do you know about the Winter Olympics? What is one sport that is played in the Winter Olympics? What do you know about this sport?

We know:

I know that the Olympics are taking place in Russia. Last night I watched the figure skating. I liked that they did cool tricks like "Triple Axels." - Selena

I know that the Olympics have ice racing where they race on skates. I watched the racing yesterday. Also, the Olympics happen every four years. - Nick

I know that the Olympics have lots of games where people can win medals. One Winter Olympics game is ski jumping. In ski jumping they go down this big ramp and jump really far in the air! It is really cool to watch. Also, last night I watched ice skating. - Jayden

Science Notebooking!

This week in Science we began our Science Notebooking Unit! This unit combines Writing and Science to help students practice detailed and descriptive writing. Through this unit we will be exploring States of Matter, a topic that most children are relatively familiar with from first grade. So far we have introduced the different states of matter (solids, liquids and gases) and have begun describing different objects by discussing their properties (texture, shape, color etc). Students are very excited to continue to explore these concepts through experiments and writing!

Wrapping Up Book Clubs

Sadly, this was our last week of Book Clubs. The students have been doing an incredible job with this unit! It has been wonderful to watch the groups take ownership of their book clubs and conduct respectful, thorough book talks. This week we have learned about ‘in the book’ versus ‘in my head’ questions and how to discuss and find the answers to both of these types of questions. We also had an extremely powerful lesson where we discussed disagreeing politely and how using nice words and a kind voice helps us share our differing opinions and thoughts.

Today as a culminating activity for Book Clubs we are focusing on how to wrap up a book discussion. We are also treating the students to a book club snack because we know as adults, sometimes the snacks are the best part of a Book Club!

Although we are sad to see Book Clubs wrapping up, we are very excited for our next unit which focuses on character traits and reading in a series. Look for more information to come about this in the Sunday email!

Wonder of the Week

Our Wonder this week asks us to consider: What is the difference between solids, liquids and gases?

We think...

I think a solid is a solid thing like a solid pipe. I think liquids are things that you can't have very often. An example of a liquid is something that you drink that kids can't. I think gas is a thing that helps a car run. - Bradyn M.

I think a solid is something that if you put it in a shape, like a bowl, it doesn't take the shape of the bowl it leaves some space. An example of a solid is an ice cube. I think a liquid is something that fills up what it has been poured in and it can be used for different things or different problems. An example of a liquid is water. I think gas is water that has evaporated from the sun's heat and goes up into the air. - Tucker F.

I think a solid is a liquid that moves very slowly. An example of a solid is maple syrup, it moves very slowly. I think a liquid is something that moves very fast. An example of a liquid is water. Air is a type of gas. - Sawyer A.

Wonder of the Week - What is the Iditarod?

This week our Wonder asks us to consider the following questions:

• What is the Iditarod?
• Where does the Iditarod take place?
• What other jobs do sled dogs have?

I think the Iditarod is a dog sledding race taking place in Alaska. I think sled dogs deliver things like medicine if kids are sick. - Nick C.

I think the Iditarod is dog sledding race that takes place in Alaska. I think sled dogs can pull people places like in the snow. - Kaitlyn M.

I think the Iditarod is a special sled that dogs in Alaska pull and it takes place in Alaska. The special sled will not be too heavy for the dogs to carry so they can get over to places faster in case someone's sleds broke down the dogs could get there faster. - Bradyn M.

I think the Iditarod is a sled. I think sled dogs help people go places to go hunting. - Sawyer A. 

On Wednesday, we will have the big reveal and will learn what this event is all about!

Wonderopolis

Book Clubs!

This week we are beginning a new Unit of Study in Reading Workshop! This Unit focuses on Book Clubs. Over the next three weeks, students will have the opportunity to lead their very own Book Clubs and will discuss topics and aspects of books that are meaningful to them. This week, students will learn and practice what a Book Club should look like (sitting in a circle, looking at the speaker, only having a book in hand), and sound like (one voice at a time, everyone has a chance to speak, adding on to each other’s thinking, addressing classmates using their name).

Next, students will make a plan for their Book Club. As a group, students must decide how much they will read each day and when they will meet to discuss their book. Students will also begin to deepen their thinking about a text by using bookmarks with sentence starters to help generate new ideas to really get the book club conversations going!

Hopefully all of this rich student led discussion in school will lead to some interesting, engaging book-talks at home as well!

Learning About Alaska

Last week we studied Alaskan culture and traditions and compared them to our culture and traditions here in Vermont. For example, in Alaska winter starts in September while here in Vermont we are still wearing shorts in September!

This week we are looking at the environment and geography of Alaska. So far we know that Vermont and Alaska both have mountains but that Alaska’s mountains are much larger than Vermont’s! Check in with your student this week to see what else they are learning!

Wonder of the Week

This week our Wonder ask us to consider Alaska. In Social Studies this week we are learning about Alaskan culture and traditions. Our Wonder helped us get thinking about the environment and size of this interesting state.

Our Wonders this week were:

• How big is Alaska?
• What is the environment like in Alaska?

We think:

I think Alaska is five times bigger than Vermont. I think the environment of Alaska is very cold. I also think there is a lot of snow. - Nick C.

I think Alaska is three times bigger than Vermont. I think the environment of Alaska is very cold and I also think there are lots of mountains there. - Nicole

Now it's time to reveal the Wonder! This video from Wonderopolis should answer our questions!

Celebrations!

On Friday, we had a wonderful time celebrating our positive behavior! As a school, we filled our “Be Respectful” warm fuzzy bin all the way to the top! To celebrate, students enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate! As a class, we celebrated with Ms. LaRose's class. Together we had a “Just Dance” Dance Party! What a great way to celebrate all of our hard work!

Wonder of the Week: Who was Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.?

Next Monday, we have no school for students because of Martin Luther King Day. We all love a day off, but what makes this day so special? For our Wonder this week we are answering the following questions:

• Who was Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.?
• What is segregation?
• What was the Civil Rights Movement?

Some of our ideas so far are:

"I think Martin Luther King was no different than a white person. He was treated like he was different and that he didn't fit in because of his skin color. I think segregation was when black people got on the bus they would have to sit on the back and white people would tell them to get up and give up their seats." - Kaden

"I think Doctor Martin Luther King wanted freedom so that white people didn't always have the better stuff. I think it's really not fair to the black people because they didn't get to go in the bathrooms or sit down on the bus." - Tucker

"I think that Doctor Martin Luther King Jr, stopped the way that the black people had to sit at the back of the bus and made it fair so that everyone had to share their seats so that they could all sit instead of the white people having their own seats." - Josh L.

Wonder of the Week

"Do you like to stay up late on New Year’s Eve? Counting down to midnight is a longstanding tradition that many families share. There’s nothing quite like welcoming the new year at its very start in the company of good friends and family members."

• How do you celebrate the New Year? What traditions does your family have?
• What is your New Years Resolution?

"I celebrate the New Year by staying up and watching Harry Potter with my family. My New Year's Resolution is to play with my sister everyday." - RB

I celebrate the New Year by having a big feast, this is our tradition because we do it every year. My New Year's Resolution is to spend more time with my family." SL