Triple Fun

Today was an exciting day.  It was Kansas day, the 100th day, and crazy hair day!  For Kansas day we reviewed the state symbols, talked about our history, and watched Governor Brownback read Little House on the Prairie (via YouTube).  To celebrate the 100th day, we read a few books about 100, made a picture with 100 items, and read 100 minutes.  And this picture shows our crazy hair...

Constitution Hall/Lane University

We are lucky to be in a town with amazing history.  Today the 2nd graders got a brief lesson on some of the past events that took place here in Lecompton.  Did you know Constitution Hall is older than Kansas?  It is 160 years old and is the oldest wooden building in Kansas.  This year we helped celebrate it's age with cake, music, and a little dancing at the Lecompton Community Building.  We were able to see many historical items at Lane University and even play some games that children may have played many years ago.

Fun with Shapes

After our math lesson, the students had a chance to make Kansas symbols with their shape blocks.  They made the Ornate Box Turtle, sunflower, and a jayhawk with patterns and some made other state symbols on their own. We did have to have a big discussion that even if you are a K-State fan, you are still a KANSAS (not KU) jayhawk if you were born in our state.

Tomorrow

I will be absent tomorrow.  Tammy Foster will be my substitute.  I am sure she will have a great day with the class!

Animal Elections

We've been learning about America's government during socials studies.  The class had a fun election for a class animal.  They divided into self selected groups and presented a speech, skit, or song about why the animal of their choice should be our class animal.  We had a few good campaign lessons such as not all campaigners are honest.  Student A: Vote for us!  We already have 100 people voting for us.  Student B: Uhh, that's impossible.  There are only 18 kids in our class. 

Boogers

Yes, you read that right... boogers.  It's a gross topic, but it is one we discussed today during class.  This time of year we have a lot of runny noses and lots of nose picking.  We watched a BrainPop video about boogers; it explained what they were and why we have them.  The class learned that they are important because they help keep germs out of our body.  The class also learned that boogers are filled with germs.  I think the video helped reinforce the importance of not picking noses, but also keeping objects out of mouths.  It also made us all want a squirt of hand sanitizer.  I'll think I'll go get another squirt now!

Be careful!

Kaw Camp was canceled today due to the weather.  Please be safe if you are traveling!  This week's spelling words focus on ending -ed.  This is known as our "wishy-washy" ending due to it making three sounds: d,t, and ed.  The class also learned when adding it to a word that ends in one vowel and one consonant, they must double the consonant.  Example: step = stepped.

Winter Observation

We took advantage of this warm winter day and visited the Nature Study Site to make our winter tree observations.  Our tree is looking a little different! 

Aimsweb Math

We took our Aimsweb math test today.  This is our eight minutes timed test over computation.  I'm anxious to get the tests graded!  Once all tests are finished, I'll be sharing results with you.

Book Orders

You probably noticed book orders were sent home on Friday.  For a Christmas present, I gave each student a note letting them know I would purchase him/her a book for the order.  This was given to the students on the last day before break.  Don't worry if your child has lost the note (and assure your child not to worry).  I had several students in a panic this morning because they didn't know where they had placed the note.  I will be sure each child gets to choose a book.  I learned my lesson in the past not to send the real coupons home with students, but to keep them at school with me.

Grade Cards

Grade cards went home today.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  I'll be happy to answer them!

Have a great weekend.  I've heard it's suppose to be a cold and maybe snowy one.  Stay warm!

Spelling Bee

The 2nd graders were very excited to attend the 3rd and 4th grade spelling bee today.  They had a chance to get a glimpse of what they might be doing next year!  The top 20 spellers participated in the bee.  It makes me nervous just watching them!  Everyone did a great job.  Here's a picture of the participants...

Keeping Clean and Fit

Our first health chapter for the year is on keeping clean and fit.  It has been and easy review for the class.

Welcome Back

We had a good first day back from winter break.  We did some reviewing of rules and practiced some of our routines.  The class got right to work.  Students will be bringing home homework tonight as well as their January reading pages.  I reminded the class how important it was to read, even if they didn't want to earn a free pizza!  I also challenged more of them to complete the reading page.  The other 2nd grades have been leaving us in their dust when it comes to the number of students earning extra recess!