Our Field Trip to the American Village

This was an experience that the kids and parents will not forget anytime soon.  When we first arrived, the kids got to sit down and enjoy their sack lunches.  Luckily it was a nice cool day without any signs of rain, so everyone could enjoy eating outside on the benches.  As the kids finished their lunches, they got to use some of their energy by running around chasing each other until it was actually time to begin the tour.

Everyone gathered in the chapel to get a quick overview of what was expected. Then, we were off to our first exhibit where the kids got to learn a new dance. 

After dancing, it was off to the school yard where the children thought it would be funny to play a trick on their "professors."  The students locked their "professors" out, so they could not enter the school.  In order for the "professors" to be allowed to enter, they had to gobble like a turkey.  It only took two tries to finally convince the students to let us in. 

Once the "professors" passed, it was time for the students to be given an assignment.  They had to get some ink and write their name as neatly as possible on a piece of paper.  The winners got to serenade the audience with "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer."

After a hard days work, it was off to another room to play a game called "Nine Pin."  This game is similar to present day bowling with a few differences.  What you have to do is stand at the end of the table and roll a small ball to knock down some pegs.  The person who knocks down the most pegs wins.  Each time a child beats or matches an opponents score, they got to sit in a chair.  At one point we had a three way tie.

After having a talk with George Washington and some of his soldiers, we were off to buy some souvenirs. Then, it was time to head back to school. 

Our class is participating in the BOOK-IT Program, which kicked off October 1, 2006 and runs through March 31, 2007.  Each time a student reads, he/she fills out a chart, which includes the title and the number of minutes read.  The students are required to read a total of 360 minutes each month to get a FREE One-Topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut (only at participating locations).  Once the students read 360 minutes, he/she needs to turn in their paper to their teacher.  The teacher will present a certificate for the pizza.  The student can only get one certificate each month.  You cannot copy the certificate nor can you get another one if the original one is lost, so keep it in a safe place.  All certificates expire May 1, 2007.  Thank you for you participation.

2006 

October – Jacob, Amaya, Jacob, Andrue, Taylor, Clayton, and Savana (not pictured)

November –  Jacob, Jacob, Aniyah, Kelsie

 Clayton, Mackenna, Andrue, and Morgan

December - Jacob, Clayton, Andrue, Aniyah, Taylor, Jacob, and DeUnte

Recommendations for Teaching Mathematics to your child at home:

1. Make your child be active in his/her learning.

I hear and I forget.

I see and I remember.

I do and I understand.

2. Find out what your child struggles with the most and find ways to help him/her be successful.
3. Use what your child already knows to help him/her learn a new concept. 
4. Make your child explain, talk about, and defend their answer, so you know how and why they got that particular answer.
5. Whether the answer is correct or not, you should question your child.  Use good questions to facilitate learning.
6. Praise your child whenever he/she gets the answer correct, especially if you know it is a topic they have been struggling with.  You should not expect your child to make a 100 everytime, but you should expect your child to try as hard as he/she can and make improvements in their grades.
7. Use manipulatives to help your child learn about a math concept.  Your child does not want to just use pencil and paper.  GET CREATIVE!

To help the students in class learn multiplication, we used some colored circles to make a multiplication problem.  The product for this particular problem had to equal 12.  The students were able to come up with several different ways to solve this problem.

Connor and Kelsie simply separated all the pieces, which gave them the problem 12X1=12.

Clayton and Andrue put their circles into pairs, which gave them the problem 6X2=12.

The most popular way to form the product 12 was to divide the circles into 4 groups with 3 circles in each group.  This is what Cassie, Jacob, Samantha, Savana, Taylor, and Morgan did to get the problem 4X3=12.

Jacob, Amaya, and Aniyah made 3 groups with 4 in each group, which gave them the problem 3X4=12.

Finally, Mackenna found her own unique way to show the product 12.  She put her circles into 2 groups that contained 6 in each group, which gave her the problem 2X6=12.

Even though all these students got the correct answer, they were all able to produce the answer differently.  In math, there is usually no set way to get the correct answer, but one way to never know what that answer is and that is to simply not even try.

There are several different ways to help a child in the classroom learn math.  To begin, the students are always told what they are going to learn and are shown how to learn that particular concept.  Then, depending on the concept and the child's learning style, the student will solve their own problems. 

Sometimes, the students are ready to try things on their own.  This does not mean they are experts – so they still need practice.  However, they can manage to do the work on their own with a little guidance from the teacher as she walks around the room checking their understanding.  Samantha, Savana, and Amaya are working on 2-digit addition with and without regrouping.  Some manipulatives they chose to use were their fingers, to help ensure they got the correct answer.

Once a child has completed the assignment, they may be allowed to work with a partner to compare their answers.  Also, if a concept is very difficult for some and not for others, these students may work with a partner.  By using a partner is this manner, maybe the students can explain things better or in a way that another student can understand to help him/her grasp the concept.  However, whenever the students do work with a partner, they are not allowed to simply let one do all the work.  Each partner will be assigned certain problems to do.  Then, they will discuss the problems and answers at the end.  In the pictures below, the partners are as follows:  Aniyah and Morgan, Jacob and Mackenna, Clayton and Jacob, Savana and Samantha, and Connor and Andrue.  In these pictures, you can see that the students are working together to find the sum of 3 numbers.

Putting the students in small group is another technique I like to use in math.  In these groups, the students say the answer they got chorally or together.  If any child gets an answer different from the rest of the members, that child has to rework the problem.  To rework the problem, he/she must state outloud the steps they are using to solve the problem.  By doing this, the child who got a different answer from everyone else usually finds that everyone else had the correct answer.  Now, this child knows what he/she did wrong and how to fix the problem.  Here is a picture of Andrue, Jacob, Kelsie, Mackenna, Connor, Jacob, and Clayton comparing their answers in small group.

Guided reading is an important time during the day.  For this activity, the students get to meet in small group with the teacher.  At this time, the teacher will work on any skills that are needed such as reading fluently, with expression, and as if you are caring on a conversation.  This is a time for the teacher to provide instruction or minilessons to provide further assistance with procedures, concepts, skills, and strategies in reading.  Sometimes, if the students read well enough, they get to go to another classroom and read to other students.  The students really seem to enjoy getting to show off what they can do.  Every teacher who has had one of my kids has complimented them and requested that they come back again.  You can help your child improve their reading by having them read to you each night.  Ask them what a fluent reader sounds like and what a fluent reader does not sound like.  The more a person practices something, the better he/she will become at it, but the best way you can help your child become a better reader is to model reading yourself.  You don't have to just read a book.  You could read the newspaper or a magazine together.  Then, discuss what you read to help build your child's comprehension.

While one group is with the teacher, another group is doing a center.  In centers, the students get to practice their spelling words, present a play, practice sight words and fry phrases, and practice their fluency.  Most of the activities done in centers are completed with the help of a partner.  Each partner is assigned a role to keep track of what their partner is doing.  In the end, each student is responsible for completing a task.

Independent reading is something each child does on his/her own.  They get a book to read, and they are allowed to sit anywhere in the room to read.  The kids have been taught that good readers reread even when they are finished, because this helps them to become more fluent and remember more of the information they read.  I tell my kids that rereading is like watching a movie.  When you watch a movie for a second time, there might be something that happens that you don't remember from the first time you watched the movie.  This is also true when reading a book.  If you reread, you might find some information that you didn't remember the first time you read.  I have a poster hanging in my room that lists what good readers do.  I am going to share these with you, so you can use them at home with your child as he/she reads to you.

Good readers...

1. have a purpose for reading.
2. think about what they already know.
3. make sure they understand what they read.
4. look at pictures when possible.
5. predict what will happen next.
6. form pictures in their minds.
7. draw conclusions about what they read.
8. try to figure out new words.
9. practice.

Sometimes, the kids are allowed to get with a partner and buddy read.  The children really enjoy getting to read to someone else.  It's like they are famous.  According to Literacy for the 21st Century, there are several purposes for allowing a child to buddy read. 

• To demonstrate fluent reading.
• To demonstrate how to use reading, which refers to what good readers do.
• To involve children in reading that they could not do independently.
• To provide opportunities for children to expreience success in reading.
• To provide preactice before children read independently.

Handing Off is a procedure we use in reading.  Here, the kids get to discuss some things that were confusing, that they were wondering, or what they learned about the reading story for this week.  Each child is required to particpate.  The goal for handing off is that the students are able to carry on a conversation about what they were thinking and learning during the reading without the guidance of the teacher.  You can practice this at home with your child, by having him/her tell you what they were thinking as they read a story.  The more they practice doing this, the better they will get at it. 

Were you unsure about something we learned in class?  Did you have a question, but you were too afraid to ask in front of the class?  Were you not given the opportunity to share in class?  Would you like to ask a friend or classmate for input about your question or what we learned in class?  Well, you came to the right place.  Here, you can talk with your classmates.  Type in something you were wondering in class.  Respond to a question that is here.  Write a few setnences describing something that we learned today - What was your favorite part?  What was your least favorite part?  Share with your peers things you might be wondering.  Type in something new you learned today such as new vocabulary words and its definitions.  What was a connection you were able to make and tell how it is related to what you are studying in class?  Don't be scared to show somebody how smart you are by responding to the things that are displayed on this page.  It is even okay if you disagree with someone, but you need to back up your opinion with some facts.  So, help each other grow by caring on a conversation without even having someone standing in front of you.

Science Chapter 7

Lesson 1:

1.  Why do scientists look for fossils?

To show us how Earth looked a long time ago.

2.  What is a fossil? 

A fossil is a dinosaur's old bones that were covered in mud and turned to stone.

3.  What are some types of fossils?

Some types of fossils are plant, animal, and hand print.

Lession 2:

1.  What is an extinct plant/animal?

Something that no longer exists or is living.

2.  Why are fossils important?

Fossil help people learn about dinosaurs.

Lesson 3:

1.  What is a dinosaur?

A  dinosaur  is  an  extint thing  that  no longer  lives on  Earth.

2.  How did the Triceratops use its horns?

To protect itself.

3.  Describe the diet of a Stegosaurus to the diet of the T. rex.

The Stegosaurus eats plants, and the T.rex eats meat.

4.  What can fossils tell us about dinosaurs?

How it looks and what it eats.

Lesson 4:

1.  How large are Oviraptor's eggs?

Twice the size of a chicken's egg.

2.  Why is it importatnt for the Oviraptor to stay close to her eggs?

To protect the eggs.

3.  How did paleontologists change their opinion of the Oviraptor?

They realized it was protecting its own eggs.

4.  What is a predator?

Something that chases and eats other animals.

5.  What is the word for the animal that is caught and eaten?

Prey

6.  What predators might have an Oviraptor been prey for?

The T. rex may have eaten the Oviraptor.

Review:

1.  Why do some plants and animals become extinct?

Because they lived  a long time.  There are not any of them left.

2.  How does a leaf fossil form?

A leaf falls into the  mud  and it gets hard and becomes a rock.

3.  How can people use fossils to learn about the past?

Because it shows you about it.

Tell us something interesting about yourself include things such as your first name only, favorite color, favorite song, what you enjoy learning at school, what you want to be when you grow up, what you like to do when you are not at school,  and what has been your favorite thing about 2nd grade?

My name is Amaya. My favorite color is green. EdEdEddy is my favorite TV show. "Jesus Loves Me'' is my favorite song. I want to be a policewoman. My favorite teachers are Mrs.Beville and Miss Parker.

My name is Clayton. My  favorite tv show is "Dragon Fable." My favorite song  is "Rockin in the jail house tonigt". I want to be in a band. When I am not at school I like to ride my three wheeler

My name is Kelsie.My favorite color is pink.My favorite song is "You ant nothing but a hamdog."I love to do math.When I grow up, I want to be a teacher and a vet.I love  to play with my dog. 

My name is Savana.  My favorite animal is a dog. My favorte thing to do is  ride my fourwheeler.   

My name is Morgan. I like to play softball.I like dogs. I like football too.I like LSU.My favorite TV show is "Sponge Bob Square Pants." I like SPYRO.

My name is Clayton. My favorite song is "Rockin in the jail house tonight."

Parents, this is your opportunity to express yourself.  What is on your mind?  What questions or concerns do you have for me?  What can I help you with?  Take this time to also share a strategy you use with your child that might help another parent such as with homework, studying, or test taking.  If you have found an informative book, website, or information that might assist another parent or me, please feel free to list it here as well.  If you have anything that needs to be addressed privately, please call me, send a note, or e-mail me at the school.

Below, you will find the development of some great artists.  These pictures were unique and created by the individual student.  Each one has a lot of great talent.  Please support your child in whatever hobby he/she may enjoy, whether it is drawing, reading, writing, etc.  Encourage your child to think positive, be successful, and be a role model for them.

The students got to have many different experiences at the different exhibits in Body Trek.  After hearing my kids describe all the awesome things they got to do at Body Trek, I could not resist – I had to go check it out for myself.  They were right!  It was a great hands-on experience which taught them about their brain, ears, eyes, healthy food choices, heart, sound, taking care of their teeth, how their lungs work, and many other fascinating factors.  When the students returned, I made them write what their favorite thing about Body Trek was.

Andrue wrote, "My favorite thing about Body Trek was sticking my hand into a nose."  How many times have you told your kids "Don't pick your nose."  Well, at Body Trek the kids were encouraged to do just that by putting on a pair of gloves and sticking their hands up this huge nose.  The kids got to feel slimmy snot and learn the importance of the hairs inside.

Cassie's favorite thing about Body Trek was flossing the huge teeth.

Jacob said, "My favorite thing about Body Trek was the brain."  The brain is a very important muscle in the body.  The kids got to learn about the different parts of the brain, there functions, and the importance of keeping their brain safe by using helmets.

Morgan replied, "My favorite thing about Body Trek was the eye." 

Kelsie and Aniyah both enjoyed getting to pretend to go to a drive-through in a car to place an order.  They were able to select food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Then, the computer would show them if their choices were healthy or unhealthy. 

To me, drawing is a great way to express oneself and be creative. 

Andrue is constantly talking about soldiers and drawing soldiers.  He can tell me all kinds of facts about the ranks of soldiers and information about certain wars.  Due to his interest, he is motivated to read books on these topics.  Anytime he is allowed to go to the class library, he immediately will go to the books we have about the different wars and soldiers.  What a great way to motivate a child to read more due to his interests.

Whenever a holiday is approaching, it is very hard to keep focused on anything else, especially the major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and your birthday.  The pictures that a child draws could easily help promote a child to write a story.  Whenever a child draws something, don't just say, "Oh, that's great hunny!"  Talk to him/her about it.  Find out what caused them to draw this.  Ask them to make a story that is related to their drawing.  Make them describe there thoughts and reasons.  You will be surprised at the deeper meaning you will get out of the picture if you just ask.  Below are some excellently detailed pictures created by Morgan, Kelsie, Jacob, and Cassie.

1.  Write the title of your favorite book.

2.  Who is the author?

3.  Why would you recommend this book to someone?

Certain tests are assigned on specific days of the week.  The math, science, and social studies tests are given as each chapter is completed.  It is very important that you teach your child good study habits.  Your child should prepare and study for the up-coming tests each night.  Don't teach him/her how to cram for a test the night before, because they are not actually learning the material, only memorizing it long enough to take the test.  This technique also does not guarantee that your child will pass the test.  Set aside a quiet place for your child to study.  Quiz your child randomly on the information.  Have your child explain why and how they got a particular answer.  The homework that is given each night is a way to reinforce what was taught that day in class and to prepare the children for the tests.  If you notice a problem, inform the teacher immediately, so we can plan a way to help your child be successful.  Test taking is one way to show off what you know.  Help your child prepare for these tests by not giving them the answers but showing him/her how to get the right answers.