October 15-19

This week we took a week off from our Harcourt Reading book and had some fun with Readers' Theater. We split into three groups and read three separate plays: Rafunzel (based on Rapunzel), The Troll Bridge (based on The Three Billy Goats Gruff), and All By Myself (based on the story of The Little Red Hen). We spent a lot of time practicing our lines and perfecting our characters'  voices all week. The best part of it all was getting to perform our plays in front of three different kindergarten classes! I am so proud of my students for getting up there and doing a FANTASTIC job :) BRAVO!!

We were very busy learning about maps in social studies this week! We even made our own treasure maps and made them look "old" by soaking them with tea bags.

Mrs. Lott joined us to teach us a new math game - Close to 20. The object of the game is to pull three cards and get as close to 20 as possible without going over. The person with the lowest score after three rounds was the winner. We had so much fun partnering up and playing! You should try it at home.

"Antiquing" our maps with tea bags

Close to 20!

More Close to 20

Enjoying the beautiful fall weather! 

Kickball anyone?! 

Enjoying a read-aloud with the WATCH DOG 

Exploring Maps of Kings Dominion

Recognize me??
These are all the jackets and sweatshirts found in the classroom at the end of the day Friday. 

Randolph-Macon Pen Pals

Our big project this week was decorating the covers of our Randolph-Macon pen pal notebooks. If you haven't heard about this fun adventure already, allow me to explain!

Mrs. Talley, a Henry Clay reading specialist, presented me with this wonderful writing opportunity. Our class has been awarded the chance to partner with an education class from Randolph-Macon and participate in a secret pen pal program. As a Randolph-Macon alum, I couldn't turn down the offer!! Besides, can you think of better way to have my students practice their letter writing skills?!

We have been writing back and forth with one another for the past few weeks and will continue to do so until mid-November.  The students light up on Monday mornings when they see the box of journals has returned. They are eager to read what their pen pals have written and to write them back as well.

Thank you for sending in pictures, stickers, and other supplies to help up decorate our covers. We will save our personal pictures for just before our "reveal" mid-semester. Take a look at the fun we had decorating the front covers of our journals!

CAUTION: Creative Minds at Work!  

Here's David showing us both covers of his notebook.
The Randolph-Macon students decorated the back and left the front for us! 

Aidan says the "blur" adds to his artistic-ness! 

Can you guess who's who?!

Almost all finished!!
It was fun to see their creative sides come out. 

Myster Readers

    

Second Grade Families,We are looking for Mystery Readers to share their love of reading with us this year.  On Fridays, during our daily read-aloud/snack time from 9:40-10:00 , we will be welcoming a new Mystery Reader into our classroom.  If you would like to surprise your second grader by coming to read to us, we’d love to have you!  Here’s the scoop on becoming a Mystery Reader:

 

Who  can be a Mystery Reader?  

Second grade parents, older siblings, grandparents, relatives, or other special people may volunteer to read a story to our class.  The goal is to remain a “mystery” so that even your own child is surprised to learn who our weekly Mystery Reader will be!

 

What does a Mystery Reader do?

Mystery readers are welcome to choose any age-appropriate book to read to our class.  You may bring a book from home, or if you would like to borrow from our classroom library, you are welcome to do so.  Some readers may select favorite stories from their childhood, others may bring props or costumes related to their stories, and some may even choose to bring snacks related to the story they read.  No matter what you choose to do, we are sure that we will enjoy spending time learning with you!

 

When can I come in to read?

Mystery Readers are invited to come on Fridays during our weekly read-aloud time from 9:40-10:00.  If this time or day is not convenient for you, please contact me to arrange for a different day.

 

How can I sign up to be a Mystery Reader?A flyer will be coming home with your child in his/her Wednesday folder with a sign up on the bottom OR you can sign up right here by clicking the link below!

Mystery Reader Sign Up 

Once you have signed up to be a mystery reader, you will receive a confirmation from me with a specific date and further instructions.

We can't wait for you to be a part of this fun experience!!