Mrs. Latham’s Second Grade Class

Congratulations to the second graders for earning enough links on their compliment chain to have a “half way treat” last Friday. Each time students are given a compliment on their behavior as a class from an adult in the building, they earn a paper link. So far, the students have earned 17 links (to the half way mark).  The students voted and they decided that they wanted to wear their regular clothes (no uniforms) and have an ice cream snack. Now students are busy planning the treat that they will get when they earn enough links to complete the chain. It won’t be long!

We recently began learning about westward expansion as part of our study of United States history.  We reviewed the thirteen original colonies and discussed how over time, people known as pioneers began to move West to find other opportunities for their families. Students learned about what life was like for pioneers traveling West. We created small versions of covered wagons. We also taped off a section of floor in our classroom that was about the size of a covered wagon. Once students had an idea of what their travels as pioneers would be like, they each wrote a list (a “Pioneer Packing List”) that told what they would bring on such a trip and why.  We also explored jobs that were typically assigned to children these trips. It did not take long for students to discover that their lives are much easiesr than those of pioneer children!

Love and friendship were in the air last week as we celebrated Valentine’s Day! Our focus for character education this month is honor. This week, in honor of Valentine’s Day and as a focus on honoring our classmates, students created “Friendship Bags.” Each student was given a bag with his or her picture on it to decorate. Throughout the week, students wrote compliments for each of their classmates and placed them in the appropriate “Friendship Bags.” On Friday, during our class party, students read the compliments that their classmates wrote to honor them. The students really enjoyed reading their compliments and hearing the many reasons why their classmates think that they are special!

Our class has been studying the history of the United States. Students first learned about early exploration and settlement in Kindergarten. In first grade, they learned more about the English settlers and the American Revolution. So far this year, students have learned how our founding fathers wrote the United States Constitution and about the events leading up to and the events of the War of 1812. In the coming weeks we will explore westward expansion, the Civil War, and the beginnings of immigration and citizenship. Our class will be constructing a timeline in the hallway outside of our classroom to provide us with a visual reference for these important events. Watch as our timeline grows!

Our class visited Roper Mountain Science Center last Friday. The first class that we attended was called Bone Detectives. Students had the opportunity to show what they already knew about bones (from their first grade Core Knowledge unit on the skeletal system). They also learned many newt hings about the bones of the human body. They looked at mystery x-rays and they had to guess which parts of the body they were observing. They even worked together to reconstruct a model of a human skeleton! Next, we attended a class called Animal Habitats. There, students observed various animals in small habitats constructed by the workers at Roper Mountain Science Center. These habitats included the salt marsh, mountain stream, beaver pond, cypress swamp, and Carolina bay. The students investigated how each of the habitats met the basic needs (food, shelter, and space) of the animals that live in it. Students also learned how to make their own backyards habitats for animals and observed bees in an indoor beehive. At the end of the class, students were even able to view and touch a salamander, crayfish, small crab (observed only), and a turtle.  The students had a great time and they learned a lot!

The second graders have been working very hard learning the lowercase cursive alphabet. We began back in October learning a few letters each week. Once we had learned all of the lowercase cursive letters, students tested for their “Cursive Handwriting Licenses” (lowercase restricted, of course)! Every single student earned their license on the first try! We are now learning the uppercase cursive alphabet. Students will test again soon for their licenses with no restrictions!

As we rang in 2010, the second graders took some time to reflect on the past year and to set some goals for the new year.  Each student set one goal for home and one goal for school. For each goal, students also wrote two “action sentences.” The “action sentences” name specific things that they can do to help them reach their goals.  The students shared their goals with the class and we posted them in our classroom to remind and encourage students to use self-discipline and to keep their resolutions.

We recently began a new dinosaur themed reading unit in our Open Court reading series. As we read the stories in this unit, we will explore how scientists use  fossils to not only learn about dinosaurs but also about what the earth was like millions of years ago. We will also investigate the different theories of why the dinosaurs are extinct. So far, the students have really enjoyed reading about and discussing these fascinating creatures. Many students have brought in related items from home to share with the class. In last week’s story, “Fossils Tell of Long Ago,” students learned about a type of fossil called amber (fossilized tree sap). Scientists have found insects from long ago stuck in amber and have been able to observe these small creatures.  For Fun Friday last week, students ate some “amber” (lemon Jello) and a “fossilized creature.” The students are looking forward to fully exploring this unit!

We have been busy this year studying the ancient world! Students have learned about ancient China, ancient India, and most recently, ancient Greece. Students learned about the geography, prominent city-states, great thinkers, deities, and wars of ancient Greece. As we wrapped up our study,  we explored the origins of the Olympic Games. Students learned that the earliest recorded Olympic games occurred in 776 BCE in the Olympia Valley to honor Zeus, the supreme god of Greek mythology. We compared the events of the early games to those of our modern games. Students participated in a “Classroom Olympics” which included events such as the Cotton Ball Shot Put, Giant Step, Paper Plate Discus Throw, High Jump, Side Step, Straw Javelin, and Teddy Bear Grab. We used our measurement skills to determine the winners for most events. Winners  were awarded gold, silver, and bronze “medals.”  Jake took home the most gold medals for the day. The students had a great time participating in the events and putting their measurement skills to use!

As part of Palmetto Prep’s community service and outreach mission, the second through fifth graders visited Bellaire Place, a nearby assisted living facility, on Tuesday, December 15th, to visit with the residents and sing holiday songs. Mrs. Ringer helped students prepare for this performance which included traditional Christmas and Hanukkah songs. The second and third graders each sang one song that corresponds to our Core Knowledge curriculum as well as one song of the students’ choice. The fourth and fifth graders played recorders to accompany their holiday song. The students prepared holiday cards in advance to present to the residents. It was a festive event that was enjoyed by students and residents alike!