Who would have thought...

that seven and eight year olds still love to play with bubbles!  As I began reading Pop! A Book About Bubbles, there was apprehension in the air. I could tell that some students were resistant to listening to a book about bubbles when I saw a couple of eye rolls as if indicate, this is way beyond us!  Huh! This is when I thought to myself- I'll show them!

As we got into the story the students' excitement rose, and they were turning and talking and sharing connections and facts that they never knew before.  They had several questions and wondered about many of the details that were shared in the story.

The students ended up buddying up and writing facts about bubbles. They then took their fact sheet and developed a paragraph about what they learned. Of course, we had to tie Science into this lesson, so we spoke about Solids, Liquids, and Gases, and the students participated in a bubble experiment. 

There are times during the school year, when I pause and think to myself about the demands that are placed upon our children.  The standards are rigorous and challenging.
Sometimes it is nice to just let kids be kids. When we were blowing bubbles, they got this opportunity!

 

This morning, they walked in and saw their writing hung.  They LOVED the bubble surprise!  "Mrs. Pitman, you are so silly!"

 

 

 

 

 





"In 2015 I will...

work on not pinching my sister."  This week we worked on writing New Year's Resolutions.  The mom side of me thought this one was hysterical. 
When filling out their resolutions I was surprised to see how self-reflective they were and how much they threw themselves under the bus! 

They were asked to write 2 ways they can a better learner in 2015.  Here are some of the responses.
*I will try to pay attention.
*I will try harder during writing.
*I can practice my math facts more.
*I can be quiet in the hallways.
*I can stop laughing and fooling around.
*I can stay focused.
And my favorite...
*I can change my bedtime!

Then they were asked to list 5 things they would like to accomplish this year.  Here goes...
*I would like to eat more nachos.
*I would like to cut down a tree.
*I would like to go on a Disney cruise (who wouldn't!)
*I would like to get a ferret.
* I would like to order Chinese food.
And my favorite...
* I would like to catch a baby owl.

I love how honest and innocent these kiddos are!
Happy New Year's!

Large Post-It Note

Dear Parents,

This post requires you to take out a large post-it note, as it is a series of important reminders.  Let's admit we all need a little help reminding things at this busy time of the year!

1.  Wednesday is library day.  We go to library the first and third Wednesday of every month. Please be sure that when your child comes home with a library book, they place it in the same special spot every time. At my house, ironically the book stays in the corner of the small messy counter. Hey-at least we know where it is! Also, please be sure to send the book in, so your child is able to pick out a new book.  Currently, they have a book at home and it is due back after vacation (the first week in January).

2.  The family tradition project is due this Monday, December 22nd. They may bring in pictures, a written report, or an object to explain the special tradition.  We are looking forward to hearing about all the special things you do at home!

3. On Monday, December 22nd, some students need to complete and return their Literature Circle bags and "jobs". If they did not receive a note yesterday in their mailbox, then they are all set!

4. On Tuesday, December 23rd, it is pajama day and we are watching Polar Express! Yeah!

5. Please be continuously logging your child's reading at home for the Read to Succeed Six Flags program. This is due on January 29th!  It will be here before we know it!

6. Look out! After vacation I will be sending home the January book report papers and new homework expectations!

I hope you and your family have happy holidays!
Kristin

Let's Rock!

We are ready to rock and roll with our rock unit! As a second grade team we decided to divide and conquer this unit, therefore the students will be visiting other teachers' classrooms in order to learn more interesting information about rocks! They have already visited Mrs. Morgan's room and learned about 3 different types of rocks-basalt, scoria, and tuff.  They participated in experiments for each!   The students will be going to Mrs. Young's to see her unique rock collection and to make observations and lastly to Mrs. Rosenkranz to learn about the rock cycle by melting crayons!  Today, the kiddos participated in 3 rock stations in our classroom.  They weighed, measured, and partook in a sink and float activity. Before they started each center, they were required to sing the Rock Cycle song to the tune of Row, Row, Row, Your Boat and when they completed every center they had to fill out their Venn diagram comparing and contrasting their rock to a friends. At dinner tonight, sing along to the Rock Cycle song!