Trick or Treat for UNICEF

Halloween fundraising

The tradition of 'Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF' began in 1950 in the United States, when Philadelphia schoolchildren first went door-to-door at Halloween collecting money in decorated milk cartons to help their global peers.

They raised a grand total of $17, kicking off a campaign that has since brought in millions of dollars each year to help UNICEF provide medicine, better nutrition, safe water, education, emergency relief and other support to children in more than 150 countries.

And millions of children now participate in Halloween-related fund-raising campaigns in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong and other countries.

But in these campaigns, children go far beyond trick or treating in scary costumes with the familiar orange collection boxes in hand. Children and young people take part in various fun and educational events that help them gain a better understanding of child rights and the challenges facing children around the world – including poverty, killer diseases and armed conflict. They help stage events to raise funds and increase awareness about these issues, and in doing so learn that they can help change the world. What will you say to others to get them to join you in your efforts to raise money for UNICEF?

Technology in the Classroom 2.0

We are using technology in our second grade classroom. We are learning lots of great things with our teachers. We are using technology in classroom by Googling for research. We are also excited about Skyping with our first Mystery Speaker. We are using Country Reports in Social Studies to learn about the United States. Our teacher will find sounds for our Spooky Stories. We have completed Crossword Puzzles online and word searches! We even used Google Earth when we read Make Way for Ducking. We were able able to follow Mr.and Mrs. Mallard on Google Earth as they traveled through Boston looking for a perfect place to raise their family. Our favorite use of technology is our class blog and the blogs of other second grade classes. Watch the video below to see other ways we can bring technology to our classroom.

Brian Pinkney

Brian Pinkney
BIOGRAPHY

Brian Pinkney has illustrated numerous books for children, including two Caldecott Honor books, The Faithful Friend, by Robert D. San Souci, and Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra, by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Mr. Pinkney's own books include Hush, Little Baby; Cosmo and the Robot; Max Found Two Sticks; JoJo's Flying Side Kick; and The Adventures of Sparrowboy, winner of the 1997 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Brian Pinkney has received the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration and three Coretta Scott King Honor Awards. He lives with his wife, Andrea, and their children in Brooklyn, New York.

Brian Pinkney is coming to TCS Wednesday, October 28. Have you read any of his books? If you could ask him one question what would you ask him?

The Atlanta Zoo! Monday, October 19, 2009

Lucius and Nicole's Second Grade Class invited our class to go to the Atlanta Zoo. We had so much fun. We saw lots of mammals, and we learned about their habitats and diet. We were able to go to the Nutrition Center where the food is prepared. We saw lots of fresh produce and many frozen animals. The frozen animals were mice, rats, and rabbits. The animals are bred for the purpose of feeding animals in captivity. They are killed in a painless, humane manner. After visiting the Nutrition Center we toured the African Exhibit of the zoo. We had lunch, saw the pandas, and played on the playground. Monday was one of the best days ever in second grade. Thanks to Lucius and Nicole's class for inviting us and thanks to our chaperons. Please share your comments on the blog about our trip to the zoo.

The Nobel Prize

Yesterday during our morning meeting we learned about the history and origins of the Nobel awards. The award is given on a Friday in October. It is awarded in six different categories. Please tell us who you would nominate if you were one of the five members of the Nobel Prize Committee. Please tell us,the category for the award, and why you would nominate that person.

Where In the World Are You?

We hope that you are safe and having fun where ever you are in the world. We would love to hear about your travels and adventures. Please tell us where in the world you are traveling. Please share with us what you are doing, and include a few photos! Thank you for visiting our blog. Please remember to follow blogging etiquette.

Jimmy E. Carter

What do you know about the 39th President of the United States? Are you looking forward to our field trip today? What do you expect to learn?