My First Podcast... A Giggle or Two!

I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer. I have certainly enjoyed my summer and I can't wait to see you guys. I have taken lots of technology classes over the summer. I took a 2 day class at Woodward Academy, two classes at Harvard University, all while taking an 8 week online technology for educators class. The lesson for this week in my online class was to create a podcast. It really made me think of stories that you recorded using audacity and voicethread. I am telling jokes and riddles on my first podcast. Please listen and tell me what you think. I think this is something that I would like to continue. If you have any jokes please post them and I promise to use them in my next podcast.

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Are You Ready for the School Year to Begin?

Check out a few of these sites to get ready for back to school. Please write back letting me know which sites you and your family found helpful.

click here for math fun

Click Here for Telling Time

Click Here For Mental Addition

Click Here To Play Keyboard Climber

Click Here to Test Your Memory

Click Here For Mental Subtraction

Click Here to Review Fractions

Click Here for The Magic Tree House

I look forward to your feedback!

Do you know these kids?

Summer Fun...

It looks like Sarah had a ball in Michigan. If you have any summer photos that you would like to share please ask your parents to email the pictures to me: tammyb@thechildrensschool.com
Enjoy the remainder of your summer. I hope that you are reading lots of great books, enjoying your family, and drinking lots of water!
Tammy

Beautiful Butterflies

This was an assignment from our technology class today!

Summer Travel

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I am 1,087 miles away from home; almost 19 hours by car. Thank goodness a direct flight home is only 2 and half hours! Write about your summer travels. With your parent's permission go onto Google Maps and tell us how may miles you traveled away from home. Did you travel by train, plane, or automobile?

Alice In Wonderland

This a a great book to read over the summer. Please share you comments about the book. Please share with us if you have read any great books over the summer.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hello Third Graders!
I am at Harvard University taking a technology class. I have been given a challenge by my instructor. I need at add a book that my teacher can read live from the blog, embed an audio comment, and add a comment to my neighbor's blog. Wish me luck on my challenge!

Sage, Luke, and Eve in London

Sage it looks like you guys are having a great time! Please be sure to post a comment to this picture when you have a chance. I hope that you are having a great summer, doing a lot of dancing, reading and playing tricks on Eve. See you soon!

Journal Writing Topic, Monday, June

If you could take a summer vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? Please be sure to give lots of details. Be sure to use lots of adjectives to describe your dream vacation. I look forward to reading your comments. I would really like to hear about what great books you are reading over the summer.

Do You Remember This?

Piedmont Park on PhotoPeach

Sarah A.

Look at Sarah! Sarah that is awesome. It looks like you really enjoy rock climbing. Be sure to share this with Coach Rob in the Fall. I know that he will be proud of you; I certainly am impressed! Please continue to send pictures and blog often! Please come back to the blog and write about what great books you are reading this summer. I would love to hear from Emma as well.

Journal Writing Topic- Tuesday, June 14

Your best friend went away for the summer; would you rather receive a postcard or phone call? Why?

Journal Writing Topic- Monday, June 13

Please write about three things you learned this year. Be sure to use proper punctuation and capitalization. Remember to begin with a starter sentence and write with lots of details. I look forward to reading your responses!

Be Safe on the Internet

Why do you think it is important to be safe on the internet?

Journal Writing Topic- Where the Wild Things Are

I look forward to reading you comments. Check back Monday for a new topic! Have a great weekend.

AudioPal

A few great web sites

www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com

www.smart-kit.com

www.booksshouldbefree.com

www.time-for-time.com



Hey guys. I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer. I have come across a few educational and fun websites. Please check them out, with your parents permission, and write back letting us know what you think.

Math in Second Grade

Second grade you learned a lot in math this year. Make sure that you ask you parents to log into Veracross to access the summer math packet. What was the most exciting math concept you learned this year? Please share your comments on the blog.

Online Puzzle

Hey guys see if you can put this puzzle together. Click on the arrow. Hurry you are on the clock!

End of the Year Celebration!

Summer Reading

Are you a healthy eater?

Watch the video clip and share your thoughts on being a healthy eater. Why do you think eating healthy is important? Tell us about your favorite and least favorite vegetable. How many servings of vegetables do you eat a day? What will you do to eat more? We look forward to reading your comments.

Botanical Gardens

We had a great time Friday on our field trip to the Botanical Gardens. Please share with us what you learned on the field trip. There are many pictures from the Gardens; however there is one picture that is not. See if you can find the picture that wasn't taken at the Gardens. Write about what you see going on...

Second Grade Meets the Impressionist

These stories are filled with fun and adventure. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stories written and read by our class. Please write a comment or two!

Spelling Rules

Second grade please review these spelling rules. Please let us know if you find this post helpful. Do you think this would be helpful to the rising second graders?

How do you take care of Mother Earth?

Journal Writing Topics

April is Poetry Writing Month

April is Poetry month. In class so far we have learned how to write Haikus and Cinquains. A Haiku is Japanese poetry that consist of 3 lines totaling 17 syllables. The first line is 5 syllables, the second line is 7 syllables, and the last line is 5. Look for our Haiku selections soon. Line 1 is the topic of the cinquain, usually a noun. It can be either a two-syllable word or two single syllable word. Line 2 is four syllables that describe the topic. Adjectives. Line 3 is six syllables that show action. Action verbs. Line 4 is eight syllables. This line can be a sentence or words that express feeling. Line 5, the final line, is two syllables. It can be a synonym for the topic or a word that sums up the cinquain.

Try your hand at a Haiku or a Cinquain. We look forward to reading your poems in morning meeting on Monday!

Journal Writing Topics April 18

UNICEF - At a glance: Japan - Students in Japan's Miyagi Prefecture return to school a month after the quake

UNICEF - At a glance: Japan - Students in Japan's Miyagi Prefecture return to school a month after the quake


Second Grade we are so proud of all of you. As a class we raised $1245.55 to send to Japan through UNICEF. The lemonade stands and Walk-A-Thon were quite a success.

Haikus

April is poetry writing month. In class this month we will write and learn about many different kinds of poetry. We are learning how to write Haikus.

Journal Writing Topics, Week of April 11

April 1, 2011

We had a great time today. Here are a few pictures to share with your family over the break! Be safe, drink lots of water, and read, read, read!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

It is time for Spring Break... Where in the world are you spending your free time?

It is Spring Break time.  Find your location on the map, drag yourself to the location, and share with us where you are and what you are doing.  Please remember to use only your first name and last initial, make sure an adult is aware that you are blogging!  We can't wait to read about your Spring Break Adventures!


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Celebrating Women In History Month

During the month of March our Second Grade Class spent time researching and writing about women that have made extraordinary contributions in history!   Please enjoy the VoiceThread and we look forward to reading your comments in morning meeting.

Publish Post

Blogging Rules

1. Do not include your entire last name or any personal information. Please use your last initial. Parents, a great way to identify yourself is by using your child’s name; for example: “Jacob’s mom.” Never give out your address or phone number in your posts or comments.

2. Check your post for spelling errors, grammar errors, etc. Once you submit your comment or post, it cannot be changed.

3. Use appropriate language. Remember that everything you put on the web can be seen by lots of people. Be sure that you are proud of everything you write. Do not write anything that could hurt someone’s feelings or embarrass you later.

4. Show you're thinking, and encourage others to refine their thinking. Instead of writing, “Your post was so cool, dude,” try to express yourself more clearly. If you think a post was cool, try to tell why it was so amazing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

5. Remember that all comments have to be approved before they are posted to the blog. If your comment or post does not appear right away, please do not send it again. Tammy will review all comments and posts before posting them, so remember to make wise choices. Let’s be amazing digital citizens.

Japan...

March 16, 2011
Japan's Nuclear Fears
More trouble takes hold of the Asian nation after a strong quake and powerful waves caused deadly destruction last week

By Jonathan Rosenbloom and Kelli Plasket


The effects of the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last Friday are still playing out at Japan's nuclear power plants. Nuclear reactors at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant are experiencing cooling problems after the tsunami waves knocked out the plant's power and backup power.

KYODO NEWS/AP

People with empty jugs walk through a damaged neighborhood in Kesennuma, Japan, in search of fresh water. Water and food supplies are low following Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami.

On Monday morning, an explosion occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi plant that blew off the roof of one of the buildings. Some radiation—energy that can be harmful at high levels—has been released into the air as efforts continue to shut down the reactors. Two of the three reactors that were operating when the quake struck have since been damaged. Cooling problems at the reactors have led to nuclear fuel overheating and fires, causing fears of a meltdown at the plant. Now, 50 workers are working around the clock to flood the reactors with seawater to cool off the fuel rods.

Fears of radiation exposure in Japan are slowing down recovery efforts from the tsunami. Some 70,000 residents have been evacuated from the 12-mile area around the plant. Another 140,000 people in a 19-mile area have been told to stay indoors. Many outside of the area are heading south, just to be safe. Radiation exposure testing centers have been set up for residents, but authorities believe that most people have not been exposed to high levels of radiation.
A Rippling Effect

The massive earthquake that struck Japan last Friday registered a 9.0 magnitude—upgraded from an original 8.9-magnitude reading by the U.S. Geological Survey. It was the most powerful temblor to hit Japan since officials there began keeping records 140 years ago. Before this, the country's worst earthquake was an 8.3 temblor in 1923. Japan lies on the "Ring of Fire"--an area rimming the Pacific Ocean. About 90 percent of the world's earthquakes take place in that region. With the updated 9.0 reading, Friday's quake ranks as the fourth largest quake in the world since 1900, scientists say.

The center of the quake was located about 17 miles beneath the ocean floor, in a spot 80 miles off the eastern coast of the island nation. "The earthquake has caused major damage in a broad area in northern Japan," Prime Minister Naoto Kan said. This week, millions of people are still without water, food or heat as recovery efforts continued and as new problems arose at the nation's nuclear power plants.


Dozens of cities and villages along a 1,300-mile stretch of coastline were shaken by violent tremors Friday. Because it struck below the Pacific Ocean, the quake set off waves as high as a three-story building. The monstrous waves, called a tsunami (soo-nah-mee), swept away homes, boats and cars as the water roared several miles inland, stopped, and rolled back out to sea. Highways buckled, telephone lines snapped, and fires broke out. Hundreds of aftershocks, or smaller quakes, have followed the big quake, causing more damage and forcing residents to seek safety outside.

Tokyo, Japan's capital, is about 230 miles away from the center of the quake. But even there, people felt the ground shake. Buildings swayed, at least 2 million homes were without electricity, and trains stopped running. "At first it didn't feel unusual, but then it went on and on. So I got myself and my wife under the table," said Jesse Johnson, an American living in Tokyo. "I've lived in Japan for 10 years and I've never felt anything like this before. The aftershocks keep coming. It's gotten to the point where I don't know whether it's me shaking or an earthquake."
Japan's Devastation

The total damage, deaths and injuries won't become clear for days or even weeks. On Wednesday, Japanese officials reported that the death toll has reached more than 3,600, though thousands remain missing. "In the 65 years after the end of World War II, this is the toughest and the most difficult crisis for Japan," Prime Minister Kan said.

A large-scale emergency response operation continues in northern Japan. As of Monday, about 15,000 people have been rescued. A 60-year-old Japanese man floated on a piece of his house's roof for over two days. He was rescued 10 miles offshore Sunday when sailors spotted the man waving a red flag.

Many of the world's nations have offered to assist Japan. President Obama has ordered five Navy ships to head for the island to help, as well as search and rescue teams. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is closely watching the situation. She promised immediate disaster relief assistance. "We are working closely with the government of Japan to provide additional help," she said in a statement. As the damage becomes clearer, Japan may need all the help it can get.


Second Grade what is happening in Japan at this time is really sad.... but we can help. Please talk about ways with your families to raise money for U.N.I.C.E.F to send to the victims of Japan. Many of us talked about having a lemonade stand, a walk-a-thon, or a chore-a thon. Please share your ideas and lets plan to send some relief soon. We look forward to reading your thoughts and ideas.

Fractions...

We are learning about fractions in math. Can you think of a time when you needed to share something in equal parts? Please blog about it... We look forward to reading your comments in morning meeting. Did you learn anything interesting from the video?

Meet Our Author of the Month- Patricia Polacco

Please tell us about your favorite Patricia Polacco book. We look forward to reading your comments.

Internation Women's Day- Join Us on the Bridge

Do you think that it is a coincident that National Women's Day is celebrated in March? The same month that women who have made contributions to our world are celebrated. National Women's Day Celebrates for the 100th year Tuesday, March 8, 2011. Watch the youtube video to see how women and men around the world with come together to celebrate women! We look forward to hearing your comments in morning circle. We have many names for you to choose from for your research on the celebration of women.

Oji's Dad is Back.....

Celebrating Women In History

March will be a very exciting month in our classroom. Many of our classmates are in the TCS Production of Willy Wonka, Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. We are preparing for our class play Character Matters 2.We will present the play to our families Friday, March 18. We will also read, honor, and celebrate women who have made diverse and historic accomplishments. Please write about a woman that you think should be honored and celebrated. We look forward to reading your post in morning meeting.

Happy Valentine's Day

The Grammy's

Do you recognize anyone in this video? If you could be one of the characters in this video who would you be? Do you like the music and the costumes? Does the music make you want to dance? We would love to read your comments? Do you think this artist is someone that should be honored and celebrate during Black History Month?

Happy Valentine's Day

Love is many things.  Listen to our voicethread to hear what love means to us!

The 100th Day of School

Yesterday we celebrated the 100th Day of School.  Many of the students thought the day would be filled with counting 100 of things and eating lots of treats boy were we surprised.  We worked really hard on the 100th Day of School.  We did 100 math facts.  Can you believe it? We completed 100 exercises- 20 sit-ups, 20 lunges, 20 jumping jacks, 20 toe touches,  and 20 push-ups?  We meet up with the reptile man for 1,800 seconds.   At our party we worked in groups of 5 to complete a 100 piece puzzle- that was more challenging than it looked!  Then we each rolled the die 100 times,  recorded the results with Tally Marks, then double checked our work! Did I mention that we found 100 Chocolate Hershey's Kisses?  We had a February Reader- Jennifer, Caroline's mom, and she read us 2 two books!  Our specialist were also a part of the 100th Day of School- we went to P.E and Coach Rob gave us a real workout!  Thanks so much to Katie's mom, Ellen for a great party filled with fun and learning! We would also like to thank Katie, the media specialist, for our 100th Day Book Markers! Whew!

Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up Sheet

Parents we are piloting a new way to sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences.  Please click on the desired date and time.  Enter your email address field, your child's name in the notes field, and enter the text and click on confirm the booking!  We look forward to hearing your feedback.  If you have any questions or concerns please email tammyb@thechildrensschool.com.

Pancake Friday is Tomorrow!

Yummy! Pancake Friday is tomorrow and looking at Luca's pancakes has my mouth watering.  If you could have pancakes in any shape what shape would you want and if you could add any topping to your pancakes what topping would you add? Bon Appetit!

Hand Washing

Dr. Shumate came in for a discussion on the importance of hand washing.  Do you remember when you should wash your hands, how long you wash your hands and how often? Please share your comments.

Snow Storm 2011

Second Grade thanks for sharing your pictures!  I think I included them all in the Animoto. If you have more I can always add them.  Be safe and have a Wonderful Wednesday.

Our New Year's Resolutions! Happy 2011!

Second Grade your New Year's Resolutions are awesome.  We have faith in all of you and we believe that you will honor the promises and reach the goals you have set for yourselves.  Happy New Year!

Meet Serena the Snow Girl...

Meet Serena the SnowGirl. She was created today by my dear friend Donna  J. and her daughters.  How did you spend your day today? You have another snow day, Tuesday, January 11.  Please write about how you will spend your time at home on the snow day.  Will you read books? Bake? Go out and make snow angels? Have a snow ball fight with your family? Play wii games?  Please tell us how you will spend your time.  Email a few pictures if you have time.  We would love to see your snow creations!  Stay warm and drink lots of hot coco!

The Dikenga Exhibit

Second Grade I really enjoyed our trip to the High on Friday, January 7.  You guys made me really proud to be one of your teachers.  Your behavior was awesome,  you asked great questions, made great comments, and created beautiful mask.  Please enjoy the Aminoto and we look forward to reading your comments!  Thanks so much to our chaperons- Jennifer and Ellen.