Day 8 Hat Day

Hat Day

It was hat day in our class, but the school was also recognizing the military child by having a purple up day. That is when we all wear purple. Our school's colors are purple, silver and black. That is why when we celebrate sometimes we have days that we all wear purple. 

SO

We made purple hats!

We used this tutorial. Following instructions is a skill we all need, so even though we were purpling up and making hats for hat day, we were also practicing paying attention and following directions.

Day 7 Game Day!

Game Day

It is not just fun and games! We also practiced our manners by playing with small groups nicely and not talking while others are talking. We learned to read instructions and follow them and we learned/practiced cleaning up one activity before moving on to another activity. these are all important skills for a second grader and for people their entire lives.

Day 5 Engineering Day

Engineering Day

                                                                  AKA Build it Day!

     First we made some Marshmallow Shooters. We used this video. Quirky Momma's Marshmallow Shooters. As with many other endeavors we learned a lesson or two. If you do these follow the video exactly. You can not use a larger cup unless the balloons you use are big.

     Then we tried our hands at The Marble Run again (we tried it earlier in the year). The students did a much better job building and were much more imaginative. The only materials we used were recyclables and tape. The following link contains the instructions we used.

diy-marble-run-from-toilet-rolls

The entire second grade participated in an Egg Drop. 

The Egg Drop

 We made Paper Helicopters.

We also made Catapults. We were moving to fast for pictures though.

While eating lunch in the classroom we were entertained by Physics Girl. Below is a playlist that kept most of my students engaged even though some of the vocabulary was for an older child. Her presentation is very interesting and understandable.

My Favorite Physics Girl Videos

We also enjoy The Crazy Russian Hacker

This was a great day!

Day 3 Crazy Hair!

Crazy Hair

Tomorrow is Dance Day! Share and teach a dance to the class!

Stay tuned! We might have a good video!

Day 2 of The ABC Countdown to the Last Day!

Day two- Buddy Day! 

Today was day two of the ABC Countdown, the students who participated dressed like buddies! I was very proud of those groups! Everyone who wanted to participate participated.

Tomorrow is C for Crazy Hair Day! We will be sporting our craziest hairstyles!

Stay Tuned!

ABC Countdown to the Last Day!

This is so not about technology, or really teaching ideas. It is all about having a little fun at the end of the school year.

At the end of last year, we were hit with so many assessments, kids and adults alike were thrilled the school year was over. It broke my heart that I was not able to say goodbye properly to my students. The last month felt like the downhill side of a roller coaster. 

This year I am taking some precautions. Last year I heard of another teacher in my school doing and ABC countdown to the end of the year and loved the idea! I thought to myself, ..next year! Well it almost slipped by until I saw that another teacher friend of mine was planning one and allowed me to steal a copy. It was wonderful, except there were a couple of things that did not apply to my class. For instance, a field trip. 

So, like any modern day teacher, I got on Pinterest. I found three that I liked and printed them off and then picked and chose my favorites. My hopes are that this will help us all be certain to enjoy at least a few moments those last few days of assessments. 

This is my final copy of our countdown:

This was A day!

Dressing up always makes someone feel special and it is an easy thing to add to a day!

Tomorrow is Buddy Day! I can hardly wait to see what the kids come up with!

300 FaceBook Likes!

     I know this is very selfish. But In the past year I truly never thought I would see this day! It has been very exciting! Thank you to all of you who have made this growth happen! I am speechless, but could not wait until Wordless Wednesday! I have put my very favorite game up for a freebie for 24 hours that started this morning at 7ish. But, since I am feeling so happy, let's start the time all over again now!

End-of-the-2nd-Year-Beginning-of-3rd-Year-Math-Review-Smart-Board

     It is my favorite because it covers everything we have done in second grade. I put a lot of work into 61 slides of fun. I want to have relevant activities that students participate in and I designed these slides to be exactly what a second grader needs. They are also, in my pinion very pretty and the colors are engaging.There are only two slides that do not have some type of interaction for the students. There are matching activities with spinning and disappearing items. There are also buttons to push and objects to sort. My students love it! Right now it is free, give it a try! Please leave some feedback and let me know what you think!

Here is a previous post from the students that enjoyed it last May.