Open House Fun!

Apples Continued!

Apple Science

We started learning about the life cycle of a plant! We will be learning more in depth using apples, but to start we took a look at some different seeds. Students used toothpicks and magnifiers to find and count the seeds in apples, grapes, beans, and strawberries. Together, we will take a look at a mango seed. Once we have collected the data, we will graph the information to analyze and discuss. Stay tuned!

Dot Day News!

Here's an article about the origin of International Dot Day for those interested.  DOT DAY

International Dot Day

Peter Reynolds' picture book, The Dot, has inspired so many people around the world that it now has it's own day!  September 15th is International Dot Day, a day to "Make Your Mark" and "Connect the Dots"!   In my classroom, we watched and listened to The Dot, as read by Mr. Reynolds himelf, using the Fablevision program Big Screen Books.  We also enjoyed a 10 minute virtual author visit that is also included in the program.  When it was over, a number of kids asked, "Can we watch it again?!"

After talking about the story, we started our Sharpie Tie-Dye T-shirts.  This is a simple activity that uses permanant markers and rubbing alcohol.  Please enjoy the story and our slideshow.  :)

About Me Project

In order to get to know each other a little better, students created "About Me" bags. They decorated the bags so they they represented them. They then had to add five items they could use to teach their classmates about themselves. Take a peek and see if you can tell what some of the kids in our class are into!

September 11: Ten Years Later

Like many, I can't believe it has been ten years since September 11, 2001.  The students I had then are now seniors in high school or freshmen in college.  (I was teaching a mixed class of second and third graders at the time at Boyden School....long story!) The students I have now weren't even born yet! 
I have to admit I wasn't really sure if I should even address the event with my current class.  The more I thought about it, I realized I had to.  This is an event they will be hearing about for the rest of their lives...even though they weren't alive when it occurred.  I have to say that many of them already knew quite a bit, once again showing that parents are a child's first teacher!   
As a school, we decided to address the events of September 11th, 2001 by focusing on the Heroics and Patriotism that were ignited as a result of that tragedy.  I was fortunate to come across a beautifully illustrated book that  addressed the events of 9/11 in such a way.  The book is Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey written and illustrated by Maira Kalman.  Please ask your child about this special book.

As a school, we also acknowledged the day by having a short, simple ceremony that consisted of a few words by Mrs. Grinavic about helping one another in times of need, the raising of the flag, The Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, and singing "This Land is Your Land" and "God Bless America".  Please view the following slideshow to witness just how wondeful your children were during this ceremony!

Happy First Day of Second Grade!!

Welcome to Second Grade!

Dear Second Graders and Families,
I hope you are ready for a wonderful year!  I know I am!  Isn't our new class blog beautiful?  We will use this as a place to share classroom events, students work, post assignments, and more.  Get ready to blast off! :)
Miss Perron

By the way, here's a quick slideshow to show you what I've been up to while waiting for school to begin!