Balance

This week we started learning about balance.  We did two different experiments to explore balance, use counterweights and discover what makes a stable position.

In the first lesson we used trick crayfish and clothespins, or the scientific term - counterweights.  We discovered there were many ways to balance the crayfish.

Trick Crayfish!

Balanced!

Concentration!

In the second lesson we used a triangle and arch along with counterweights to explore what makes a stable position.  We discovered the counterweights need to be near or below the balance point. 

Stable!

Working together!

Next week we will experiment with mobiles and do a science rotation to learn from the other Second grade teachers! 

John Coy

We are so lucky to have another author coming to visit!  John Coy will be visiting Brimhall on January 30th to share his books with us and also share the process of writing books. 

Today in library, Ms. Z shared one of his books, Hoop Genius How a Desperate Teacher and Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball.  This is the true story of how basketball was invented! 

Yesterday students brought home an order form for some of John Coy's books.  This is an option for families.   If you would like to purchase a book, please complete the form and return it to school with money. 

These are some of his other books.

Ms. Z doing a quick book talk before reading.

Indoor Recess

Today was our third day of indoor recess.  We have various games and activities to keep the kids busy.  There is also a site called Go Noodle that has different brain breaks, movement activities and dances.  The kids love to do this so we usually work it in at some point.

Here are a few snapshots of what we do:

Building, building, building!

More construction!

Making a blanket to use during read to self time!

Making a looonng tower!

Playing Spot It!

Playing Uno!

Playing Tenzi to pass the time!

Go Noodle!

Class Timeline

We are working on our class timeline.  At the end of each month we look back on the highlights of the month and write a paragraph to add to the timeline.  I find a few pictures that represent the month.  It is steadily growing across the back of our classroom.  

Four months of learning!

Monday we . . .

Today was a very cold day, but we had lots of learning to keep us busy and warm!

First, Mrs. Bidne came in her pajamas and invited us to Pajama Rama Night!  This year, they will be hosting a pizza party combined with family literacy and math activities.  Please find the invitation sent home with your child.  Please let us know if you plan on attending.  It should be a fun night!

Mrs. Bidne in her tiger pajamas.

It was too cold for outdoor recess.  We had games and other activities to keep us busy.  A few students constructed this eagle from Nanoblocks.  It was more challenging that they initially thought but they were able to work together to get it done.

Nanoblock Eagle

Hard workers on the eagle.

In math we started talking about arrays which will lead into studying the concept of multiplication.

So Much Fun!

Today was a super fun day!  It was jam packed with learning, reading and fun!

First, we did our Literacy lesson and took our spelling test.  Next, it was off to the library for a quick book checkout.  Then, we had our Reading Party!  We had about 45 minutes of silent reading.  We each got to pick some special books and find a spot in the room to read.  Many students had an animal from home they read to during this time.    We also read Robot Cat with a buddy.  

Reading to a friend!

Then it was time for what we had been waiting for . . . toast with a great deal of butter!  Thank you to Mrs. Biros for helping Mrs. Anderson toast and butter 2 and 1/2 loaves of bread!  It was awesome!

We watched Owl Moon and  Scaredy Squirrel  on Bookflix.  We ended the morning with a Mercy Watson word search.

After lunch and recess we went to Phy. Ed. with Mrs. Brink.  Then it was time for the All School Bunco Event!  Mrs. Brink came and played with us.  It was lots of fun! 

After the game, we had a snack and packed up to go home.  The last thing we did was watch The Scrambled States of America on Bookflix.

We were so busy that we didn't even get any pictures of our crazy socks!


Have a Wonderful Break!

Nutcracker Ballet Field Trip

Today we went to see Ballet Minnesota's Nutcracker Ballet!  A student in Miss Olson's class was a part of the production.  It was so much fun!  Mrs. Liadova and Mrs. Way-Johnson have taught the students about the ballet, the music and storyline.  We read a few versions of the story and listened to the music.

The Ballet was fairly long, but everyone did a wonderful job listening and watching.  It was a fantastic experience.  

Ready to see the ballet!

When we got back, we had lunch and wrote in our Special Times in Second Grade journal.  Here are a few illustrations from our books.