Fall Walk, Webbing, and Writing

This week we took a fall walk. We took in hand our clip boards, paper, and pencils. We spent time observing our surroundings and recording what we saw, heard, smelled, touched, and how we felt.

Later in the week we used a webbing website to create a web with two of the senses we used. The children learned how to use this site to create a web to organize their observations. We printed them when we were finished. Look for these to come home in the next week.

We also wrote about our observations this week. These are displayed in the hallway for others to read. I will send them home in a few weeks.


Ginger Henshaw

Science Classroom- Sand and Dirt

Today we went to the science classroom. We conducted an experiment on whether sand or soil absorbed more water. The children began by predicting, then they observed the two soils, then we added water to the soils. The children then observed what happened as they added water. We discussed and recorded their observations, learning, and new questions.

Landforms!

We had a great science activity today. The students made salt dough and then used the dough to create a landform. We will go back to the lab next week to paint them.

The students were interested in the recipe for salt dough... Here it is. :)

1 cup plain flour
1 cup salt
2/3 cup water

Until next time,

Ginger Henshaw

October?

It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be October 1! Time is moving by so fast.

Did you know... we are going to the science lab on Tuesday. We will be doing a hands on activity as a part of our study of landforms. :)

Did you know... we have an I-pad in our classroom that we use as a part of station time? Currently we are working with two apps. The first we have been using as a part of our working with words station: Kids Doodle. The second we've been using during math stations: Hungry Fish. Both of these apps are free from the Apple App store.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Henshaw

Science Classroom Experience

Our first trip to the science classroom was a success! I think the children enjoyed going for the first time. Today we discussed the phases of the moon. I hope your children came home today and told you about their learning. If not, please ask them about it.

Happy Tuesday,

Ginger Henshaw

Space, Writer's Workshop, and Other Stuff...

Hello!

This week and next week we are learning about planets and the moon. On Tuesday of next week we will have a lesson in the science classroom! I am so excited about the activity we'll be doing. We are also singing a "cool" song about the 8 planets, now that Pluto has been demoted. Hopefully by the end of next week, your child will sing you a little bit of it.

We started Writer's Workshop this week! The children are learning about being a writer and the important decisions a writer makes. Ask your child about WW.

Finally, I wanted to share with you two cool apps and a blog.

If you have an i-pad, i-pod, etc... There is a free app in the Apple app store called "Planets" that shows the cardinal directions as well as stars and planets.

There is also a free app from the American Museum of Natural History, that can be found in the Apple app store called "Cosmic Discoveries."  It provides interesting information about our planets and space. There is a mosaic on this app that shows fabulous space related pictures.

On to the blog... there is a blog called Bedtime Math. http://bedtimemathproblem.org/ This blog has a different story everyday with real life applications. It also has a math problem that relates to the story. I've enjoyed reading it with my boys a few nights and wanted to pass the information on to you.

Until next time,

Mrs. Henshaw

We've had a great first two days of school! Ask your children about working with data. We've collected data over the last two days and created a bar graph. Then discussed what we could learn from examining the data. Today we started examining fiction books that will go in our classroom library. Ask your child about this too.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Mrs. Henshaw

Our First Week of School

Thursday night was awesome! It was wonderful meeting the children who were able to attend "Back to School" night. It was great meeting the parents as well. Please remember to return the school paperwork as soon as possible.

I encourage you to take time each day to ask your child what they did in school. You can use the newsletter (which will start coming home next week) to give you an idea of the things we are studying.

I'm looking forward to seeing your child on Monday!

Mrs. Henshaw

Welcome back to school!

I am so excited to begin this school year! Everything is falling into place and the children will be arriving on Monday! My primary purpose behind establishing a blog is to communicate with parents about general happenings in our classroom as well as share information and online resources with parents. I am looking forward to a wonderful second grade year!

Ginger Henshaw