Our week so far...

Last week during E week we read the story of Elmer by David McKee.  Elmer taught us the importance of being proud of who were are!  Students each made their own unique Elmer which our now on display on the big bulletin board in our classroom.

This week in math we have been learning all about symmetry.  Students used pattern blocks to create symmetrical designs.

 

Next students walked around the classroom and used rulers as "symmetry sticks" to find lines of symmetry on their classmates' creations.

 

We've also been learning about silent E this week.  Students have learned that a silent E at the end of a word helps the other vowels to say their names.  We have been working on reading and writing silent E words.  Here are the Super Es we made yesterday!

On Monday we began a new science unit on oviparous animals.  We started by reading the book Chickens Aren't the Only Ones by Ruth Heller.

Then students drew and wrote about one animal that was oviparous (lays eggs) and what that is viparous (does not lay eggs).

Yesterday students created riddles about oviparous animals.  They did a great job writing clues and drawing pictures of the animals they chose.

 

I forgot to share these photos of students with their plants in the last blogpost so I thought I'd include them in this one!

What We've Been Up To

During Q week students created these awesome quilt squares that are now in display in the hallway.

 

 

We also recently learned about the difference between fact and opinion.  Students then had a chance to create their own pizzas and write an opinion piece about why it was their favorite.

 

 

This past week we learned all about fish.  On Wednesday students worked with partners to brainstorm lists of what fish have, need, and can do.

 

After coming up with their lists students then found a new partner and shared what they had come up with.

 

 

This past Thursday students explored 3-D shapes to see what shapes can roll, stack, or slide.

 

 

 

On Friday we finished our 3-D shape unit with a 3-D shape museum.  Each student brought different 3-D shapes that they found at home.  Students then worked to identify the shapes everyone brought.

 

 

Students were very excited to bring their plants home on Friday!

 

Wildlife Refuge Field Trip

On Monday we went on a field trip to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington.

When we arrived we were greeted by staff at the refuge who helped us review everything we have learned about Minnesota animals and habitats.

After lunch we were able to head out and explore the refuge.  Students enjoyed using binoculars and telescopes at the lookout point to search for birds.

We also had a chance to go on a hike through the woods.

A highlight of our hike was seeing these two turtles in the wetland area.

Students also had a chance to explore the refuge's awesome indoor facility.  Some of the activities included: drawing, working on a puzzle, reading, looking at dioramas, and exploring murals.

When we arrived back at school we had a special visit from Smokey the Bear who brought special treat bags for each student!  It was a great day!

Worm Exploration

All week long we have been learning about worms.  Students have learned many interesting things about worms including: the parts of a worm, how worms move, what worms need to survive, and the differences between red worms & earthworms.  

 

On Wednesday students each made their own earthworm that included a worm fact.

 

Yesterday students had a chance to explore real red worms and earthworms.  It was a very exciting afternoon!  

Yesterday afternoon we also had a chance to attend the second grade music concert. 

Last week students had a lot of fun making Mother's Day cards for their moms.  They worked very hard!  The cards turned out beautifully! :-)

Plant Unit & Music Class

This week we have continued learning all about plants.  On Tuesday students had a chance to take apart seeds to learn about the different parts.  We learned that the basic parts of a seed are include: seed coat, embryo, and cotyledon.

Last week students used watercolors to paint raindrops and tempera paint to paint flowers.  This display is now hanging up over our coat hooks.

In music class yesterday students had a chance to play many different percussion instruments with help from our music teacher Ms. Liadova and Mrs. Bros' third grade class.

We took a short cut outside to get from music back to our classroom! 

Yesterday afternoon we planted seeds!  Students had a chance to choose from the seeds below.

 

Students made labels for their plants and then we set them all by the window in our classroom.  We're excited for them to start to grow!