"How To..." Writing, Part Deux

Today was our second day of "How To..." writing and my students were in for quite a treat! 

We used  Amy Lemon's Dirt Puddin' packet and practiced sequencing and writing for a specific audience. 

We began by making a Flow Map about the sequence they thought they would use... 

As we gathered our materials and ingredients and went through the process, students took notes.

After, students used their notes to write their own "How To" and made a quick little craft as a cover for their writing.

Finally, students graded themselves using the rubric in the packet, and now, I'm grading them, too! 

They did amazing!

School Supply List

Our supply list is now available on Amazon.com

Click here to see our list on Amazon!

"How To..." Writing

You know it's going to be awesome when it starts like this...

and ends with a Thinking Map like THIS!

Happy teacher appreciation week!

Teacher Appreciation

If you want to celebrate Teacher Appreciate week -- or if you need those last few volunteer hours for our school -- you can donate here. I am raising funds to buy science supplies for our class --- and your donation is tax deductable!
 

Click Here to Donate ($5=1hr)

THIS PROJECT WAS COMPLETELY FUNDED!!!!!  Click the DonorsChoose button on the top right to find our current project! - May 2014

Open House

What a whirlwind open house was!

It's so great to see families and the kids in their 'normal' non-uniform clothes! 

The students created their own checklists today and used them to show their families around the room. 

They were so proud!

Inside the little "My Progress" is personalized data for each student.

Basically, on the left it briefly relays their reading and fluency level when they started the year, and on the right shows where they are now. 

This way every single kid can show their parents that they have made significant progress this year.

Well done, 2nd graders!

Painted Indian Elephants

We are getting ready for our upcoming Multicultural Day by learning about India! 

Second graders learned all about the beautiful painted elephants and did this amazing art project. This was the brain child of a local art teacher, Ms. Donna who is piloting an idea that I hope I can share with everyone soon.

They turned out so lovely - I can't wait for parents to see them at open house tonight!