A Visit From Mr. Morgan

We had a special visit! Mrs. Morgan’s husband came and read to us. A long time ago he wrote a story called “Two Socks” about a drawer full of socks who learned how to get along even though they were all different. Mr. Morgan is a high school teacher and took time to come and visit our 2nd grade class. He also makes really awesome comments on our blog posts. Thanks Mr. Morgan!

Vegan Cinnamon Scones

Check out my daughter's latest creation: 

Click HERE for the recipe....

Busy feet!

It seems like every year I have a student (usually a boy) who can't sit still or needs to be fidgeting with something in order to pay attention. It took me a long time to realize that when a student is twiddling with something in their desk, doodling, tearing up an eraser, or turned upside down in their chair, they are not just playing or trying to ignore me. In most cases, they are actually listening better than if I had made them sit quietly with their hands on their desk! Of course, all of this activity can be distracting and disruptive to the rest of the class, so the vice-principal at my school came up with an ingenious solution that requires a bungee cord with hooks on each end and a PVC pipe. Slip the pipe over the bungee cord and hook it to the desk leg.  The student has a place to keep his feet busy while keeping his bottom in the chair. I started using this with a student this year and it has really helped him stay focused and on task. Every once in a while I have to ask him to not be so noisy with it, but most of the time it is barely noticeable.

The feet stay busy while the student is engaged and on task!

Skyping with an Astronaut!

I didn't really plan anything exciting for our first day back after spring break, but I was pleasantly surprised when an "all call" came up on my Skype Instant Message Board looking for classrooms who were available to Skype with former astronaut Dr. Donald Thomas. I immediately responded but didn't hear back right away.  As were about to line up for recess, in came the call! He only had a short amount of time, but my students came through with some amazing questions. It was so wonderful to see how engaged and curious the students were. A big thank you to Steve Sherman at Living Maths and Dr. Donald Thomas. You made an ordinary Monday EXTRA-ordinary!

This student asked if he helped fix things in space. Dr. Thomas explained that like a car, the space shuttle is always in need of repair and upkeep.

This student asked what it was like on the moon. Dr. Thomas explained that he had never been to the moon., but he orbited earth many, many times doing experiments and research on microgravity.

This student asked what it was like to be in a 0 gravity environment. Dr. Thomas explained that  in  the space shuttle things just hang in the air where you leave them. He said you could never lose your homework in space:-)

This students asked if he went to astronaut school. Dr. Thomas explained that after graduating from college and graduate school, he was selected by NASA to become an astronaut to work on space shuttle missions.  

Screencasts created on Screenr

I learned about making screencasts during a Classroom 2.0 Live webinar this morning. Screenr allows you to make up to 5 minute screencasts which you can share and embed. You record your computer screen and your voice. This is a great program for tutorials and mini-lessons. Everything is pre-recorded so you don't have to fumble around trying to find the webpage during a presentation. This is a really simple tool that students could use to create reports and projects. I can't wait to use it!
This is my first attempt at a screencast. It shows you how to log on to www.tweetchat.com to participate in Twitter chats! I didn't record my voice on this one but you can hear my bracelet clanging on my computer!

Learn about Cinco de Mayo via Skype!

When we return from spring break, my 2nd graders will be learning about Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") and how it is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico—which is actually celebrated on September 16. Students will share the history and traditions and how we celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Texas. Sign up for your Skype session now! Sessions will begin the week of April 16th.
 

Daily 5 creates confident, independent learners!

I recently started having my students sign up to read for the class. Each day a student gets to pick a "good fit" book and read to the rest of the class.

This has been really wonderful for my reluctant readers. Because they are so comfortable with their classmates and confident in their ability, every student has willingly signed up. I truly believe that implementing the Daily 5 this year has allowed my students to take risks and push themselves further than a traditional guided reading program would have allowed. The Daily 5 gives students choices and creates independent learners. 

Our Daily 5 includes Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Work on Writing, and Word Work. 

Using blogging for Work on Writing has also brought out the best in my students. They are no longer just writing for me with my red pen. They know that their friends, family, other teachers, principals, and classrooms around the world are reading their posts and commenting. They have raised their own bar and the results have been amazing.

At first I was reluctant to do Read to Someone because I was afraid the students would not stay focused and it would get too loud. But I discovered that because the students are so accustomed to the Daily 5 routine, that they were easily able to adapt these to the Read to Someone component. I usually allow up to 3 pairs at a time. They really enjoy this and I am glad I waited until the other components were in place before starting Read to Someone.