E.C.O.

We had perfect weather for our first E.C.O. lesson on Tuesday morning!  We reviewed the 3 Cares and our E.C.O. mammal names.  We also shared something that we are thankful for in nature.

Next, we played Four Corners in the field before heading into the woods.  After snack, we had Forest Choice time.  Our choices were making rope with string, grinding natural objects with a mortar and pestle, building forts, and using hammers.  It was wonderful to see everyone working well together and sharing materials safely.  Thanks to Angie for a great E.C.O. lesson!

Louisiana Schools Need Our Help!

Louisiana Schools Need Our Help!

EMES is a collection site for books to be sent to St. Amant School in Louisiana.  They are looking for NEW or LIKE-NEW Books. 

This effort is being organized by Bear Pond Books.  Families who wish to purchase books, can get a discount if they use the Bear Pond online ordering system.  For details see www.bearpondbooks.com. 

The 4th grade teacher has requested the following books in particular:

• Scientific method 

• Scientific inquiry

•Stem activities 

•Forms of energy 

•volume weight and mass

 •Plants 

•animals

•Circulatory  and respiratory body function 

•habitat

•rocks 

•landforms

• weather 

•phases of the moon 

•solar and lunar eclipse 

•food web

“Our rooms are bare- not even everyone has a white/chalk board. We’re having to bring in items from home to improvise an environment as normal as possible. Students don’t have any reading materials for when they finish their work or when they come into class. We also do not have a library at this location, so reading books is considered a luxury as of now.”   ~Lindsey Kelley, 4th grade teacher at St. Amant Primary School in St. Amant, Louisiana

See the EMES newsletter for more information.

Sharing

Sharing

Sharing is an important part of our daily classroom morning meeting.  Through our sharing time, students develop a deeper sense of community as we learn more about the people, events, special talents, and objects that are important to members of our class.  It is also a wonderful way for students to practice speaking and listening skills in a meaningful way.

I encourage students to think carefully about what they bring and to be prepared to talk for about 3 to 5 minutes about their share.  They will also have time to answer a few questions from their classmates.  It is often helpful for students to practice their “share” at home with family members so they feel ready to speak about it in front of the group.

Some ideas for sharing are:

• Describe special moment or event
• Tell about an important person or pet
• Share about playing a sport or instrument or about another special talent
• Share or describe something found in nature (ex: finding a nest)
• Tell about a favorite book
• Share about a special toy or stuffed animal

E.C.O. Dates

Educating Children Outdoors (E.C.O.)

Our class will have E.C.O. on Tuesday mornings from 9:05 to 11:05 am.  We would love to have parent volunteers join us for lessons.  If you are interested in joining us, please let me know and see Karin in the office for the volunteer paperwork.  

Our E.C.O. dates:

September 13 and 27

October 11 and 25

November 8 and 22

December 6 and 20

February 7 and 21

March 21

April 4 and 25

May 9 and 23

These dates may change due to scheduling conflicts. Also, one of the spring dates will most likely include a field trip to a local pond, bog, or stream.  

Classroom News

We had another busy and productive week in second grade.  Students have been doing a great job staying focused on learning, even when it has been really warm.

It was wonderful to see everyone at the Parent Orientation Night.  I know that many of you were unable to attend, so I am including the key information in other blog posts.  I am also sending home a copy of our Sharing Calendar for September.  Please note that Sharing starts on Monday.

On Tuesday, we have our first E.C.O. lesson.  Please help your child come prepared to spend the morning outdoors.  Everyone should have sneakers or other footwear that is appropriate for running and being in the woods. 

If you have not completed and returned your E.C.O. and school hike forms, please return them on Monday. Thanks!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Classroom News

I have really enjoyed getting to know your children this week.  We have been busy practicing routines, discussing expectations, working on our All About Me books, and playing math games.  We filled our first classroom tree today and are celebrating with extra recess at the end of the day.  I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!

Important Events and Reminders:

We do not have school on Labor Day, which is Monday, September 5th.

Tuesday, September 6th is Picture Day! Please remember to send in your picture orders and payment or pay online and send in your order confirmation number.

We are having a Parent Orientation Night on Tuesday, September 6th beginning at 6:00 pm.  We are asking that this is a parent-only event.  We will have a regular open house on Thursday, October 20th.  Teachers will be holding 20 minute information sessions starting at 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm.  At 7:00, there will be a school board presentation in the gym.  I hope you can join us for this event.

Our first ECO lesson will be on Tuesday, September 13th.  Please return the ECO forms by next Friday, September 9th.

The EMES School Hike will be on Friday, September 23rd.  (The raindate is September 30th.)  Hike forms are coming home today.  Please return the form by Friday, September 9th.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to a new school year!  We had a very busy first day of school.  Our class played a familiar math game, started a classroom scavenger hunt, talked about classroom expectations, went to Art class with Ms. Holmes-Heiss, and had our Technology Integration class with Ms. Arlyn.  I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!