Dear Families,
We are excited to tell you about a reading challenge for both second grade classrooms. It started after we read the story, "Henry and Mudge, and the Starry Night" in our Reading Street text book. In case you don't know, Henry is a boy and Mudge is his big dog. There are many more stories in a series published in small paperback books. The kids really like these stories, so the challenge is to read twenty titles and write at least four sentences about each story. We are calling it a Henry and Mudge Bonanza Marathon. When every child has finished all 20 titles, we are going to have a big celebration with balloons, refreshments, and certificates. To add to the fun, the children will be allowed to bring in their stuffed animal dog toys for the day. I'm also hoping to arrange for someone to bring in a real dog, preferably a puppy. Most of us love dogs, especially Mrs. Bluhm. So we will keep you posted on our progress.
Lastly, we will be going on our field trip to the Peterboro Historical Society this coming Wednesday, Oct. 5th. We will be taking a school bus, leaving school around 9:50, and returning for lunch. Please provide a regular morning snack. We will eat snack before we leave AES.
The children have been learning about how different life was in the early 1800's, and on this trip, they will get to experience a few hours in a one room school house. They will also get to play with toys and games from this era. To complement this unit of study, each child will also be conducting an interview of the oldest person they know or can meet. The questions will focus on the memories of that person's elementary school days. ( Try to find someone at least 70 years old). Of course, you may assist or accompany your child on the interview which can be done over the phone or in person. You may act as scribe if your child requests help. We are hoping to share the results by next Thursday, Oct. 6th. Thanks for your help.
( Back Posted: Originally written on Sept. 30th)
Welcome to our blog. We are a second grade classroom at Antrim Elementary School in Antrim, New Hampshire, USA. There are currently 16 of us in our class. Our teacher is Mrs. Bluhm. We hope you enjoy sharing in our learning. Please be sure to leave us a comment.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Our First Week of School of 2011
Dear Families,
Here are some of our accomplishments as dictated to me by my students.
We learned about Rocket Math. We had assembly and met all of the new students and teachers.
We did the dance of Jump, Jim, Joe in our classroom. We started to fill up the marble jar. We learned a new action song at assembly to the tune of Dynamite. We went to P.E. and met our new teacher named Coach Druin. We love read aloud! We read the following books: I am the Dog, I am the Cat, Boomer's Big Surprise, and Boomer Goes to School. In our regular math, we learned about using the part-part whole mat to add and subtract. We had health time and music. We take turns using clothes pins with our names on them. We earn bonus marble points for good listening and cooperation. We started our Reading Street unit. Our weekly question is: What can we learn by exploring different communities? We brainstormed topics that we want to learn about. Here is our list: fawns and deers, basketball, science, the internet, computers, technology, mammals, food and cooking, Hollywood, acting and performing, cheetahs, soccer, caterpillars, insects, jaguars, horses and riding, ducks and squirrels.
So, as you can see, we have had a great first week.
Finally, please mark your calendars for Open House on Thursday, Sept. 22nd from 5:15 - 6:15.
Leave us a comment.
(Back posted by Mrs. Bluhm on Oct. 4th, 2011) Originally written on Sept. 2nd, 2011
Here are some of our accomplishments as dictated to me by my students.
We learned about Rocket Math. We had assembly and met all of the new students and teachers.
We did the dance of Jump, Jim, Joe in our classroom. We started to fill up the marble jar. We learned a new action song at assembly to the tune of Dynamite. We went to P.E. and met our new teacher named Coach Druin. We love read aloud! We read the following books: I am the Dog, I am the Cat, Boomer's Big Surprise, and Boomer Goes to School. In our regular math, we learned about using the part-part whole mat to add and subtract. We had health time and music. We take turns using clothes pins with our names on them. We earn bonus marble points for good listening and cooperation. We started our Reading Street unit. Our weekly question is: What can we learn by exploring different communities? We brainstormed topics that we want to learn about. Here is our list: fawns and deers, basketball, science, the internet, computers, technology, mammals, food and cooking, Hollywood, acting and performing, cheetahs, soccer, caterpillars, insects, jaguars, horses and riding, ducks and squirrels.
So, as you can see, we have had a great first week.
Finally, please mark your calendars for Open House on Thursday, Sept. 22nd from 5:15 - 6:15.
Leave us a comment.
(Back posted by Mrs. Bluhm on Oct. 4th, 2011) Originally written on Sept. 2nd, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Field Trip Update
Hello Families,
As a reminder, we have two field trips for second grade as the year end is approaching. Please mark your calendars and let me know soon if you are able to be a chaperone for either trip. Here are the dates and places:
June 3rd, Friday: Colonial Theater, Keene, NH; 9:00 - Noon ( by bus)
June 10th, Friday: Boston Science Museum, 8:00 - 5:00 ( by bus)
Permission slips and more details will follow soon.
As a reminder, we have two field trips for second grade as the year end is approaching. Please mark your calendars and let me know soon if you are able to be a chaperone for either trip. Here are the dates and places:
June 3rd, Friday: Colonial Theater, Keene, NH; 9:00 - Noon ( by bus)
June 10th, Friday: Boston Science Museum, 8:00 - 5:00 ( by bus)
Permission slips and more details will follow soon.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Baby Sea Turtle's Adventure
Dear Families, Happy Spring! Take a look at this writing and art project completed by Owen. He worked really hard on this book during a small group time when most of the school is involved with the Griffin's Nest activity. His story has five parts: a setting, character introduction, problem, solution, and resolution. Enjoy and please leave us a comment.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Spring is Coming!
We are finishing our reading unit with the theme of changes. To complement the unit, we wrote non-fiction stories about the life cycle of plants or animals. Then the ConVal arts consultants came into the classroom to help us create accordion books with illustrations using the technique of Eric Carle's collage art. Here are a few photos of the children showing off their finished books, and soon, the actual book will be coming home in your child's portfolio. Speaking of portfolios, they will be brought home by your child next Friday, March 25th. Reports cards will also come home that day. Set conferences are not being scheduled. However, feel free to contact me after viewing the portfolio and report card. If you request a conference, I will arrange to meet with any of you after school from 4:00 - 6:30 PM during a two week time frame starting on March 28th until April 8th. You may e-mail me at nbluhm@conval.edu, send in a note, or call school and leave me a message. You could also leave a comment on the blog site : mrsbluhmsclassroom.blogspot.com.
Other news: Upcoming field trips and NHDI dance performance
First our school will be participating in a week of dance April 4 - 8th. On Friday, April 8th, we will be performing at the GBS gym at 6:30 PM. Don't miss this exciting all school performance.
Two end of the year field trips are also scheduled. On Friday, June 3rd we will be going to the Colonial Theatre in Keene to see the African Children's Choir perform. This will be a 10:00 AM performance, and we will be taking a school bus. Then on Friday, June 10th, we will be going to the Boston Science Museum. We will also be taking a school bus for this trip. So, mark your calendars. Permission slips and more information will be sent home as the time approaches. However, if you are able and wish to commit to coming to both or either of these trips, just let me know.
Enjoy the warmer weather. We are all looking forward to seeing the ground.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Snow! Snow! Snow!
Dear Families,
With so many delayed openings and snow days, it has been challenging to stay focused in the classroom. Still, we have tackled new concepts in math and literacy. The children are becoming more adept with regrouping in double digit addition and subtraction. They have been working hard with lots of repetition and practice. Two step problem solving is the most difficult task, but we will continue to work on it. Soon, we will start a unit on geometry which will be a big change. Speaking of change, the theme in our new unit in reading is all about change. We talked this week about how changes are easier to accept when you have familiar items to help you preserve memories. We also learned all about the life cycle of a frog.
Upcoming News: Valentine's Day and Day 100
On Monday, Feb. 14th, we will celebrate Valentine's Day with a class party in the afternoon from 2:15 until dismissal. We will excahnge Valentine cards, and have special snacks. Please see the attached sheet about contributing for party refreshments. Remember, I have split the class list in half, and we are rotating turns for providing food for the parties. Whether it is your turn to provide food, you are welcome to attend the party, and to help serve refreshments and clean up. Just send in a note to let me know who to expect. Thanks in advance.
Day 100 is also coming up soon, but we will celebrate it on the 14th sometime during the day. Your child will be asked to bring in a collection of 100 items, and to write 3 clues for others to guess the items. See additional sheet with details on this fun project. Last but, not least, remember that this Saturday is Winter Fest. I hope to see you there.
Here is a class list for Valentines. Please provide a card for one and all.
Emma A. Emma S. Isis Joey Jimmy Gabe Nisse Wylie Owen Avery Marshall
Ella Damien
With so many delayed openings and snow days, it has been challenging to stay focused in the classroom. Still, we have tackled new concepts in math and literacy. The children are becoming more adept with regrouping in double digit addition and subtraction. They have been working hard with lots of repetition and practice. Two step problem solving is the most difficult task, but we will continue to work on it. Soon, we will start a unit on geometry which will be a big change. Speaking of change, the theme in our new unit in reading is all about change. We talked this week about how changes are easier to accept when you have familiar items to help you preserve memories. We also learned all about the life cycle of a frog.
Upcoming News: Valentine's Day and Day 100
On Monday, Feb. 14th, we will celebrate Valentine's Day with a class party in the afternoon from 2:15 until dismissal. We will excahnge Valentine cards, and have special snacks. Please see the attached sheet about contributing for party refreshments. Remember, I have split the class list in half, and we are rotating turns for providing food for the parties. Whether it is your turn to provide food, you are welcome to attend the party, and to help serve refreshments and clean up. Just send in a note to let me know who to expect. Thanks in advance.
Day 100 is also coming up soon, but we will celebrate it on the 14th sometime during the day. Your child will be asked to bring in a collection of 100 items, and to write 3 clues for others to guess the items. See additional sheet with details on this fun project. Last but, not least, remember that this Saturday is Winter Fest. I hope to see you there.
Here is a class list for Valentines. Please provide a card for one and all.
Emma A. Emma S. Isis Joey Jimmy Gabe Nisse Wylie Owen Avery Marshall
Ella Damien
Monday, December 13, 2010
Performing our Classroom Play
Here are some photos of the children performing our classroom play of the Bremen Town Musicians. We put it on last Friday, Dec.10th. Many thanks to the parents who were able to attend. We had fun with it, but it was a lot of work. Didn't they do a great job? The photos are posted from the end of the play to the beginning. Oops! If they do not appear directly below the post, click to the right where it says: Blog Archive, or below where it says: Older Posts. Please leave us a comment. I'm going to try to load a video of the play, too.
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