Spunky Play Performance Time

Reminder on our parent performance time:

Thursday, October 31 at 12:45 in the library

Making Bar Graphs

After learning about bar graphs the students had the chance to come up with their own topic for a bar graph.  Each student chose a question for the graph and four possible answers.  Then the students went around and polled their classmates.  They collected the data on a tally sheet and then used this information to create their bar graphs. 

Classroom Visitor

We had a visitor pop is on Thursday to play us a quick song during our reading time.  My son loves to play guitar, and it's always fun for the kids to hear a few minutes of music while we read.

Banana Bingo

"Banana" is a word used quite often in 2nd grade!  I created this banana bingo system several years ago to help us transition quickly and quietly around our classroom.  Whenever the students hear the word "banana" they are to head right back to their seats without voices.  Each time this is accomplished we earn a "banana point."  Once 5 points are earned a number is drawn and a banana is added to that number on our board.  The students have to work hard to also keep their points.  If at any point the class hears "banana split," voices need to go off in order to keep the points we've accumulated.  The class is always very excited when another banana is added and we get closer and closer to a bingo!  Once we get a bingo, we brainstorm a fun way to celebrate as a class. 

We earned our first banana bingo last week.  We brainstormed a list of possible ways to celebrate and then the class voted.  Once a choice is used, it is never repeated.  The class ultimately voted on Electronic Day for our first celebration.  The students were able to bring in a device to use during our afternoon recess.  They enjoyed hanging out with each other while playing games or listening to music.

Red Ribbon Week

The students had a lot of fun this week dressing up for Red Ribbon Week.  Each Monday the students meet with Mrs. Johnson for social skills class.  This past Monday the focus of the class was on making healthy choices for our bodies.

Community Mural Painting

Last week we were invited downtown to help with a mural painting that will go up in the community.  The students helped to prep the canvas that the colorful mural will be painted on.  Once we arrived the students were introduced to the artist who is designing the mural.  They then were equipped with brushes and set to work! 

Red Ribbon Week

This week the Lanesboro Elementary students will be recognizing Red Ribbon Week.  The focus in grades K-2 will be on ways to keep our bodies healthy and safe.  I've listed the dress up days below as a reminder:

Monday: "Red Out Day"  Wear read to show support for Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday: "Be a Hero, Be Drug Free"  Patriotic Theme (camo, red/white/blue)
Wednesday: "Team Up Against Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use" Favorite team apparel theme
Thursday: "Surf the Drug Free Wave" Hawaiian theme
Friday: "Your Choices are the Key to Your Dreams" Pajamas theme

What Turns You into a Crankenstein?

This week we read the funny book "Crankenstein" by Samantha Berger.  This story takes you through many examples of  what makes the main character very cranky.  At the end, the reader is surprised to find out the main character is just a normal little boy!  We shared stories and examples of what makes us cranky.  The class shared examples of long car rides, taking out the garbage, or wanting a toy that is too expensive.  We used our ideas to put together a class book.  Each student came up with a main idea and three details to support that idea.  We're still finishing up our writing, but we finished making our Crankensteins yesterday.  They turned out great!

Odd and Even Math Monsters

On Friday we combined our art skills with our math skills to make odd and even math monsters.  In 2nd grade we've recently reviewed and learned about the difference between odd and even and what odd and even numbers end in.  Each student had to make a unique monster with at least 4 odd body parts and 4 even body parts.  They had so much fun with this while practicing their math skills!