Homework Lunch Club

Homework is an important part of school.  It gives students extra practice with the concepts and skills we've learned in class.  Each month, to celebrate the students who complete and turn in ALL homework assignments (including behavior slips, parent letters, and WIN folders), we have a Homework Lunch Club.  These hard-working students get to eat lunch in the classroom while watching a movie.  Plus, the best part - I bring dessert!

Congratulations to Lainey, Reece, Sam, Shouri, Klayton, Grace, Maria, and Troy!  I hope to see you back here next month (and your classmates, too!)!



Our Theatrical Debut

Last week, our reading story was The Strongest One, a folk tale made into a play by Joseph Bruchac.  After reading the story several times throughout the week, we performed it as a readers' theater on Friday!  Take a look!

(You might want to turn your volume up - it's pretty quiet.)



 

Happy Grandparents' Day!

Did you know that September 11 was Grandparents' Day?  To celebrate, the second graders invited their grandparents to school on Friday, September 9!

All week, the Rockstars worked very hard on a special project.  They were very proud to give it to them that Friday!  After presenting their projects and giving a tour of the classroom, we met up with Mrs. Brown's, Mrs. Mann's, and Mrs. Burns' classes in the cafeteria.  The students read Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas to their grandparents and everyone enjoyed a yummy snack.

It was a wonderful day for everyone!  I would like to personally thank all of the grandparents who made the trip to NBE!  You made the day very memorable for your grandchild!

 



Computer Lab

We took our first trip to the computer lab this Tuesday!  I think everyone had fun, and I heard a resounding "YES!!" when I asked if we should come back.

First and foremost, it is important that we stay safe while on the computers and internet.  We started by talking about the computer lab do's and don't's.  We learned things like DO work quietly, DO stay in your seat, DO treat the computer, mouse, and keyboard gently.  We also learned that we DON'T yell or call out, DON'T do anything unless we are told, DON'T ever give out our last name, address, or phone number.

At the end, all students signed a pledge saying they will follow these computer lab rules.  They are aware that choosing not to do so will result in removal from the computers.

After that, we enjoyed the computers by playing Balloon Popper!

Introducing...

The Second Grade Rockstars!

 

We've hit the ground running and we're off to a great start!  We're still working on getting the expectations and routines down, but I know we'll get there soon!

In the meantime, we've started learning some different strategies for memorizing our addition and subtraction facts, and even kicked off Rocket Math!  We're reading our first story this week, called Iris and Walter.  Ask your child about the characters and setting of this story!

Next week, we'll start reading and math centers and small groups.  I'm excited for all of the learning happening already!

Sneak Peek!

 

Need something?  You'll find it here!

Our classroom library

All ready for calendar time!

A behavior chart fit for Rockstars!

What's a Bucket Filler?  You'll find out soon!

You'll know exactly where to hang your backback!

We have a lot of great things to learn about this year!

I can't wait for everyone to see our classroom in person!  See you Wednesday!



Are you ready for a ROCKIN' year?

It's the most exciting time of year:  the start of a new school year!  I had a fun and relaxing summer, but I am ready to meet my new second graders!  We will have so many fun adventures on our Second Grade Tour this year, and I can't wait to share them with my 20 students!

All of the teachers at New Berlin Elementary have been working hard in their classrooms to get them ready for August 24th!  Please check back really soon for some Sneak Peek pictures!

If you have any questions prior to the school year, please e-mail me at sjackson@cusd16.k12.il.us!

See you soon!  I cannot wait to meet you!