NBCS will be having its first pep rally tomorrow, where the children will be learning about some new games to play on the playground, and getting a refresher on playground expectations. As you have probably read in the Thursday notices, second grade is wearing red. Each grade level will be wearing a different color. Feel free to have your second grader dress in anything red tomorrow. It should be a great way to kick off a fun day before Thanksgiving break.
This week, we began to practice using the digital version of many of the games we have been playing. One of the greatest things about Connected is that it allows us to differentiate the games the children are playing. This week, I will send home login instructions for how to access this program from home.
On Friday, I shared this video and the idea of a “beautiful oops” with the children.
We have been working on flexible thinking, perseverance and learning from our mistakes. All of which can be incredibly challenging. Each of these skills plays a vital role in helping these children reach their maximum potential. Although this may appear to be a simple art project. The concept will resonate throughout all subjects, and areas of these children’s lives. For example, when completing a problem in math, having each of these skills will allow a child to work through multiple strategies (without frustration, or shutting down), and allow them to find the strategy that is most effective. Without these skills, children may find something challenging in math and shut down, get angry, or get stuck on one strategy, even if that strategy takes them four times as long. These skills are very challenging for some children, but it has also been amazing to see some of them take some leaps, and and allow themselves the freedom to think. I am excited to watch this class continue to grow!
To demonstrate these skills, the children started with an “oops” and their challenge was to create something beautiful out of it. It was fun to watch their wheels turn, and to see some of the creations that they made!
It is always such a treat to watch a presentation by Marcia and Mark Wilson, and their feathered friends! What a great experience to hear their stories, and meet their rescues. We learned how to look for signs of owls, and other animals in the woodland habitat. We sure learned a lot, and had a lot of fun in the process!
Wow! What a great field trip! Despite the cold weather, we had a ton of fun on our walking field trip downtown. We couldn’t be more helpful to the wonderful people of this town for helping us to make this such a great learning experience for the kids. We started our day at the library where Mrs. Ballou and Mrs. Chapman gave us a tour of the town library, and talked to us about the building, the history, and the present uses of the town library. Mr. and Mrs. Rothman did a phenomenal job with a presentation at the Historical Society. There were other members of the historical society that helped with the presentation, including Mr. and Mrs. Moody. We learned so much about the downtown operations in New Boston of the past, compared to what we know of it today. The children were such a respectful and engaged audience! They then led us on a walking tour down the road, explaining how the use of the buildings has changed over the years. When we reached the Parker’s field, Mrs. Parker and Mr. Rothman did such a wonderful job sharing with our group, the history of the area, as well as natural elements of the trail and the woodland habitat. Even Mr. Donovan shared some information about our natural habitat. The children learned so much about the area, and were fascinated by all that was shared! It was a great day for all of us! Thank you so much to the chaperones that volunteered to come with us. We appreciate you taking the time to share a fun experience with us.
After a crazy storm on Monday, we had a fun and silly day on Tuesday. We had a fun-filled day, full of math games, writing and Halloween fun. We had so much fun at the parade, and some yummy snacks afterwards Thank you for all the wonderful donations. The children had a blast, and enjoyed all of the yummy snacks and drinks.
We have been working on practicing our weekly words using an Ipad app called Spelling City. Last week, I sent home logins and passwords for each of the students. In order to keep personal information confidential I have not used any identifying information. You can use the same activities via the website. It is not necessary to use an app. When you choose a list from our posted lists, it would be best to choose one that we are currently practicing. The numbers stand for the unit and week of Wonders. For example, we are in Unit 3 Week 4, so you would look for lists titled 3.4. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
