STM Second Grade Blog

Short field trip

2012-02-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

We will be going on a field trip to the Curiodyssey Museum at Coyote Point this Friday!

USF Cyberbullying Workshop for Grades 1-8 parents, 6:30 pm Gym

2012-02-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

There is a mandatory school wide meeting tomorrow Thursday the 16th:

USF Cyberbullying Workshop for Grades 1-8 parents, 6:30 pm Gym

Parents attending will receive a free dress pass for their student for Friday the 17th.

2012-02-13T20:32:00.001-08:00

Monday	1. Write each spelling word three times. 2. Write challenge words three times. 3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday	1. Math worksheet. 2. Book report 3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday	1. Handwriting worksheet 2. Math worksheet 3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday	1. Take a practice spelling test 2. Writing 3. Read for 15 minutes

Spelling Words

1.friend 2. night 3.thought 4.does 5.again 6. said 7.people 8. believe 9.tried 10.died 11.eight 12.tired 13.Friday 14.Saturday

Challenge Words: pierced, jewelry, horrible, and guard.

Story: Fossils Tell of Long Ago

Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1.     amber: a yellowish sap from plants that hardens and becomes a fossil
2.     fossil: a plant, animal, or imprint that has turned to stone
3.     extinct: not alive today; all members of the group or species have died out
4.     peat: swampy forest soil
5.     mammoth: a kind of elephant that lived millions of years ago
6.     preserved: has not rotted
7.     seeps: leaks slowly

Homework

2012-01-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

Monday	1. Write each spelling word three times. 2. Write challenge words three times. 3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday	1. Math worksheet. 2. Book report 3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday	1. Take a practice spelling test 2. Story Worksheet 3. Read for 15 minutes
Thursday	Homework due / No school Friday

Spelling Words

1.study 2.summer 3.such 4.true 5.due 6.who 7.move 8.truck 9.uncle 10.Sunday 11.glue 12.clue 13.lose 14.movie

Challenge Words: dumped, gruesome, clumsy, and whoever

Story: How the Guinea Fowl Got Her Spots

In this traditional Swahili folktale, Guinea Fowl twice saves her friend Cow from Lion. In return, Cow sprinkles milk over the formerly all-black guinea fowl, disguising her from the lion and allowing her to easily hide in the grasses. Guinea Fowl is almost foolhardy in her brave and loving attempts at protecting her friend; Cow expresses her concern on a more intellectual level. Tales that value friendship are easy to promote, especially when the characters express their caring in both thought and deed.

Vocabulary Words (just to study)

1. glossy: bright and shiny

2. delicious: pleasing to the taste or smell

3. slinking: moving slowly or secretively

4. scrambled: moved or climbed quickly

5. cautiously: carefully

Sandwiches for the Needy

2012-01-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to the second grade families for bringing sandwiches to the needy! I received a lovely e-mail from Joan Cuddihy who took the sandwiches. She says her car was loaded down with so many sandwiches. She told me to thank everyone. Great Job! If you would like more information about where the sandwiches are going, here is the link: http://www.martindeporres.org/

Homework

2012-01-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

The handwriting sheet will go home today. Some of you have asked about The Act of Contrition. According to the religious coordinator we will use this one:

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us.
In His name, my God, have mercy.
Amen

scholastic books

2012-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of the parents that have been buying scholastic books! I have ordered a lot of books for our library! A special thank you to Judy Silva who has been doing all of the orders!

Important Dates

2012-01-17T19:25:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder:
First Reconciliation will be on March 28th at 9:30am
First Communion will be on April 21st at 10:00am

Homework/Study Sheet

2012-01-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet
Day Assignment
Monday
Holiday
Tuesday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Handwriting worksheet
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Story Worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes

Spelling Words
1. happen 2.pretty 3.letter 4.little 5.rabbit 6.off 7.hurry
8. million 9.balloon 10.ladder 11.puddle 12.middle
13. hammer 14.lesson

Challenge Words: intelligent, pepperoni, marshmallow, supposed

Story: Hungry Little Hare
On a quest for raspberry leaves, Little Hare follows her nose and stumbles into creatures so well-disguised, that each appears to be something else! Children will learn about animal camouflage as the hungry hare meets a green frog, a walkingstick, a katydid, a crab spider, and other woodland animals.

Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. disguise: something that changes or hides the way one looks
2. scent: a smell
3. disappear: not able to be seen
4. sneaky: moving or acting secretly or slyly
5. avoid: to keep away from

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I can't wait to see you all. This is the homework for this week. See you on Wednesday!
Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday holiday
Tuesday holiday
Wednesday
1. Math worksheet
2. Handwriting worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Phonics worksheet
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes

I have noticed some students have not memorized addition and subtraction facts. We will be taking timed drills this week.

Homework/Study Sheet for the week of December 12

2011-12-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet
Due to the very busy week we will not be having a spelling or story test on Friday. We will be reviewing spelling words this week as well as having our regular reading groups. Have a Great Christmas!
Day Assignment
Monday
1. Math worksheet
2. Practice Drummer Boy
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
No Homework. Christmas Program: Students need to be in our classroom by 6:15pm
Wednesday
1. Math worksheet
2. Choose 5 Spelling Review words and make 5 sentences.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Spelling pages 87 and 88
2. Choose 5 different Spelling Review words and make 5 new sentences.
3. Read for 15 minutes

Spelling Words Review
1. alone
2. always
3. couldn’t
4. hadn’t
5. hasn’t
6. one
7. until
8. warm
9. watched
10. wear
11. went
12. when
13. while
14. chance
15. chase
16. house
17. jacket
18. locker
19. neck
20. since
21. ticket
22. castle
23. knee
24. listen
25. whistle
26. wrap
27. wrestle
28. write
29. wrote
30.hour

Homework/study sheet for the week of December 5th

2011-12-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
1. Math worksheet
2. Spelling worksheet
3. Super Sentences
Wednesday
1. Christmas Worksheet
2. Practice Drummer Boy Song (sending lyrics and youtube video on our blog)
3. Math worksheet
4. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Practice Drummer Boy Song
3. We Celebrate Advent Worksheet
4. Read for 15 minutes
Spelling Words
1.knife 2.know 3.wrong 4.write 5.wrote 6.listen 7.Christmas 8.knee 9.knight 10.knock 11.wrap 12.wrestle 13.castle 14.whistle

Challenge Words: doorknob, knowledge, wristwatch, and hustle.
Story: I see Animals Hiding
Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. natural: not learned or taught, but something one is born with
2. unaware: not watchful or mindful
3. camouflage: animal coloration; disguise
4. wariest: most cautious and alert
5. slithering: sliding, gliding, or creeping
6. invisible: not able to be seen

2011-12-01T22:08:00.001-08:00

Little Drummer Boy: Lyrics
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Christmas Song For Second Grade

2011-12-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

Please practice this song at home. We will be singing this at the Christmas Show on December 13th.

Little Drummer Boy (HQ) - Karaoke Christmas Traditional Style

2011-12-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

Homework/Study Sheet for the week of November 28th

2011-11-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
1. Math worksheet
2. Spelling worksheet
3. Super Sentences
Wednesday
1. Story Sequence
2. Crossword puzzle
3. Math worksheet
4. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. A Bike Ride Story Starter
3. Read for 15 minutes

Spelling Words
1.once 2. chance 3.face 4.house 5.neck 6.trick 7.jacket 8.since 9.police 10.erase 11.chase 12.bucket 13.ticket 14.locker

Challenge Words: furnace, purpose, violence, and tackle.
Story: Cinderella
Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. beautiful: pleasant to look at
2. cellar: basement
3. diamonds: highly valued precious stones
4. kingdom: a country that is ruled by a king or a queen
5. shimmering: shining with a soft light

more pictures

2011-11-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

Family Turkey Project

2011-11-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2011-11-20T17:17:00.000-08:00

Due to the short week we will not have homework or a spelling test this week. Please enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Fieldtrip

2011-11-15T07:41:00.001-08:00

Our fieldtrip to Elkus Ranch is this Thursday! The students are very excited. A couple of reminders:

• We need all permission slips back or you cannot attend the fieldtrip
• Try to be on time for school, the bus leaves at 9:00
• Bring your own lunch
• Wear warm and comfortable clothes

homework/study sheet for the week of Oct.31st

2011-10-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday
1. Read for 15 minutes.
Happy Halloween
Tuesday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Spelling worksheet.
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Butterfly worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes

Spelling Words
1. still 6. my 11. tight
2. with 7. why 12. sight
3. his 8. visit 13. fly
4. bright 9. picnic 14. sky
5. might 10. winter

Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. larva: the baby or young form of some insects (A caterpillar is the larva of a butterfly.)
2. nectar: the sweet liquid in flowers
3. chrysalis: the protective covering around the caterpillar when it is in a sleeping stage while changing into a butterfly
4. transformed: to change how something looks
5. drift: to move because of wind or water

Challenge Words: pumpkin, nightmare, lightning, recycle
Story: Butterfly House
With the help of her grandfather, a little girl makes a house for a larva and watches it develop before setting it free. And when the girl grows old, the butterflies come back to return her kindness

Mauritius Letter

2011-10-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Second Graders,

We just came back from spending our day in Mauritius, a small island near Madagascar where the dodo bird used to live before they went extinct in the 17th century. The dodo bird is a large bird about at about 3.3 ft tall when fully grown. It also has a fat beak and it reminds me of Kevin from the cartoon Up!, but the dodo bird is much less colorful than Kevin and the dodo bird has much shorter legs than Kevin.

Mauritius also has some of the prettiest beaches in the world. We took a bus to a beach called Grand Baie straight after we got off the ship. The turquoise sea and the white sand makes the beach so beautiful! Mauritian weather also has the perfect beach weather because it’s near the equator; it’s sunny at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Attached is a picture of the beach.
We then had lunch at a Mauritian restaurant around the beach. I had a traditional Mauritian dish called daub. Daub is a Mauritian curry that is originally a fusion of Chinese and Indian dishes. It is very much like an Indian curry only it’s less spicy and less flavorful; it also has onions, carrots, and other vegetables associated with Chinese food. This is because Mauritius used to be an uninhabited island and the people living in Mauritius now are all descendants of immigrants from India, China, Africa, and very little European. Attached is a picture of lamb daub served with french fries; you can choose whether you want it served with rice or fries.

After lunch, we rode a boat to the middle of the ocean to walk under the sea. We jumped off the boat and swam around it while waiting for our turn to walk under the sea. Walking under the sea was very interesting; we had a helmet very similar to the one Sandy from Sponge Bob wears to keep our heads dry but our bodies were wet. We got to see so many fish and feed them bread. It felt funny when the fish accidentally bit our hands; it felt like mini pinches! The fishes and corals were beautiful! Attached is a picture from when we walked under the sea.

I had such an amazing 10-hour stop at Mauritius! I hope all of you could experience it vicariously through my letter. Please let me know if you want to know other things or you have any other questions.

Lots of love from the sea,
Stella

Homework for the week of October 24th

2011-10-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
1. Handwriting page
2. Math worksheet.
3. Write two super sentences
4. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Spelling worksheet.
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Categories worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes
Spelling Words
1. body 6. coat 11. hello
2. socks 7. toast 12. road
3. gold 8. monster 13. coach
4. most 9. collar 14. load
5. ago 10. Ohio

Challenge Words: fossil, potato, volleyball, and oatmeal
Story: The Paper Crane
Business returns to a once prosperous restaurant when a mysterious stranger pays for his meal with a magical paper crane that comes alive and dances.
Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. serve: help others
2. guests: people who are visiting in another house, restaurant, or hotel
3. stranger: someone you don’t know
4. manner: the way something is done
5. unusual: something that is different; not seen every day
6. overjoyed: really excited about something

2011-10-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
1. Story Comprehension worksheet.
2. Math worksheet.
3. Write two super sentences
4. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Spelling worksheet.
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Writing- Amazing shoes
3. Read for 15 minutes

Spelling Words
1. last 6. afraid 11. Maine
2. and 7. today 12. holiday
3. math 8. camping 13. crayon
4. began 9. trail 14. spray
5. tail 10. aim

Challenge Words: fantastic, complain, mechanic, and essay
Story: The Elves and the Shoemaker
The poor old shoemaker becomes successful with the help of two elves who finish his shoes during the night.

Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. leather: material made from animal skin
2. polished: made smooth and shiny
3. handsome: good looking
4. cobbler: someone who makes and repairs shoes

Friday and Bake Sale

2011-10-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

I will be at an all day meeting tomorrow. I will have a substitute all day. I will be in the school but not in class.

You can bring your juice box donations anytime starting Monday. I will keep them in the classroom.

Homework and Challenge Work

2011-10-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Something went wrong with the printing of the homework/study sheet. Some spelling words were missing. I had the students write the missing ones in themselves but the complete worksheet is below.

The challenge work was available for everyone. Usually the challenge work will be an enrichment page from our book but this week it was about rounding to the nearest hundred. It is also about the country of Ghana which we are studying about. They can turn it in tomorrow or by the end of the week.

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Monday Holiday Enjoy!
Tuesday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
1. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Spelling worksheet.
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Story crossword sheet
3. Read for 15 minutes

Spelling Words
1. Many 6. Idea 11. Halloween
2. Any 7. Video 12. Asleep
3. Seem 8. City 13. Secret
4. Deep 9. Lucky 14. Even
5. Week 10. Busy
Challenge Words: trophy, activity, referee, and torpedo

Story: Mushroom and the Rain
Caught out in the rain, an ant takes shelter under a very tiny mushroom. Soon, a wet butterfly, then a drenched mouse, a dripping sparrow, and even a rain-soaked rabbit each beg to join him under his miniature umbrella. How can the ant let the others in when there is barely room enough for one? But as the rain comes down and down, they all somehow manage to squeeze together and share the tiny shelter. And when the sun finally comes out, the ant discovers a magical secret of just what happens to mushrooms in the rain!

Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. Clearing: A spot in a forest where no trees are growing.
2. Barely: Hardly, not quite able.
3. Drenched: very wet
4. Huddled: close together
5. Flicked: Gave a quick, light snap

Pictures of South Africa

2011-10-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Ghana

2011-10-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Letter from South Africa

2011-10-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

Hi Mrs. Heikel and the Second Grade Class,

Thank you so much for your letter and the picture you sent me! You all look so adorable in your pretty uniforms! I hope you all did well in your tests and are enjoying your classes. I’m very excited about your first communions; I remember having mine in third grade. We have a small Catholic community here on the ship and we got a chance to go to mass in South Africa. It felt really good going to mass after a whole month of not going to church. We also talked a little bit with the priest after the mass about our Semester at Sea trip and the upcoming World Youth Day in Rio De Janeiro in 2013; you should all go when you get older, I’ve heard it’s such an amazing experience! I hope I can go in 2013.

There were so many things to do in South Africa and six days were hardly enough for us to do them all. The safaris in South Africa are very well known, but they are further to the north of Cape Town (where our ship is docked) so I didn’t go there. I did, however, go on a shark dive!

Shark diving, or cage diving, is where you go out with a small boat to shark invested areas of the sea and purposely get sharks to swim around your boat by chumming the waters with a stinky mixture of chopped fish and fish fluids. You then go into the water inside a cage to dive with the sharks and get a closer look at them. We saw three great white sharks at Gansbaai, South Africa that morning and the smallest one we saw was a remarkable 8ft long shark! Although cage diving seem dangerous, it was pretty safe because the steel cages we were in creates a magnetic effect around it, making the sharks register divers as a part of the cage, a nonliving object. It was very thrilling to see a shark up close in nature. I wish I could show you a picture of it but I didn’t have an underwater camera with me and my friend has all the pictures; I hope I can show you the pictures when I visit.

I also thought the duck I saw in the Castle of Good Hope in downtown Cape Town was very cute and different. Attached is a picture of the duck. I thought their eyes were very interesting because they almost look like jewelry beads to me! What do you think?

Another fun thing I tried in South Africa was eating ostrich meat. Ostrich meat is a delicacy in South Africa and it’s used to make anything from burgers, steaks, stews, and even beef jerkies. My favorite was the ostrich stew; it had a spicy and salty yet slightly sweet taste and was made out of ostrich meat, bell peppers, carrots, and yams. It was served with rice and was the best meal I had in South Africa. Much to my surprise, ostrich meat looks and tastes very much like beef. After further research on ostrich meat, it turns out that ostrich meat is the healthier alternative to beef because they taste very similar to each other but ostrich meat has lower fat content and has higher calcium, protein, and iron.

My favorite South African dessert was doekpudding served with ice cream. Doekpudding is similar to a traditional fruitcake but it has a much lighter feel to it. I found a recipe of the cake in the District 6 apartheid museum in Cape Town and took a picture of it to show it to you all! J Doekpudding is especially common in South Africa during Christmas time because they traditionally make some at home and give it to families and friends. Because South Africa is located on the southern hemisphere subtropical zone, their seasons are completely opposite to ours; they celebrate Christmas during their summers and July is the peak of their winter!

We also helped build a house as a service project through Habitat for Humanity in one of the townships on the outskirts of Cape Town while we were there. We worked on the house from 8a.m. to 4p.m. and managed to build three walls! Attached is a picture of us mixing cement at the beginning of the day. Building a house was much harder than we thought because the tools were very heavy and we needed to make sure everything was perfectly aligned. It was a very rewarding experience though because we physically built a house for somebody else. J

Hope you enjoy my post and please let me know if you want me to include anything else in it. Have a wonderful week! J

P.S. No I didn’t see any camels in Morocco but I did see a lot of donkeys on the streets of Marrakech and in the markets too! One thing we also noticed in Morocco was that there were so many stray cats roaming around the streets; the cats were very cute but we couldn’t touch them because they might have rabies.
Oh, and we also spotted quite a few whales breaching in South Africa. They were very cute! J

Letter from Ghana

2011-10-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Class,

We came back from Ghana yesterday and today we celebrated Neptune Day- the day we cross the equator where sailors traditionally kissed a fish, got dumped with fish gut, and shaved their heads in honor of King Neptune. It was a big festival here on the ship; we had the opportunity to relive that tradition.

Ghana is a really nice country and people were very friendly. It is also a tropical country so the kinds of fruits they have were quite different. They had many different types of bananas and coconuts were sold everywhere! I drank the juice of a whole coconut on one of the days we were there; it was so delicious. They also grow cocoa trees and are the world’s second largest exporter of cocoa beans after the Ivory Coast.

Because Ghana is a tropical country, there were many rain forests and waterfalls. A group of friends and I went to visit a waterfall in one of the rain forests on the first day. It was such an amazing experience and we got to see a lizard and a really pretty dragonfly on our way there. There were two waterfall. Our tour guide explained that one of the waterfalls is a female and the other is a male and they are both the parents of their village because they provide them with water. A picture of us in front of the waterfall is attached.

We also met a lot of kids in Ghana. They were all very friendly but most of the ones we met during our trip to Ghana were underprivileged kids. They were very happy to see foreigners. The kids loved getting pencils and other gifts from us and they also loved playing with our cameras. Attached is a picture of one of my friends showing pictures to the kids and one of the kids holding an inflatable ball my friend gave.

Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle are also really important historical sites we visited. The castles were mainly used for slave dungeons but it also had a church, the general's residential area, and a school. We learned a lot about how badly the slaves were treated and the irony of the place; the churches were right on top of the dungeons where slaves were kept out of the sun for months, fed just enough to keep them alive, and chained to each other. It was really sad but it’s important for us to learn about it to prevent history from repeating itself.

I hope you all enjoyed my post! :) Please email me if you’d like to ask questions or talk

Important Dates

2011-10-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder:
First Reconciliation will be on March 28th at 9:30am
First Communion will be on April 21st at 10:00am

ITBS Test and Homework for the week of September 26th

2011-09-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

We completed the ITBS (Iowa Test) and the class is happy for a break from testing. We should have results by the time we have parent teacher conferences. This is the homework for the week of September 26th:
Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
1. Story word search.
2. Math worksheet.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Synonym/Antonym worksheet.
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Vocabulary worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes
Spelling Words
1. Started 6. Crying 11. Fried
2. Starting 7. Planned 12. Frying
3. Smiled 8. Planning 13. Hopped
4. Smiling 9. Hoped 14. Hopping
5. Cried 10. Hoping

Challenge Words: amazed, amazing, dragged and dragging

Story: Story Hour – Starring Megan!
Megan's mother is the local librarian, and when the baby-sitter cannot come, the young girl and her baby brother spend an afternoon at the library. There Megan practices her budding reading skills. When her mother encounters an emergency and cannot lead a story-hour session, Megan steps in and saves the day with a halting but successful reading of her favorite book.
Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. librarian: a person who works in a library
2. assistant: a person who helps
3. calm: to make quiet and still
4. patient: willing to work at something over and over
5. amazement: great surprise
6. mistake: something that is not done right, incorrect

Homework study sheet for the week of October 3rd

2011-09-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here is the homework for next week:
Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet
Day Assignment
Monday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
1. Story Comprehension worksheet.
2. Math worksheet.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Synonym/Antonym worksheet.
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Vocabulary worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes
Spelling Words
1. Smell 6. Ready 11. Breakfast
2. Then 7. Instead 12. Dead
3. Together 8. Fresh 13. Feather
4. Getting 9. Spelling 14. Bread
5. Head 10. Else
Challenge Words: arrest, pretend, heavier and jealous

Story: Tomás and the Library Lady
Tomás is a son of migrant workers. Every summer he and his family follow the crops north from Texas to Iowa, spending long, arduous days in the fields. At night they gather around to hear Grandfather's wonderful stories. But before long, Tomás knows all the stories by heart. "There are more stories in the library," Papa Grande tells him. The very next day, Tomás meets the library lady and a whole new world opens up for him. Based on the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, a child of migrant workers who went on to become the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system, this inspirational story suggests what libraries--and education--can make possible. Raul Colón's warm, expressive paintings perfectly interweave the harsh realities of Tomás's life, the joyful imaginings he finds in books, and his special relationships with a wise grandfather and a caring librarian.
Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. midnight: twelve o’clock at night
2. howling: making a loud, wailing cry
3. chattered: clicked together quickly
4. thorny: covered with sharp points
5. glaring: staring angrily
6. eager: wanting very much to do something

ITBS test

2011-09-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we are taking the ITBS (Iowa Test) this week. There will be no homework this week except for reading. Students should get a good nights sleep and have a good breakfast in the morning.

First Letter from Morocco

2011-09-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Class,

I’m Stella Suharja and I’m a sophomore at Foothill College in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m sailing with Semester at Sea this semester to explore the world and satisfy my love for traveling. I’ll also be reporting my experiences in each of our ports to you; please let me know if you want to know more something or if you just want me to write more or less about other things! :)

On September 3, I woke up at 5 a.m. to see the sun rise as we pull in to Casablanca, Morocco. I then went on a city orientation of Casablanca and saw the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Hassan II Mosque is the world’s third largest mosque that can accommodate up to 105,000 people. It has heated floors during the winter and a sliding roof for better weather in the summer. I was also in awe of the beautiful Moorish-influenced carvings and colorful mosaics on the walls and ceilings of the mosque. Attached is a picture of me in the main hall of the mosque- women had to wear head veils and cover our arms and legs in the mosque and it was my dad’s birthday so I took pictures with the sign to make a video for him. We then went around town to see other touristic sites such as the Royal Palace, Cathedral Notre Dame du Lourdes, the Central Market, and finally ended our day with a nice shopping session at the souks (markets) of the Old Medina.

The next day I went to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco to see historical sites such as the Royal Palace (where the Royal Family lives), the Ramparts, Hassan Tower and Mosque, Mohamed V Mausoleum, and the Chellah- a 14th century Roman necropolis and ruins. It was very exciting to see buildings that are almost 700 years old. I’m amazed at how they are all still standing there. There were also bird nests on top of the buildings. Attached is a picture of my friends navigating their way through the buildings of the necropolis.

On the third day in Morocco, I went to Marrakech independently and stayed with a Moroccan family. It was interesting to live with a Moroccan family and experience their culture. Moroccan families always eat with their right hands and bread is always served in every meal. Moroccan families also have open houses for everyone to visit- the family I stayed with had two groups of guests the night I was staying with them. The family also took me to their auntie’s house for a family gathering- attached is a picture of the main gathering area for women at the auntie’s house. They were very welcoming and they also enjoyed sharing their cultures with me. The family then took me to Jemma el Fna square where the biggest souk in Marrakech is. It is a very touristic area and there were many snake-charmers, belly dancers, donkeys, monkeys, and other, very “1001 Arabian night” things. We had a very nice time despite difficulties in communicating with each other- the family only spoke Arabic and French and my French is hardly as good as my English.

On my last day in Morocco, I headed back to Casablanca to do some last minute shopping and to board the ship on time. On our way back from the souks, we booked a cab to take us to the grocery store, post office, and the ship. The hectic roads of Casablanca sure made a good cab ride as our driver came head to head with another cab and yelled at each other. The cab driver also went on reverse for two blocks because missed the post office; he then prides himself for being like the actor on the movie Taxi Driver. It was a very memorable yet dangerous cab ride. Sadly, the end of our cab ride was also the end of our Moroccan trip. I will cherish the memories of Morocco for the rest of my life and I sure hope to come back!

Hope you all enjoyed my Moroccan trip as much as I did! Please write back for any inputs for future postings. :D

Look forward to talking to you all again,
Stella

Vicarious Voyage Moracco

2011-09-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Great News! Our partner at Vicarious Voyage has written to us and sent pictures!

Homework/Study Sheet Week of September 12th

2011-09-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Second Grade Weekly Homework and Study Sheet

Day Assignment
Monday
1. Write each spelling word three times.
2. Write challenge words three times.
3. Phonics page.
4. Read for 15 minutes.
Tuesday
1. Spelling word search.
2. Math worksheet.
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday
1. Synonym/Antonym worksheet.
2. Math worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday
1. Take a practice spelling test
2. Vocabulary worksheet
3. Read for 15 minutes
Spelling Words
1. large 6. sometimes 11. jelly
2. page 7. silly 12. circle
3. jam 8. orange 13. cents
4. center 9. jeans 14. circus
5. pencil 10. joke

Challenge Words: bandage, journey, vegetables, and concert

Story: The Library

Vocabulary Words (just to study)
1. nearsighted: able to see things that are close better than those things that are far away
2. incredible: amazing; astonishing
3. manufactured: to have made something
4. tutoring: to teach privately
5. donations: gifts, contributions
6. library: a room or building that has a collection of books, magazines, and newspapers

The week of September 12th

2011-09-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Second grade parents. This will be the homework for this upcoming week. Along with the homework this week you will be receiving two letters from me. One will be an explanation of homework changes and the other will be a parent questionaire. The letters will go out on either Tuesday or Wednesday. I will also be at an all day training on Thursday the 15th. Mrs. Clark will be substituting for me that day. Thank you, Mrs. Heikel.

Spelling Study Sheet for the week of September 6th

2011-09-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

Bonus Sentence: Jack sat on the mat and ate a plum pudding.

Spelling Words

1. rich 6. long 11. smash

2. finish 7. morning 12. thick

3. they 8. chain 13. tooth

4. mother 9. touch 14. ring

5. something 10. shadow

Story: Come Back, Jack!

Vocabulary Words (just to study)

1. boring: not interesting

2. adventure: an experience that is interesting or dangerous

3. exciting: stirring up strong feelings; thrilling

4. searched: looked for

5. steep: having a very sharp slope or slant

6. nimble: moving quickly and lightly

Day	Assignment
Monday	Holiday! Happy Labor Day.
Tuesday	1. Write each spelling word three times. 2. Write bonus sentence one time. 3. Read for 15 minutes.
Wednesday	1. Synonym/Antonym worksheet. 2. Math worksheet 3. Read for 15 minutes.
Thursday	1. Take a practice spelling test 2. Vocabulary worksheet 3. Read for 15 minutes

Back to School

2011-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful first full week! Thank you to the parents who came to Back to School Night. It was a pleasure to meet all of you. If you have any specific questions about your child please feel free to email me or call me. Please try to bring exact change for lunch. I will be blogging the next homework/study sheet this weekend. Have a fantastic holiday weekend.