Useful Links!

Raz-Kids

code.org

Go Noodle

ABCYa

Coding!

These second graders are getting a head start on their coding skills for next year! Code.org is a great site for the kids to dip their toes into the waters of the coding world. I tell you what, the capabilities of these students are endless. Such smarties!!

3-D Shapes!

Today we had a blast making 3-D shapes! I gave the students clues (the attributes of a shape) and they had to create it using toothpicks and play-doh. It was hard but the kids did a great job and persevered! Round of applause to these smartie pants! 

Research!

Wow! Yesterday we began working on how to do research, and today these kids are showing off their skills in the computer lab! We are using Google Jr which is very kid friendly. The kids are enjoying learning all about Germany! In Social Studies we are learning about different kinds of cultures and tying it into our research lessons in Reading, which then allows us to use Computer Lab time to conduct our research. It's awesome! 

Summarizing!

Working on summarizing this week! Real world example- a summary on the back of a book can help you decide if it is a book you'd want to read!

Phases of the Moon!

We had such a great time creating the phases of the moon using Oreo cookies. The kids worked really hard and made sure each phase was just right! Check out our video, the kids were excited and proud of their work.  They said it was the most delicious Science lesson we have had all year! Ha ha! 

Bass Hall!

Fun at Bass Hall!

What a great time we had at Bass Hall.  Our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Hunt,  took us to see Peter and the Wolf. It was a perfect combination of beautiful ballet and wonderful classical music.  The orchestra was phenomenal and the dancers were breath taking.  Many a times I had students turn to me with that excited, mouth wide open, in awe of what they were seeing, look.  (the best look EVER!)  Perfect Friday! 

Below is a video I titled... "If I was the Bird Ballerina..." Enjoy! 

                                  

WonderBox!

  I don't even know where to begin! This app is AMAZING!!! Our wonderful librarian asked my class if they could help her test it out.  She explained that it is not an app you can buy just yet, the creators of WonderBox wanted some students to try it out and tell them what they think.  Well I tell you what...These kiddos cannot get enough of it. It is incredibly user friendly (for kids and adults) and the way it enhances learning makes this an app that I highly recommend. You can use it any time of the day with any lesson you have. I've planned lessons with it and have even just used it on the fly...either which way... It's always added that extra umph to the lesson. Seriously... The kids cheer when I say WonderBox! I took some videos to show you how engaged the kids are when using it and also took a screenshot of some student work along with the immediate teacher feedback that was given. Hope you enjoy seeing a little of what we've done. Once they come out with the app, GET IT! I promise you won't regret it. 

                               

The above video shows just how engaged students are when using WonderBox!  It is greatness!

Here I gave immediate feedback to a student.  She was able to correct her mistake right away and send it back to me!

                                  

                   This video shows you how much the student can do using the app.  :) 

Learning About Our Earth!

We sure got creative today! We were having our Social Studies lesson on the equator, the prime meridian, and the Northern and Southern Hemisphere's. The orange was a perfect prop...The kids may have thought I was crazy... But we sure did have fun!  

A quote from one of my students,"Ms. Helgen, you've ruined your orange. How will you ever eat it now?!"  Ha ha. 

We Love Raz-Kids!!

The kids are working so hard using this fantastic website called Raz-Kids. The teacher is able to go in and set reading levels for the students. The kids get to read tons of fun, exciting, and informational books on a level that fits their needs. The kiddos get to listen, read, and then answer questions about the story. It gives them plenty of opportunities to practice their reading skills. I love this website, and more importantly... So do the kids! 

Back and Working Hard!

Look at these kids!! Working so hard on their numbers in Math Stations. We may have been apart for two weeks... But these kids sure didn't forget how to do their job. Proud teacher right here!