On March 8, we had a visit from the Madison Rotary Club for their Spring "Read to the Second Graders" Program. They believe that reading is the portal through which all things are possible.   Members came to our classroom to read a book, Andy and Elmer's Apple Dumpling Adventure. This project promotes literacy and a love of reading while also introducing the children to Rotary and the concept of The Four-Way Test.  The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. 

Of the things we think, say or do:

-Is it the TRUTH?

-Is it FAIR to all concerned?

-Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

-Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Club volunteers thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our students.   

After the reading, students even got to take home an apple dumpling recipe! 

Writing

Students were introduced to our new writing unit, realistic fiction!  Some of the elements of a realistic fiction story include: a character similar to themselves, a setting they are very familiar with, a small problem someone their age would face, an attempt to solve the problem and then finally a solution to the problem in which the character themselves selves.  The second graders, (believe it or not, almost third graders) will write their first story across 5 pages.  First the writers developed a character with internal and external character traits.  Next, we used a graphic organizer to plan out the story.  This helped the writers focus on which information they will expand upon on each page.  Currently, we are in the drafting process.  Each day, the teacher begin the lesson by modeling writing a story with the class before writers go off and independently write.  Once the draft is complete, writers will finish the writing process by editing, revising and publishing. 

Social Studies- Economics

This month, students learned how to distinguish between things that are from nature and those made by people and described how the natural resources of different environments can be used for food, clothing, and shelter. Later, students learned how natural resources are made into the goods we consume. Lastly, we used reasoning skills to analyze the costs and benefits of purchasing goods.