Teach to Learn

CHECK OUT OUR NEW BLOG SITE FOR THIS YEAR!

2009-08-18T06:39:00.001-04:00

Props Needed For An All-Star Show

2009-07-27T16:37:00.025-04:00

Hello second grade super stars! We hope that you are enjoying your summer holiday. While you're enjoying the sun and fun, keep in mind that it's just about time to do some shopping for school supplies. Several of the items listed on this year's supply list will be on sale soon so check the newspaper or Internet for weekly sales. We do ask that you purchase all school supplies, as soon as possible. If you are unable to purchase school supplies, please let us know as soon as possible. Please do not label any of the supplies with your child’s name as they will be part of community supplies.

All of the supplies can be brought to school as early as the morning of our orientation on August 21st, at 8:00 A.M. Items may be deposited in the labeled baskets that will be set up in the hallway right outside of our classroom so that we can begin to prepare student folders over the weekend.

Second Grade Supply List - Each child should bring:

2 packs wide-ruled notebook paper
2 packs sharpened pencils
6 three prong, 2 pocket solid color PLASTIC folders in the following colors: orange, red, green, yellow, purple and blue (Plastic folders are available at Target for $.77 & Walmart for $1.50)
2 packs white copy paper 8 1/2 x 11
2 black and white composition notebooks
2 packs of glue sticks
2 highlighters
1 pack of 16 or 24 crayons
1 fabric recycle bag

Boys – box of tissues, hand sanitizer, gallon size Zip-Lock baggies, 8160 and 8163 labels (Both available at Office Depot)

Girls – hand soap, non-bleach wipes, page or sheet protectors (Office Depot), quart size Zip-Lock baggies

Optional Teacher Wish List:
Card stock 8 1/2 x 11
Index cards
Post-It notes
Black sharpies

Well, that's all for now but stay tuned for more exciting updates!

CAST CALL COMING SOON!

2009-07-16T11:40:00.003-04:00

Hello new second graders. Information about the new school year will be coming to you soon. For now, Mrs. Wallace and Mrs. Chant hope that you continue to have fun with your friends and family and read everyday. Lots of love!

Persuasive Writing:

2009-04-30T06:13:00.015-04:00

Isn't it great when you can debate with someone and get them to come around to your way of thinking? Well, that is what persuasive writing is all about. Listen as the students read aloud the letters they wrote to friends and family.

Watch the interview below as some students explain what persuasive writing is all about.

The "Sleepover" At School

2009-01-31T09:43:00.017-05:00

"Do we really get to spend the night during the first grade Sleepover?" wondered many of the students. Not exactly, but we do get to pretend that we are during the school day. We begin this fun unit by having the kids make a stuffed teddy bear at home. Thanks to CH's grandmother and her generous effort, all of the children this year had a homemade teddy bear. During this time, we begin reading fictional books about sleepovers. During Reader's and Writer's Workshop, the students learn about story elements, strategies for comprehension, responses to text, and functional writing (How To). The weeks prior to the big day are filled with fun and creative activities such as completing teddy bear glyphs and decorating paper pajamas. When the big day finally arrives, all of the first grade students and teachers come dressed in their pajamas and slippers. We begin the morning with a our Teddy Bear Parade, walking around the school showing off the bears while the principal (in her pajamas as well) leads us around the school singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. This is followed by a yummy pancake breakfast. Thanks to our amazing resource teachers, for the rest of the day the students participate in different centers such as Bear Square Dancing, making book covers for their narrative stories, and participating in a scavenger hunt. During the afternoon, each class is invited into the media center for a "Sleepover Party". There we dance with the lights off, watch a movie, eat popcorn, and listen to great stories. Thanks to Mrs. KK and her awesome team, this is a slumber party that the students will never forget!

Color Poems

2009-05-16T15:30:00.007-04:00

Our young poets have been working hard at creating all types of beautiful poems. Check out the clip below to view their most recent creations titled Color Poems.

Nonfiction Writing Takes Us Around the World

2008-12-20T07:12:00.019-05:00

As we stay in step with the District's Learning Schedule, all first graders are expected to produce a report that is aligned to the standards. Our class accomplished this task through researching how people in other countries celebrate holidays during the month of December. The students completed an attribute chart and a web for each country with things that they found of interest. The end result was a fabulous holiday feast of foods made by our families representing the various countries under study. This link is a blog post written by dayle timmons, our first grade Literacy Coach, showcasing the work of one of our students.

So Much More To Come

2008-03-11T06:36:00.005-04:00

Today, the students will be participating in the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test). This is an opportunity to showcase their efforts throughout the year. Music has served as a great motivator and reminder of the many concepts and strategies taught this year. The FCAT Rap is an example of this. Get the web links below called FCAT Fun to listen to the music and sing along with us. (LINK NO LONGER ACTIVE).

After this week, the students will continue learning new concepts and strategies. Report writing, field trips and a musical performance are to follow.

Let's Say Thanks

2009-03-07T04:45:00.001-05:00

Everything Comes from Something

2008-11-17T20:38:00.033-05:00

Last week, my husband and I presented at the National Council of Social Studies conference in Houston, Texas. Our presentation was based on a lesson designed to increase student awareness of a geography-related concept. The lesson represented an instructional process that integrated literacy skills, used social studies content regarding natural resources and the products that emanate from them, and promoted the use of critical thinking skills (in particular, analysis and prediction). Everyone who attended the presentation participated in a hands-on investigation of a box containing 10 natural resources (many of which were purchased on eBay). They completed the Natural Resources Prediction Chart in groups of 4-6 participants and discussed possible products that could be made from each resource. This activity was followed by a picture walk and read aloud using the text Agatha's Fe ather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story by one of my most favorite authors for children, Carmen Agra Deedy. Once completed, everyone participated in a discussion making connections to what the participants had noted during the picture walk, as well as on their Natural Resource Prediction Chart to determine relationships with the text. An interactive resource map presentation using Google Maps, which emphasized each of the ten resources from the resource box, their original location on earth when first documented as a resource, historical summaries, and products that are produced from the resources was used as a reinforcement activity. Check out the video below to see how the lesson went with a group of wonderfully curious first graders facilitated by Agatha herself.

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun

2008-11-14T17:33:00.013-05:00

I can't believe that it will be Thanksgiving break soon. We have been so busy learning and having fun that I haven't posted much lately. But have no fear, those of you who know me know that I have been chronicling our learning journey through pictures to share with you. After our Open House event in late September, we had the pleasure to host Mrs. B as a guest speaker. She shared with the students The Story of Ramadan. Mrs. B then read another book, which she gifted to our class, called I Am America. The children made crafts and Mrs. B's son, one of our class members, passed out treats to his classmates.

The month of October was filled with literary characters, parades, crafts, festivals and pumpkins followed by the month of November, filled with mock elections and character education.

Next week, our class will be partnering up with Mrs. Meissner's kindergarten students to have a "Barn Dance", a spin off of Kylene Beers' Tea Party pre-reading strategy, based on this month's book of the month, A Plump and Perky Turkey.

Information Access

2007-12-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

Classroom documents are now available online to load onto your desktop.

1. Click once on the selected title.
2. Go to drop down arrow and click on "Get Web Link".
3. Click open and save the document onto your desktop.
4. One more download option will appear that reads:
Store, share, and collaborate with files online.
Register for Box.net
EXAMPLE: 12/3/07 Winter Analogies.doc
Download (22.0 KB)
5. Finally, click on download. (You do not need to register with Box.net to receive download).

There you have it. Now I think that's cool! Please try it and let me know how it works out for you.

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T07:56:00.004-04:00

The Boston Tea Party by Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole is a wonderful book for children to learn about or revisit the historic events that led up to this very special holiday. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday and look forward to the upcoming school year!

Open House

2008-09-26T06:44:00.006-04:00

Thank you so much for attending our Open House the other night. The children really enjoyed showing off some of the fun ways they learn.

This year, after a presentation from the students, I highlighted some important items regarding the class. Thanks to a generous donation from Pastor Hogan, from the Church o f Chets Creek, we had a surprise visit from Chet the Traveling Bear. This was such a great treat for all of us. Chet was recently in Swaziland, Africa. Check out his exciting adventures with Miss Young!

Afterwards, the families along with the students, embarked on an adventurous quest to explore various areas of our classroom. One of my favorites was the postings on the Ideas and Thoughts board.

The Ideas and Thoughts board is designed for the students to write notes to the teacher as they wish. The notes can be about a question regarding a lesson, to clarify a misunderstanding, to share frustration or joy, or just to say hello. The Ideas and Thoughts board is a great way for the students to express their thoughts in writing, practice writing skills, and is a great means for reducing classroom interruptions.

I really appreciation the kind notes left on our board. Thank you again for joining us!

Learning To Read

2008-09-23T05:30:00.007-04:00

As part of our morning skills block, we practice reading high frequency words. Check out our video to watch a fun way to practice reading with your child at home.

Great First Day!

2008-08-19T06:07:00.012-04:00

We had a wonderful first day back. The morning began with wonderful Caribbean steel drum music filling the entrance way to the school. The students and I spent the day getting to know each other with various activities and reviewing rituals and routines. We participated in an awesome assembly presented by Bruce Junek, who shared amazing pictures of he and his wife, Tass, exploring the world mostly on bicycles. The children loved the stories and photographs. Tomorrow, thanks to the generosity of our amazing PTA, each student will receive a new Chets Creek t-shirt with the new school mascot, Chet the Eagle, World Adventurer. The children were so amazing and excited today and are so eager to learn. I can not wait to see what the rest of the week holds. I'll keep you posted. Have a great week!

Welcome Back!

2008-08-14T05:07:00.002-04:00

I am so excited to meet all of you during orientation on Friday. This year, our theme is A Virtual Learning Adventure, Around the World in 180 Days. First grade is the continent of Australia and we will be part of the South Pacific. Make sure to add this blog to your RSS for instant updates.

Where in the World?

2008-06-10T15:29:00.004-04:00

I am sure that some have been asking, "Where in the world is Mrs. Chant's latest post on the blog?" Well, in between teaching and learning, the last two months have been filled with joy and tears. With state testing completed in mid-March, the students embarked on other learning journeys after a brief but much deserved spring break. For example, the third grade presentation of “I Have a Dream” required countless of hours of preparation from the students, the teachers, and especially from Ms. Symons’ who was instrumental in putting together an endearing PowerPoint to share with the audience. Then came the field trip to the Jacksonville Symphony, followed by Relay for Life, the Wacky Olympics, and last but not least, our third grade end of the year bash, organized and brilliantly executed by Mrs. Nash and Mrs. Crouch. These events are an example of how we balance hard work with play. As the year came to a close, I must say that I was sad to see all of the students go. I will miss each of them and their beautiful personalities but I know that they have worked hard and are ready for the next learning journey. So, for those of you curious about what’s to come, check out A Virtual Learning Adventure, Around the World in 180 Days and hold on for a virtual adventure… Have a great summer!

FCAT Is Near

2008-02-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

The FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) is nearing. March 11th will be the official start date. Last week, the students completed a previously released version of the FCAT from 2006. Click here to view the answers.

You've Got Mail

2008-01-28T05:46:00.001-05:00

That sounds especially familiar for all of the AOL users. However, in my case, I have had server issues for several weeks and have finally resolved what I hope will be most of the technical issues. With that in mind, I have probably missed more than a few e-mails over the last few weeks and I apologize. Please note my new e-mail address and feel free to send me a note at mrschant@gmail.com or leave a post on the blog.

Needs and Wishes

2007-12-09T22:06:00.001-05:00

This week, we are reviewing story elements, which include, theme, characters, setting, events, problem, and solution. I have selected the book, Truffle's Christmas by Anna Currey, to focus on each element. In particular, the theme of this charming tale is ideal for embracing all that this holiday season represents. Please view the story below.

Zoo Field Trip

2007-11-18T12:05:00.001-05:00

Dream Big!

2007-11-29T17:31:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Mrs. Holtsman, Mrs. Shall and Mrs. Timmons for their support and feedback as I launched my blog. I am delighted with the learning opportunities this provides our students and myself. Mrs. Phillips, thanks for providing cutting edge and insightful learning opportunities for us to meet the needs of our 21st century learners. Wow, I can't wait to see where this all goes. Dream big!

My Awesome Third Graders

2007-11-20T11:20:00.000-05:00

Well, it is two days before turkey day and I finally got my act together and unveiled my blog to my students. As a matter of fact, they are sitting here right now watching me write this entry. (Not to mention, I have 26 spellcheckers over my shoulder.) How amazing it is to have a classroom with no walls. What a great turn-and-talk topic. What is a classroom with no walls? Feel free to enter your post. Have a great holiday my precious learners!

So, now what?

2007-11-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I am working diligently to try and put together this blog spot.