Silver Bells Performance

Today during the Christmas Caroling Assembly, our grade 2 classes performed Silver Bells. What an incredible performance! Great job all grade 2's, we are very proud.

If you didn't have an opportunity to watch, you can view the video below.

Silver Bells by the Grade 2`s at MMH 

Christmas Book Talk

Students in grade 2 had a full week to complete a "Book Talk" on their favorite Christmas or Winter book. Thank you parents for your help in making this an extremely successful activity. On Tuesday afternoon, students had an opportunity to share their book with the rest of the class. Students were expected to discuss the beginning, middle, end as well as the characters and why they enjoy that particular book. While we shared, discussed and read many terrific books, students also had an opportunity to enjoy a popcorn/candy cane snack!
It was a great afternoon of jumping into literacy!

My favorite part of this activity was being introduced to books I have never had an opportunity to read before. So thank you 2A for the many new titles I will have to add to our classroom library!

On the same note, I shared my favorite Christmas book:

Students were introduced to Newfoundland terms such as:
- toutons (basically fried bread)
- Jiggs Dinner
- Mummering

Last week of School for 2014

As we move into our final week of school for 2014, you will notice we have MANY things happening at Mike Mountain Horse. Here are a few important reminders:

Monday, December 15 ~ Carolling in the gym at 8:30

Tuesday, December 16 ~ Carolling in the gym at 12:30

Wednesday, December 17 ~ Carolling in the gym at 8:30
- Classroom Christmas Party in the afternoon, snacks and a movie.

Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to bring in snacks for our Christmas party. 
Fruit Plate - Mya 
Juice and Napkins - Blake 
Cookies - Conner
Veggies and Dip - Keria
Muffins - Sho

Thursday, December 18 ~ Carolling in the gym at 12:30
- Decorating Christmas Cookies in the am.
- Skating at Nicholas Sheran in the PM.
- Once we return to school around 2:30, we will enjoy our decorated cookies and hot chocolate.

Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to bring in cookies for our cookie decorating. 
Sugar Cookies - Ava,Conner & Thomas 
Gingerbread Cookies - Jack  & Maxwell 
Decorations - Blake 

Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to drive us to skating on Thursday.
Elizabeth Townsley (take 4 students) 
Takako Pereverseff (take 5 students) 
Mike Willims (take 4 students) 
** As you can see we are still in need of a few more drivers. If you are able to help out it would be greatly appreciated. We will be leaving the school around 12:35, skating from 1:00-2:00, and returning at 2:30ish. 

Friday, December 18 ~ Final assembly and carolling in the gym at 8:30
- Dress like Christmas & Bring board games to play!!

As a side note: Thank you to all who came out for our Christmas Gala on Thursday. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of our students dressed in their Christmas best! 

Global Connections ~ Christmas Traditions

On Thursday, we chatted with a class in South Carolina via a Google Hangout. During our hangout, students shared various Christmas traditions. They also had an opportunity to ask questions and view the similarities and differences we all share when it comes to the Christmas holidays. Having such a diverse class, it was a wonderful opportunity to share what makes us unique! 

Earth Rangers

Today the students at Mike Mountain Horse had an opportunity to learn about the Earth Rangers program. The presenters were extremely knowledgeable on a variety of animals from all over the world but more importantly, students learned about 4 animals in Canada that are in need of our help. Each child took home information today on how they can sign up to become an Earth Ranger. You can also visit the website: Earth Rangers

As a special part of the presentation, students had an opportunity to view 4 different animals. Their pictures are below.

Another great day at Mike Mountain Horse.

Armadillo 

Black/White Tegu

Peregrine Falcon    

                                                   

Be sure to check out the Bring Back the Wild project: Save the Animals 

GRA - Going Places

This week we finished our final Peter Reynolds book "Going Places". The last 5 weeks were incredible! We had a tremendous amount of fun reading various Peter Reynolds books, as well as connecting and interacting with many classes throughout North America.

As stated in the video above:

 This book is a celebration of the creative spirit and thinking outside the box! 

For Going Places, students were given a challenge. In groups, they were given a bag of supplies and had to demonstrate cooperative learning while creating a mode of transportation. The rules of the project were simple:

- create some mode of transportation (could be a combination of things that exist, could be something completely made up)
- work cooperatively (Each member of the group had to participate, their opinions had to be heard and compromise was the key!)
- could only use the supplies given in their baggies 
- be able to describe what they built, how it works and why they chose that particular design 

The FINAL products:

 

The Airplane                       Fish-Airplane

 

Dolphin Airplane                                      

Boat-Car                                   Car 

2A is full of extremely creative, outside the box thinkers! What a fun and engaging project. I am so proud of the work the students produced, but more importantly, however cooperatively they all worked together! It was a great ending to a great Global Read Aloud :)

Important Dates for November and December

November 7 - Remembrance Day Assembly at 10:30am

November 10 - No School

November 11 - Remembrance Day (No School)

November 14 - Report Cards will be going home!

November 17 - Presentation at 10:30-11:30

November 18 - PJ Day

November 20 - School for students only in the AM, Parent/Student/Teacher conferences in the PM

November 21 - No school for students ~ Parent/Student/Teacher conferences

** Please check online to book your time for Parent/Student/Teacher conferences. **

November 26 - Story Teller Presentation 2:05-2:35

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December 11 - MMH Christmas Gala

December 18 - Skating from 1:00 - 2:00 (Parent volunteers needed!!!!!!)

December 19 - Last day of classes for 2014 :)

GRA - Sky Color

This week we are reading the Peter Reynolds story "Sky Color". 

Throughout the story, Marisol paints Posters for Change - therefore this week we are making our own Posters for Change. We will be exchanging our posters with another grade 2 class in Montreal, Quebec in order to make a combined class book! 

Yesterday we had an opportunity to skype with our new pals in Montreal at Hebrew Academy. In Sky Color, Marisol is approached with a problem - she ran out of blue paint. Without blue paint she was faced with the challenge of how to make a sky. Both our class and our pals in Montreal discussed many ways we can attempt to solve a problem that may have us stumped. 

Skyping with Hebrew Academy in Montreal, Quebec. 

Chocolate Day

Yesterday the grade two students participated in CHOCOLATE DAY! We are very fortunate to have a wonderful grade 2 teacher who has a wealth of knowledge on chocolate and even demonstrated how to make chocolate from scratch for our students.

We completed many chocolate centers:
- M & M's graphing
- Chocolate Acrostic Poems
- Chocolate problem solving questions
- Making Big Words with our mystery word being Chocolate Bar
- A drawing of a house made completely from chocolate and candy! 

Finally in the afternoon, Miss Lilley explained the history of chocolate then prepared chocolate for students to taste. Each student received a piece of apple to dip into the freshly made, delicious chocolate.

  

GRA - "Ish" by Peter Reynolds

Last week we completed week 3 of the Global Read Aloud. The story was "Ish" by Peter Reynolds. We completed ISH drawings and even turned our drawings into a class book. Finally we created "Lethbridge-ish" postcards to send our new epals in both Quebec and Ontario. 

   

Feed The Bug

For a week the students at Mike Mountain Horse have been collecting food items to "FEED THE BUG". Thank you very much to all of you who donated items.

Our grade two class collected 59 food items! Way to go 2A :) Thank you so much. 

 

Feeding the bug                                              

I'm Here (Global Read Aloud)

Week of October 15-17

This week for the Global Read Aloud, we read the story "I'm Here" by Peter H. Reynolds.

After reading the story, we watched a video on the iPads during LA Centers, then completed a writing piece; "If I could travel anywhere in the world I would..." . The students created exceptional writing pieces! I have combined their writing into our very own classroom book. Be sure to stop by and check it out. 

Finally we participated in the 'Paper Airplane Challenge'. We love being part of such a cool, creative Global Community! 

Please watch the video below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er2PLDp8Kfk

The North Star and The Global Read Aloud

Over the next 5 weeks we will be reading and responding to five books by Peter H. Reynolds (the same author as The Dot).

This week we read the book "The North Star".  http://www.fablevisionlearning.com/northstar/read/
Students created their very own STAR which highlights five of their strengths.

  

 

We also spent a morning connecting with another class. In 5 minutes the students were able to track down their location which turned out to be Grapevine, Texas. After our mystery session, students shared interesting facts, details etc about The North Star. 

 

Students of Grapevine Elementary School in Grapevine, Texas. 

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After reading and discussing The North Star, the students discovered the theme of the book was to follow your dreams. We talked about how each and every person is different and special and will take their own journey in life. Never be afraid to follow your dreams, wherever they may take you. Below you will find the hopes, dreams and wishes of the students in 2A.

Jack - If Pokemon were real, I'd like to be the Pokemon Master.
Samiya - When I grow up, I want to raise money for my family.
Drake - I want to be a Police Man when I get older.
Saba - My dream is to be a better drawer. I want to be an artist that can make things that look like they are popping out when they draw.
Mya - I dream to be an artist.
Conner - I wish to have a cat.
Sho - I want to be a professional soccer player.
Blake - I would like to be a scorpion.
Rain - I want to be a chef.
Keria - I want to be a doctor when I grow up.
Audrey - I want to see One Direction.
Sandip - I want to go to Disneyland.
Anabelle - I want to be a teacher.
Ava - I wish to be a doctor.
Nimesh -  I want to get an iPad.
Ben - I want to travel the world.
Lucy - I wish that the world was made out of candy.
Maxwell - I want to become a better beyblader.
Sophie -  I hope to fly to the moon.

*******

There are many schools participating in the Global Read Aloud, please check out the link below to see where we are all located:
 https://mapsengine.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=zfq7xf-XR45I.kdGIhwdw9dg0

Star Student

Each child will have an opportunity to be our STAR STUDENT of the week. On Friday (or sometimes a Thursday), they will share his/her favorites and highlight their family and experiences. Students may choose to bring in an item to show off to the class during their presentation. They all are truly a STAR! 

October 10 - Lucy
October 30 - Saba
November 7 - Sho
November 28 - Conner
December 5 - Jewels
December 12 - Drake
January 16- Maxwell
January 23 - Mya
January 30 - Blake
February 13 - Samiya 
February 27 - Jack
March 6 - Audrey 
March 13 - Rain
March 27 - Sophie
April 2 - Nimesh
April 17 - Anabelle
April 23 - Keira
May 1 - Ava
May 15 - Thomas
May 22 - Ben
May 29 - Sandip 

Important Dates for October

Prepare yourself for a busy month of October !!!! 

October 1 - Fort Whoop Up

October 7 - Galt Gardens (9:00am)

October 8 - Making Stone Soup

October 9 - Stone Soup Performance at 2:05

October 10 - Our first STAR STUDENT ~ Lucy

October 10 - Skyping with new e-pals about our first Global Read Aloud book "The North Star" by Peter Reynolds

October 13 - No school: Thanksgiving Holiday ~ HAPPY THANKSGIVING 

October 14 - No School for students - District Learning Day

October 15-22 - Feed the Bug (bring in a food item)

October 21 - Picture Retakes

October 22 - 12:30, Feed the Bug Assembly

October 23 - Early dismissal at noon ~ Staff Learning in the afternoon 

October 24 - No school for students - Staff Learning Day

October 27 - Galt Museum at 9:00am - 11:00am

October 29 - Global Connections ~ Skyping with a class for the Global Read Aloud.

October 29 - Chocolate Day!!!!

October 30 - STAR STUDENT ~ Saba

October 31 - Halloween (There will be a Halloween parade and activities within the classroom)

STONE SOUP!

This week we have been immersed in Stone Soup. We have read and viewed many different varieties of the classic tale. In Music, students have also been practicing for a Stone Soup performance which will be happening tomorrow for our Learning Buddies.

Today, we created our very own Stone Soup! Thank you to parents for sending in the various meats and vegetables needed to make our delicious soup.

Such a fun day in Grade 2!

    

Exploring with Google

This week we completed our first Mystery Hangout of the year. To prepare we had time in the computer lab to explore with Google Maps and all its lovely components. Students traveled to far away places, explored the tundra and even had a chance to view the Great Barrier Reef.

  

Once we were confident in using google maps, an atlas and our wall map we jumped into our first Mystery Hangout. The students had specific jobs and asked excellent questions to their new virtual pals. Not only did we manage to find the state of our new pals but we were able to narrow it down to the city and even the school. Absolutely fantastic for our first go at it! 

Mystery Hangout with Grade 3 students in Oxnard, California, USA. 

Call Out to Parents!!!

Hello Parents of 2A,

October is in our sights and it is going to be a busy one! We have 3 field trips throughout the month of October, as well as Thanksgiving and Halloween activities.

Our field trip next Wednesday to Fort Whoop Up is quickly approaching. At the current moment we have three parent volunteers who are able to assist in driving. If you are able to help us on the afternoon of October 1st from 12:45-2:15 it would be greatly appreciated. Simply see the office for a driver insurance form.

Also I'd like to bring your attention to our classroom door. We have many open slots of snacks and treats for the various parties and celebrations we will have throughout the year.

Thank you all for making this year an extremely memorable one :)


Mrs. Fahey

Below is a link to the Volunteer Sign Up so far. If you cannot open the file, please send me an email and I will email you an microsoft office copy. Thank you :)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PYYRt6ZVkBA7FuHk48VcnQvT9Xb66Cb88ZxMGc88QTI/edit

Brain / Movement Breaks

Sitting in our desks throughout the day can be tiring. When we need a break we turn to Go Noodle! A great way to get out some of our wiggles and take a break from sitting. It also helps us get back into our Just Right state of learning!

Dot Day!!

Monday, September 15th is International Dot Day! 

We have read the book "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds. The students have created their very own DOT book, several pieces of DOT art work and on Friday will work on an DOT task that involves helping others and showing appreciation.

On Monday the 15th, our students will be skyping with two classes - one in Alabama, and the other in Ontario to celebrate International Dot Day. I ask for students to wear something with dots on it if you have it! If not, no worries we have dot stickers we can use!

A Reading of "The Dot" 

Check out: The Dot Song
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Today we skyped for the first time this year! We had an opportunity to speak to two different classes:

Chatting with a class at Kitty Stone Elementary in Jacksonville, Alabama. 

This time we were chatting with a class in LaSalle, Ontario at LaSalle Public School. 

This afternoon we participated in DOT centers! It was such a fun of day of learning, interacting with dots and leaving our mark! Our centers were:
1. Word Work Bingo 
2. Math Buddy Games with Dominos and Dice
3. Connect the Dots
4. Dot Sticker Art Work
5. TWISTER! 

Green Screens and Global Connections for International Literacy Day

Today marked International Literacy Day. We kicked off the day by creating a web of what Literacy means. I was absolutely amazed with the word choices and ideas our amazing students created. We then had an opportunity to watch a video sent to us all the way from New Zealand. A grade two class in New Zealand taped themselves reading a fractured fairytale called "The Three Little Lambs". The story was wonderful! We learned many new "kiwi' words and had a great time listening to other grade 2 students read. It was so interesting to compare the similarities and differences between the Three Little Lambs and the Three Little Pigs. From there, our students created a green screen video using the Do Ink app on the iPad. The video included each student showing off their favorite book and giving a reason of why they enjoy that particular book. I will have the video on display during meet the teacher night this Thursday if you wish to view it!

Just another terrific day in 2A using technology and literacy to improve our learning!

As I shared with the students:

This is one of my favourite picture books. It is called Freddy's Day at the Races. This book is a St.John's, Newfoundland based book about the Royal St. John's Regatta. Seeing how I am from St. John's and use to row in this regatta it has a special place in my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book to the students and sharing part of my life with them. 

Visitor From Australia

We were very fortunate to have a wonderful teacher visitor on Thursday of last week. Miss Lilley (the other new gr 2 teacher to MMH) completed a teacher exchange in Australia a few years ago which brought her friend back to Canada for a visit. During the presentation, students had an opportunity to learn about specific bugs and animals native to Australia, compare the differences between our schooling (especially the clothing choices) and view many pictures, maps and flags of Wagga Wagga, Australia.

Important Dates and Reminders For September

SEPTEMBER 

September 3 ~ Picture Day!! Dress your best and be prepared for rainy weather.

September 11 ~ Meet the Teacher Night from 6:00-7:00 pm

September 15 ~ International Dot Day. We will be skyping with a class from Alabama to discuss the book "The Dot" and our Dot activities.

September 18 ~ Coulee Walk (Weather permitting) from 9:00-11:30am. Parent volunteers are needed for the walk.

September 22 ~ Blue and Gold Assembly at 8:30am. We will also be having our Terry Fox Assembly at the same time as we have a guest speaker, Terry Fox, here at that time.

September 26 ~ Terry Fox Walk around Nicholas Sheran at 8:30am. Once again parent volunteers are needed for the walk.

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OCTOBER

October 1 ~ Fort Whoop Up field trip. We will be needing volunteer drivers for this field trip. If you are able to drive, please make sure you see the office to fill out the drivers form.

October 7 ~ Galt Gardens Field trip at 9:00am- We will be viewing many old, historic buildings in Lethbridge. 5 volunteers will be needed for this field trip as students will be grouped to complete the task. (Unfortunately, younger siblings are not allowed to travel on the bus with us to Galt Gardens.)

October 27 ~ Galt Museum Field Trip at 9:00am. Once again volunteers would be great for this field trip, but younger siblings are not allowed to travel on the bus with us to the Museum.

First Day of School

What an absolutely terrific first day of Grade 2 at Mike Mountain Horse. It was so nice to see so many smiling faces excited to jump into a new year of fun and learning.


Today we completed activities such as:
~ Magic Playdough where we had to make a wish/goal for the school year
~ Community Circle where we discussed our summer holidays
~ Cup building cooperative learning activity 
~ We read "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds and made our very own "Dots"! Be sure to check out our bulletin board. 

Welcome to 2A at MMH

Hello Parents & Students,

Welcome back everyone! I hope you had a terrific summer holiday, I cannot wait to hear all about it :)

This site will be used on a regular basis. I will be posting things such as weekly spelling lists, daily activities, important reminders etc. This site will also be a means of publishing some of the students exceptional work.

I am extremely excited to join the team at MMH, but more importantly to work with both you and your child in a fun filled year in Grade 2. We will be participating in many hands-on activities and technology will be incorporated as much as possible.

Welcome Back Grade 2's - "Let's leave our mark on Grade 2!"