Gingerbread Houses

We made gingerbread houses on Tuesday!  The real reason we made this project, besides it being fun, creative, sculptural, Christmassy, and cute, is because I made gingerbead houses when I was in school, it remains one of my strongest memories from gradeschool.  I'd like to thank all of the parents and grandparents who sent in supplies and who helped with the day of creation!  We had such a wonderful time.  My students were so proud of what they made, and really enjoyed hosting tours of our gingerbread village for the rest of the school.  We made some great memories this year.

In the morning, students applied the graham crackers to the carton structure
with frosting so that it would be dry by the afternoon.

Deidrik was so happy to have Grandma come down from Marquette to help out!

So "sweet", Lauren!

Secret Santa

This week, students have been extra nice and helpful for one other student in our classroom.  On Monday, I introduced the idea of a Secret Santa, and then secretly assigned students to each other. They have written kind notes, left sharpened pencils in desks, pushed in chairs, brought in small treats, and tried to make others feel extra special.  We'll find out in the morning who our Secret Santas were!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

I read the story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss to the class last week.  It's one of my all-time favorites - I practically have it memorized, as I read it so many times to my own kids during the hoidays :)  Last week's art project was a drawing of the Grinch.  I led the drawing, step-by-step.  Students outlined their pencil drawing with either Sharpie or oil pastels - their choice.  Then they painted with watercolors.  I taught them how to make a more Grinchy green by mixing yellow and green in the lid of their paint trays.  Tomorrow, we will be reading a scripted version of the story all together.  So fun!

Click here for the step-by-step directions!

Mustache-A-Palooza!

Last week we read Big Bush Mustache by Gary Soto.  As part of our Language Arts lessons, we talked about adjectives and how we could describe mustaches.  So, I thought, why not wear one?  We found out that they are itchy, tickly, and fuzzy!  They are hot, hairy, and hard-to-wear!  So much fun!

As a culminating activity, my best friend, and former children's librarian, Miss Charlotte came in and crafted with us - mustache-style, of course!  We made door hangers, pet rocks, ornaments, cards, gift bags, and more.

Spelling List - Dec. 10-13

1. bells
2. gift
3. elf
4. red
5. green
6. songs
7. snowman
8. cookie
9. stocking
10. Santa
* Claus
* Christmas

Welcome!!!

Well, as promised, here it is - my new 2nd grade blog!  This will be the go-to place to check out what we've been learning this week, what this week's spelling words are, and anything photo-worthy!  I hope you check back often.  If you ever have a question, please email me at bpeterson@eskymos.com