Writing About Science

It's Saturday! 

And I'm at home with no plans to leave!

Can you feel my excitement?

I have not spent a Saturday at home in almost two months, and if you've followed the blog very long you know how tough this has been on me. 

I confess, I'm a homebody!

I had big plans to celebrate this occasion by deep-cleaning the house, but it seems instead I will be running to the restroom every twenty minutes or so (sorry--TMI--but it is the truth). :-(

So I better get to it...

I use Lucy Calkins' (or Calkins's? I never remember which so I looked it up and apparently it is debatable and I prefer the first!) Units of Study for writing. This week we started writing like scientists!

We did a simple experiment using a toy car, ramp, and meter stick to find out if the car would go farther on the carpet or the gym floor. I loved it because we also got some practice measuring (which we have been working on in math). You just can't beat an activity that combines writing, science, and math!

Here's some pictures:

Here's hoping you are having a great Saturday (and that mine gets better soon)! :-)

Showing Some Goodies and Reminders!

So, Kristi is right. I'm still enjoying my summer freedom (for a few days at least). I was thinking of all my former teacher buddies as they reported back yesterday though.

 

I'm trying REALLY hard not to go to the school this week. You may remember that I worked like crazy a couple weeks ago with the intention of taking these final two weeks off!

 

Well, I went in last week only to enroll my own children...and...it was like Christmas! I have a classroom budget at my new school AND they let me order some things on my "wishlist" too. Of course, I had to open the boxes and see my goodies. Here's a few of the things I'm most excited about:

 

Lucy Calkin's Units of Study for 2nd Grade!!! I confess I brought this home and started reading ASAP! :-)

 

 

Mountain Math and Mountain Language Centers - 2nd Grade!

Book Boxes!!!

 

There was a lot more, but I'll spare you pictures of my chart pads, markers, glue sticks, etc. ;-)

 

Don't forget...

 

Kristi and I are hosting our first linky. It is...

 

 

Since we're both new to iPads this year, we'd love to hear about your favorite APPS. At my school, they have a cart of iPads to share among the three classes. I'm afraid my students are going to make me look really silly with all their skills! Click the pic above to head over to link up!

 

Also, we're having a sale at our Teacher's Notebook store. Click below to do some back to school shopping if you like!

 

 

I know most of you are busy, busy, busy! Stay rested! ;-) 

Psst...Coming Soon...and Schedule Spotlight Series - Writing!

Okay...okay...enough with the suspense. Here's the big secret I've been keeping.

 

 

Did you see that? Second Grade bloggers... As most of you know, our blog has become a 1st and 2nd grade blog with Kristi still teaching 1st and me moving to 2nd.

 

Still feels weird not to be a firstie! 

 

You are not going to want to miss this freebie hop! There are so many great bloggers teaming up for this, I know the FREEBIES will be amazing! While we are targeting second grade, there will be some freebies that would work for multiple grades. The hop will start on Saturday so check back here for directions on how to get started.

 

And if you are a FIRST GRADE teacher, don't worry. Kristi and I are planning something just for you, too!

 

Now on to...

 

When you're done reading, click the picture to go check out all the other great writing ideas!

 

Writing!

 

I have been waiting for this one! I have done my writing differently every year I've taught (3 years) and am already planning changes for next year.

 

Let me give you a quick history (in first grade)...

 

Year One - Taught writing using the basal (Treasures) and was not at all happy with the lack of growth in my kiddos.

 

Year Two - Writer's Workshop! Loved this...mini-lesson followed by 30 minute block of writing time.

 

Year Three - Insert Daily 5. Not enough time for seperate Writer's Workshop so it became their "Work on Writing" time and I required students to do it daily. I did my mini-lessons in the afternoon with no immediate practice time for the kiddos. Did not like this!

 

Next year...regardless of grade, I would have went back to a seperate Writer's Workshop time.

 

Here's what I'm thinking my schedule will look like next year in 2nd grade:

 

8:30-10:00  Reading Block - Daily 5

10:00-10:30  Recess

10:30-11:40  Math

11:40-12:10  Lunch

12:10-12:40  Writer's Workshop

12:40-1:00  Science/Social Studies Extension

1:00-1:30  MTSS (or RTI if you are not in Kansas)

1:30-2:30  Specials

2:30-3:00  Snack/Read Aloud/Pack Up

 

Obviously, it is not finalized yet... The one thing I know is that I will definitely have a seperate Writer's Workshop and "Work on Writing" in Daily 5 will be more 'fun' types of writing...choosing to make a card, write a letter, etc. By making my main writing seperate from Daily 5, I won't have to require students to do "Work on Writing" daily so I will be able to rotate kids through more of the Daily 5 activities. I will also be giving the kiddos time to practice immediately after the mini-lesson which is what I thought was so successful my second year teaching.

 

As for resources, I have been using Mrs. Meacham's mini-lessons and writing workshop ideas. I'm in the process of begging my district to buy this for me:

 

 

Well, I think that covers it. If you're still with me, I'd love to hear from you. How do you teach writing in your classroom?

 

Do you have Lucy Calkins' Units of Study? If so, what do you think of it?

 

Have a blessed day!