MAP Testing

Second graders take a Math Survey test and a Reading Goals Survey test on the computers in the LMC lab. The tests are Measures of Academic Progress, or better know as the MAP tests. They take these tests three times a year. Once in the Fall(September), Winter (January), and in the Spring, (April and May). Do you take computerized tests at your school?

What kind of clubs do you have at school? We have Running Club and Chess Club. Both of them are held after school.

Do you learn a second language in school? If so, what language is taught? We have a chance to learn another language when we are in 6th grade.

It has been rainy here for the last few days. We have indoor recess on rainy days. Do you have a recess?

We are watching the mail everyday and looking forward to receiving the koala.

A photograph of a real Koala sitting in a gum tree.

Way to go!

Gail,

I think the Comic Life is fantastic. Great use of technology! I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with a school in Australia. Before the end of the year we should arrange for a live video conversation via the internet. Thank you for making the project come to life for our second graders.

Brian

Compare, Contrast, or Research an Interesting Topic

The second graders used books from the Windsor Library and from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library to research a topic. They were asked to compare, contrast, or learn about an interesting topic that related to Australia and the United States. They were given a storyboard template to organize their ideas onto. Then they came to the computer lab and used a program, Comic Life, available to Apple users. I created a sample for the students to see. I am attaching a picture of it. Mrs. K

Scavenger Hunt

The Scavenger Hunt questions at Open House were:

1. What continent is second grade learning about?

2. What island is in the Southeast corner of Australia?

I bet you know the answers to those questions!

Open House

Spring is trying to give us a beautiful day. The daffodils are in bloom. The forsythia bushes are open and showing off their yellow leaves. The hyacinths are blooming in pink, purple, and white. The little anemone flowers are turning their white, pink, and purple heads to follow the sun. We are expecting to reach 54 degrees F. today.

Tonight is our Open House from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. The school is open to the community. All of the staff is present and we showcase the children's work on our bulletin boards. In the LMC, an Australian map is hanging. A fourth grade class is using it as part of a scavenger hunt. They have to find out what island is in the Southeast region of Australia. We will be displaying our compare, contrast, and items of interest Comic Life project. Comic Life is a program available on Apple computers.

Have a G'Day!

Black Bear Adventure

Our five second grade classes have written notes to our Australian buddies. We sent them in the package with the black bear and some books to Australia. Did you know that a customs form had to be filled out since the package weighed more than 4 pounds? It took one week to get to the Knox School. We are anxiously awaiting our koala bear package.