Week two - moving right along

Since Ms. Grant was gone for most of week 1, I spent most of week two observing her classroom, her teaching methods, getting familiar with the schedule, learning the sequence of the curriculum, jumping in with hands-on projects and helping students one-on-one when needed.  I have to say, it's already Thursday and the week flew by in this fast-paced classroom.  Ms. Grant does not waste a minute of instructional time, her dedication to her students is inspiring and she employs a variety of teaching methods and activities to engage her students.

I am loving the Browning Radio station, KBWG during the morning commute.  The morning DJ gives the best ever weather report including a detailed account of how much longer each day will become.  It seems we are gaining about a minute of light per day.  During week one, it was dark when we left Cut Bank at 7am dark when we arrived at the school.  Today, however, I noticed that as I was about 10 miles out, the sky allowed a faint, periwinkle outline of the Rockies.  Seeing Divide Mountain nearly everyday is certainly one of life's luxuries.  With every view, I ask myself, "How have I never climbed you?"  New Summer 2013 goal!  Who's in?  I'm thinking Claire Igoe and Jessie Stamler to name a couple of experienced Divide climbers!

Here are photos of the students from Monday's Math Lesson.  The students used straws and twisty-ties to construct three-dimensional shapes.  The students worked in teams of two to construct a triangular pyramid, a rectangular pyramid, a pentagonal pyramid, and a hexagonal pyramid.  The students worked well in teams of two, helping each other, sometimes even working on the same shape at the same time.  Everyone finished all of their shapes and was excited to take them home to show their families.


Ms. Grant assisting her students

 

On Wednesday, the students learned about lines of symmetry and then did an activity where they chose two colors of paint and simply smeared the colors in a folded piece of paper.  You would not believe the beautiful symmetrical paintings that were a result of this activity.  Some looked like brains, some like buffalo skulls, and many looked like butterflies.  Each student made two, one went home and one is proudly on display in the second grade hall.  Here's a photo of the symmetrical art as it was drying:



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