Writing in the outdoor classroom.

It's kind of a secret here at Model... our outdoor classroom.


We took advantage of the awesome weather we've been having and went outside for our independent writing time.


Most of us enjoyed our time in nature- with the sounds of birds and wind blowing through the trees.


(Some of us had a visit by a spider or two and that was enough nature for us!)


We did a great job working on our writing...


we can't wait to go out and try it again sometime!

Another great week!

We had another great week in second grade! We have been focusing on WHY we are learning what we are learning this week. I try to make sure I let the kids know which goal our activity will help us reach. Sometimes Mr. Robertson, Mrs. Green, or Mrs. Metcalfe will come in to see what the kids are learning or to watch me teach. They may ask the kids why they're doing the activity they're going... so hopefully they're paying attention!

I am amazed at how well this class is doing already this year! Like I said at Parent Night (thanks to all who came, by the way!), they have a great start to solving word problems (one of our goals!). They have also already built their stamina to nearly 25 minutes for read to self time! I am so proud! We will be starting reading groups in no time!

Speaking of starting reading groups, when I start, they will be few and far between as we try to get our mClass testing finished. The window actually opened this past Monday. However, we are waiting on the iPads (how cool!) to come in so we can start the testing. (In the past our testing was done on Palm Pilots.) They should be here anytime & then we can get started on the testing. That said, I HOPE to start sending books home with the kids on Monday. They may or may not have read it prior in a reading group, but at least they will be getting some practice in at home, too.

I hope you all have a great weekend! We're going to try to either go to Michigan City for some outlet shopping or down to Indy for a children's museum visit. Either way I'm excited to spend some time with my family!

P.S. I'm trying to get the info on the sides of the blog changed... I started this blog under a different email and I can't remember the email or the password! Eek! :)

Welcome to a new year!

And welcome to our classroom blog! On this blog you will be kept up-to-date on school news, classroom news, and all of the activities we have done and will be doing in our room. Watch for photos, student writing, and more throughout the year. This blog is super protected and you can only view it if you have the direct link. It will not come up with any searches on google or other search engines. Also, comments have to be approved by me. So if you comment and it doesn't come up right away, that's the reason. :) I hope this will be a fun way for us to share what we're learning with you!

Thank you to all the parents who were able to make it to Parent Night 2011. It was great to see you again and to talk to you about our classroom procedures. Again, if you have any questions or suggestions, please email me at kkratzer@goshenschools.org or call me at 533-7677.

Let's have a great year!