Picture Graphs

This last week we have been learning about picture graphs. To begin this chapter on graphs, we first learned how to conduct surveys in order to gather information. Next, we learned both how to create picture graphs as well as how to analyze the data presented on these graphs. To put all of this knowledge to use, our second graders created their own picture graphs by using data gathered by surveying their classmates.

To begin this project, students pulled survey ideas from a cup. These ideas included things like “favorite vegetable”, “favorite color”, “favorite movie”, etc. Once students had their idea, they walked around the classroom, surveying their classmates in order to collect data for their picture graphs. Once students collected this data, they began to draw their graphs using rulers for a straight edge on large sheets of paper.

Students enjoyed presenting the data they collected on their graphs by thinking of pictures for each object presented. Students drew one picture on their picture graphs for each vote of their classmates in order to determine the “favorite” of our classroom. The last step of this project was to add color and insert a title for their picture graphs. These graphs are now displayed in our hallway window to convey our “classroom favorites” to the rest of the school. Feel free to stop by and check out our graphs!

Money Egg Hunt

Our second graders have almost finished learning about money in chapter 8 of their math books. To have one last review about what we have learned in this chapter before the test, we had an Easter egg hunt outside.

Each student received a plastic bag so they could easily store the plastic eggs they found scattered around the playground equipment outside. In each of these plastic eggs was a coin, either a penny, a nickel, a dime, or a quarter. After hearing the whistle blow, the students were off and running, trying to find as many plastic Easter eggs as they could.

Coming back inside the classroom after the Easter egg hunt, it was the students’ job to count the money that was stored inside of the plastic eggs they had found. The students enjoyed counting their money and discovering who had collected the most. Through this Easter egg hunt, students reviewed their knowledge of how to add different coins together to decipher how much money they had collected. Our chapter 8 math test is tomorrow, and after watching our second graders during this Easter egg hunt, I can see that they have certainly learned a great deal throughout this chapter!  

The Leprechaun King

For the past week we have had many interesting leprechaun visits in our classroom. The Leprechaun King has left notes, golden treats, and (best of all) small green footprints on student desks!

The first few days of leprechaun visits, the Leprechaun King left small green footprints on only a few desks along with a little green note and golden treat. In the note, the Leprechaun King was telling these students that he was impressed with what he saw them doing in the classroom during the school day. Because of this, he gave these students some pieces of his gold.

The leprechaun also played some tricks on me! Every day in the classroom we use our Apple TV and one day, when I couldn’t find the TV remote, the students searched the room, looking for the missing remote. Eventually they found the remote in the back of the classroom with small green footprints next to it!

Today, on St. Patrick’s Day, the leprechaun visited our classroom for the last time. The leprechaun made a mess of the student desks by leaving small green footprints on every desk, along with a golden treat for each student. He added a note on our chalkboard, telling students that he would visit them next year. We can’t wait to see what the Leprechaun King has in store for us next year!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Timelines

Last week our second graders started their life timelines. Earlier on in the week, we read a short reading passage about timelines so that we could better understand what a timeline is and how we can use timelines. After reading this passage, students better understood what they would be creating.

Students were given a large blank piece of paper with a line through the middle. It was their job to fill in different events along with their dates to complete a timeline of their lives. Before students began, they ordered the events of their lives as first, second, third, etc. Students wrote things such as when they were born, when they first started walking and talking, when they learned how to ride a bike, and many other events on their timelines.

Once students had filled in all of this information on their timeline they could either draw pictures to go along with the events or glue on pictures they had brought from home. All of these timelines are now being showcased in the hallway outside of our classroom. Feel free to visit and read through our timelines!