Visiting a Land of Stories

The highlight of our short week was without a doubt our field trip to Bookworm Gardens. The two-acre site in Sheboygan, is divided into six areas. Each one is beautifully landscaped and decorated around themes from classic children's literature. At the area called the barnyard, for instance, there are hints of "Charlotte's Web" and "Peter Rabbit." Part of the woodlands area is reminiscent of "Little House in the Big Woods." Another part recalls "Goldilocks and Three Bears," including Papa Bear's too-big chair. (Though it seemed just right for some second graders.) The pond area, otherwise known as "McElligott's Pool," is stocked with dozens of colorful fish to feed.

Bookworm Gardens invites children into these settings and then gives them free rein. To say that the displays are interactive is an understatement. Children can climb, crawl, collect, create - and most of all imagine. As a first-time visitor, I was surprised that there wasn't more actual reading going on. Was I disappointed? Not at all. This is a special place where children bring what they know about classic books and become part of these beloved stories.

Back in the classroom this week, we did some close reading of two books by Jane Yolen, the Caldecott-winning "Owl Moon" and the lesser known but equally touching "Elsie's Bird." We considered Yolen's intentions as she wrote each of these books. We examined the ways that she made us react and the writing techniques she used to prompt those reactions. Throughout the year, we'll study authors like Yolen and when we do our reading and writing lessons align so closely it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. 

Also, this week, we solved word problems galore, including tricky problems with too much or too little information. We had our first science lesson about pebbles, sand, and silt. The boys and girls observed three kinds of rocks. By rubbing them together, they began to explore the concept of weathering. Finally, we met with our buddy class, the first graders from Mrs. Hogue's room. For our first meeting, the second graders demonstrated how to shake hands properly when introduced. Then each of them worked with a younger student to create a special buddy handshake that they will use to greet each other from now on.

Next Thursday, Oct. 20, Stormonth holds its first round of parent-teacher conferences. These continue on Wed., Oct. 26, and Thurs., Oct. 27. I look forward to meeting with all of you. Since I'll be busy with conferences on the next two Thursday evenings when I usually write the blog posts, I will wait until the first week of November for the next update.

Mark Your Calendars:

Wed. Oct. 19 - Fire Safety program

Thurs., Oct. 20, Wed., Oct. 26, and Thurs., Oct. 27 - Parent-Teacher Conferences. I look forward to meeting with you. 

Fri., Oct. 28 - Stormonth Halloween Parade and our class Halloween party (new date). I am still hoping to find a volunteer or two willing to help plan the party or supply treats. Please let me know if you can help.