This Land Is Your Land

In celebration of Memorial Day, the students will be performing Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" at the All School Assembly. Here's your chance to hear it a little early!

The Pretend Vote: Water Park or Zoo?

Recently, all of Erving Elementary worked on a single writing prompt geared towards persuasive writing. This is how it was presented to the children:

Let's pretend there is a large, empty field near Erving Elementary School. The town wants to build either a water park or a zoo. Which one would be better?

• Your job is to convince the grown-ups to vote for your choice.
• Give them at least three detailed reasons to vote for your choice.

A water park is a place where there are water activities for visitors.

A zoo is a place where visitors can see different types of animals.

______________________________

Why We Should Have a Water Park

          I think we should have a water park for many reasons. One reason is we might need a place to cool down. However, last year I got hot because we didn't have a water park. Another reason is kids would need a place to play in the water. For example I would want a water park just like Coco Keys goes in and outside. That's why I think we should have a water park.

by Emily L.

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          We should have a water park because one reason is the animals will make a lot of noise. For an example, when we go to bed it is hard because too much noise. So we can't go to bed and we have to go to bed at night. The animals might be dangerous around. The animals might kick and you would have to be careful. For an example, you could get kicked. The animals might distract the kids from learning and kids need to learn. For an example, kids will stare out the window all day long. And that is why we should have a water park.

by Arianna 

Why We Should Have a Zoo

          We would build a zoo. First, then people can see animals they never seen before. If they don't they will never know what they look like. Another reason is that they could pet the animals. If they don't then they never know what they feel like. Finally you can see all the animals in the zoo. And it would be fun. That is why we should have a zoo.

by Nick

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          If we could build a water park or zoo I would pick water park. First if we build a zoo animals like lions and tigers and bears and all locked up in a cage and only get three meals a day and I do not like that at all. For example when I go to the zoo I do not like it and probably the animals do not like it either. Also, where are we going to find animals that live in the jungle? It is not like someone would just say that they would go get a lot of zoo animals. Cause we are in Erving and the animals are probably in Africa and I do not think anyone would go to Africa to find the animals and all the way back just to make one zoo. Anyway there might be bears but there aren't lions and tigers and other animals like that around here. Finally a water park are fun and it cools you down when you need it. For example, I like water parks more than zoos because water parks do not lock up animals in cages like zoos do. This is why we should build a water park instead of a zoo.

by Samantha

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          We should have a water park because one reason is the animals will distract the kids. For example animals are so cool that you can't stand not paying attention to them. Another reason is you could get hydrated if we have a water park, and we won't get dehydrated. The last reason is animals should not be kept in a small cage. Anyways the animals are unhappy in the zoo. And that's why I think we should have a water park.

by Katelynn

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          We should have a water park because I could get hot and I could go in the water. I also like to play in the water. We could use it when we do the water thing on Field Day. That's why we need water at school.

by Greyson

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          I think we should build a zoo. The first reason is we would be able to take care of the animals. For example we never had a zoo so I couldn't feed animals. My second reason is we would get to pet the animals. For example we never had a zoo so I never got to pet them. My last reason is we would get to hold the baby animals. For example we never had a zoo so I never got to hold a baby animal. That's why we should have a zoo.

by Jasmine

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          I think we should have a zoo. First is so people can see cool animals of different types there. Another reason is you can feed the animals there are you can also take a picture with them there. For example when I went to the zoo I got to take my picture with a giraffe named Jeffery. Finally so people can just see their favorite animal there. For example my favorite type of animal at the zoo is monkeys and snakes and that's why I think we should have a zoo.

by Tristan

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          I think we should have a zoo because people can see animals. For example they can see pandas and polar bears. People also can have fun at a zoo. They can have fun watching the animals. At a zoo you can see what the animals are doing. The animals eat, sleep, walk, and make noise. That's why we should have a zoo.

by Will

Why We Should Have a Water Park

          Water parks are fun. If it was a hot day out you can go to the water park and cool down. You can go on the water slide to the pool at the water park. When the water comes out of the walls you will get very wet. 

by Blake

Why We Should Have a Water Park

          You will have fun at the water park! You can have fun on the slide. The slide goes round and round until it drops you in the water. Go to the water park on very hot days in the summer to cool off. It is a great time to be with family!

by Reid

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          I want a water park built in Erving. Water parks are fun places to get wet in the summer. The pool can be a fun place to splash friends. There are slides that use a tube to go down. They may even have a bot tub to sit in and relax. 

by Zack

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          Water parks are fun! You can see other people and you can hang out with family. YOu can get sprayed by the water. You can make new frieds at the water park. You will need your bathing suit so you can get very wet.

by Naomi

We Should Have a Water Park

          We should build a water park. The reason why we should build a water park is so kids can have a lot of fun and so they can see their friends and they can play with their friends. You can swim with your friends and you can spend time with your family. Next, so the kids can have a lot of fun to stay hydrated. Finally you can spend time with your family in the water park. We could swim with your family. These reasons are why we should build a water park.

by Jaeden

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          I think we should have a zoo because of three reasons. First we can see lots of pretty animals. For example we can see zebras and monkeys and rats and bugs and maybe a fox. We can feed the animals. We can see the different kind of food they eat. Our friends can come. Another reason we can pet the animals. Then we can learn about them. Finally we can take the research about them and read it to our family. These three reasons are why I think we should have a zoo.

by Rebecca

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          I think we should have a zoo. The first reason is we should have a zoo to feed the animals. I would learn how to feed them. Another reason is me and Jazz would pet the animals. We could see different animals. I would love to see a black panther and tigers. Finally I will ride animals. It would be a horse. If it wasn’t wild I would want to ride an elephant. These are reasons why I think we should have a zoo.

by Dezirae

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          I think the town should build a water park. First it gets too hot in the summer and we need a place to go. I would go with my family a lot. I also think there would be lots to do there. I would go in the pool there. I would also go on the water slide. I would run into the sprinklers. Kids would behave more because they would have something to do. Going to the water park would be a treat for the kids. It would be their reward. I think these are three good reasons why we should have a water park.

by Brandon

Why We Should Have A Water Park

I want a water park near Erving Elementary School. My sisters Nadia and Lydia have autism so I think we should have a water park because they do physical therapy. Nadia rides a bike in a building and Lydia gets to play with bubbles at my house. I think we should have a water park for autism.

       I think we should have a water park so that kids can have birthday parties there. Kids should have fun there because parents want to have a fun time with their kids. I think parents want to have more time with their kids to show that they are starting to grow up and can take care of themselves.

       I think we should have a water park so we can use it for field day! Field day is when you get wet and a water park is full of water! Plus we don’t have to have groups of grades.

       That’s why I think we should have a water park.

by Madelyn

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          We should have a water park in Erving. It will be a very good way to get active, or get really good exercise, or even just have some fun. In a water park there is a wicked water slide that is always really fun for everybody to use. It’s also a great way to spend good times with your family in the pool. That is why I think we should have a water park.

by Jessica

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          We should have a water park in Erving. It would be good in the summer so you don’t have to go traveling to another water park. It’s a good way for kids and families to cool off in the summer. It’s also right next to the elementary school. So you could gets you’re kids out of school and get wet. It would be a good business for the town. So then we can make more stuff in Erving. That’s why I think we should have a water park in Erving.

by Avery

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          I picked the zoo because of animals. Kids can see animals from other places. You can pet some of them. You can feed some of them. You can learn all about them. You can have fun. You’ll be amazed by the tricks. You will like the zoo. The next reason is money. It will bring jobs to town. The town will get funds from the zoo. It will also bring joy to families. You get more exercise walking around a zoo.

by Vincent

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          I think the town should build a water park. A water park would be good because we can get exercise and move our bodies and have a good time doing it. Also we can show how we move and splash and even dive. We can also learn how to swim more. We can do lots of things under water like swim under people’s legs. We can do somersaults under water and backwards rolls under water. Sometimes there’s log rides to go on where you ride on a raft in the water and sometimes get wet! For example the last time I went on a ride like that buckets with water would tip on you and big waves of water would get in the raft and you would get wet! We even got to go under a small waterfall! Speaking of water pouring on you sometime in the water park part of the place there are buckets in the water park that are held up by a pole. There are six bars that spread out and at the end of each bar there is a bucket and water goes up through the pole and goes into the bars and into the buckets and eventually the buckets get so heavy with water they tip and water can splash all over you! A water park is also a good way to cool off in the summer when you are hot. Finally I think we should have a water park in Erving because it has been really hot outside in Erving lately and its been hot outside so people are not going to aerobics and they don’t get enough exercise. A water park is a place where you can stay and get exercise. I also want a water park in Erving because sometimes you get to go under a water fall and you don’t get to do that very often do you? It is cold but then you can get wrapped up in a nice warm towel. The last good idea of a water park that I can think of is usually lots of people go to water parks and you can make lots of friends. You might even see someone you know there! You can go with someone when you go to a water park. That’s why I think we should have a water park.

by Gracie

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          We should have the zoo. It would be good for learning about the life of the animals. If you were studying mammals you could go to the zoo and look at monkeys and apes. Plus you can go all year round with families and friends. You might be able to swim with the dolphins so that would be like the water park. It would be cool to see animals that don’t live around here, like a rhinoceros or a penguin. Some people like seeing animals but can’t see them because they do not have enough money to go to the zoo. That’s why I want the zoo.

by Sydney

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          We should have a water park near Erving Elementary School. We can have a water slide and sprinklers and waterfalls and water buckets. They will be very fun and more. When it is really hot out people can get cooled off. They can go swimming and run through the sprinkler. You can go on a boat down a waterfall. You can go surfing on the wave pool. You can go through the water tubes. You can go down the water slide. Last but not least you can go under water buckets and if you wait a few minutes the water in the buckets will dump on you.

by Emily F.

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          I think we should have a zoo. They’re wonderful for kids, so there is one reason we should have a zoo. Another reason we should have a zoo is because the zoo is an amazing place for kids. The elephants will hit you with their tails. Another idea is we should have a zoo because the animals are so funny. It is a great place for kids. They will never want to go home.

by Skye

Why We Should Have A Water Park

          I think we should have a water park. Water parks are awesome because there are pools and water slides. There might even be a log ride. But most of all there is a really cool ride there called the riptide. The riptide is really cool because you go in a boat and go up a hill and down the other side. You get splashed by water.. But most of all water parks are fun. It’s cool there. It will cool you down in the summer time, so you can go to a water park in the summertime. So that is why I think we should have a water park.

by Elizabeth

Why We Should Have A Zoo

          We should have a zoo in Erving. We could swim with the dolphins and that would be something that people could do when it is hot out. You can only go to a water park in the summer and but you could go to the zoo any time. Also you won’t have to drive that long. You only have to drive for a couple of minutes. I also know that there are more water parks near here than zoos. So that is why I say we should have a zoo near Erving Elementary School.

by Dylan

Our Autobiographies

The children recently worked very hard to complete a timeline of special events in their lives, add details, and organize them into narrative autobiographies. Enjoy!

The Autobiography of Sydney Lin May

     Hi, my name is Sydney Lin May. This is about exciting things in my life. The first thing I remember is my birth. It felt good to get out. I was crying when I first took a bath. I loved my family. That was in 2004.
     The second thing I remember is first going to the Boston Aquarium. At the Boston Aquarium I saw a sea turtle, a dolphin, and a seal. I decided right then and there I wanted to be an oceanographer when I grew up. That was in 2007.
     The next thing I remember is when Bryanna was born later in 2007.  Bryanna was loud. I felt grateful that Bryanna got out of the hospital. In fact that was the same hospital I was born in--the Cooley Dickinson Hospital! I remember Bryanna's first birthday. Grandma Clark made cake. We had lots of fruit. It was yummy! When Bryanna took a bath, she was so so cute.
     Then three or four years past. I was in first grade when I lost my first tooth! It was special. It also felt good to get out. I put it under my pillow. When I woke, I got $5. It was awesome!
     Finally, I went to Florida. It was in 2012. In Florida, my family and I went to Disney. It was cool. We went on rides. My favorite ride was Splash Mountain. Okay, first you get into a log. You paddle along for a bit. Then it gets dark and you see a rabbit, a fox, and a bear. The bear and the fox are chasing the rabbit. They keep chasing for a while. Then the rabbit gets caught! You see a sign. It says, "Danger!" You try to scream, but nothing comes out. It's done. It is really fun. Once when I went on I saw Woody and Jessy! It was in February, but it was still hot out. Also, I liked going to the beach. It was fun, because we got all wet. We had a race and found conch shells. I had a good time! There are a lot of things to see in Florida!
     But...these are just some exciting things in my life! When I grow older, I would like a Ph.D. in science, masters in oceanography, and I want to write stories about the ocean! I will scuba dive in Florida! I think when I grow up, it will be fantastic!

The Autobiography of Avery Shea Boissonneault

     Hi, my name is Avery Shea Boissonneault. I remember birth was on New Years Day in 2004. First, I went to the beach in July 2004. I got my first stuffed animal at the beach. I think his name is Scruffy. I still have him. He is a dog. My mom and dad told me it was really cold. When I was one year older, I went to the beach again with my whole family--and I really mean with my whole family! I had a lot of good memories. I still have pictures of me on the beach playing in the sand. 

     Next I remember getting glasses. It was really different with glasses than without glasses. Once I got glasses it was hard to see. It really hurt my eyes when I got glasses, but after a while, I got used to it. Adjusting was not easy and is hard sometimes. It felt right in a little bit to get glasses. 

     After that It was my first game of baseball. I felt nervous to play baseball. The weather surprised me in the middle of the game. It got hot. By the end of the game, it was so hot! All the team was sweating. I was lucky I had a really good team. I remember at the beginning of my  first game of baseball. I was nervous, but at the end I had a fun time cheering for my teammates. 

     Finally, I remember getting my own room. I was excited to get my own room. I was really nervous the first night sleeping there though. After a while, I enjoyed having my own space. Today, I love my own room. I even have a desk in my room. My dad made my desk for me. I love it now. 

     Now I want to go to Disney Land with my family and my grandparents. I hope to do that in my future. I would love to go to Disney Land.

The Autobiography of Elizabeth Renee Whitney

     My name is Elizabeth Renee Whitney and my birthday is June 14. First of all, I remember when Carly was born. She was so cute, because she was always giggling when she was a baby and that made me laugh! 

     Next of all, when I moved it was awesome, because I got a bigger bedroom. However, there were only three bedrooms, so I had to share a room with Carly. When she gets scared she sleeps with me.

     Then years passed. I started kindergarten. I was nervous at first, but I got used to it. I made new friends to play with and I met a new teacher to learn with.

     Finally, I rode a two wheeler. That was fun, but it took the whole summer to learn. 

     Now I am a second grader. When I grow up, I want to be an artist. I will paint many things like still lifes with fruit.

The Autobiography of Vincent Myren

     Hello, my name is Vincent. I was born on July 9, 2004 in the Franklin County Hospital. My first memory is Jezebel the cat. She's a multicolor cat. We used to jump in boxes to play. While we were playing I would pull her tail and she would pull on my shirt. She liked to purr. When she was outside, she liked to hunt bunnies. 

     On my seventh birthday, I got amazing presents. My favorite present was a Bakugon Dragon Colossus. I got a card that was hilarious! My party was at the park. I had my best friend Ryan at the party. Me and Ryan played pirates. After that we had vanilla cake. My friend Max was riding his bike. He couldn't catch up to me! Max and I got to have a sleep over in my tent while we were camping. I woke up with a Nerf sword next to me. I wanted Max to wake up so we could play.

The Autobiography of Gracie Mae Rosenberg

     Hi, my name is Gracie Mae Erika Rosenberg. These are some exciting things in my life. I was born on March 24, 2004. I went to school for the first time! I went in 2007. I was about three and a half when I went. I was shy at first, but I got used to it.

     Next I got my two new goldfish. It was 2008 when I got them. I was six years old. I liked to watch the goldfish swim around in the tank. But eventually one of the goldfish got sick and died.

     Then I lost my first tooth! I was still six years old when it happened. I was outside playing on the swings with Will. I was about to go under a swing when that swing swung back and hit me in the jaw. I started crying. I didn't notice it yet, but when the swing hit me it knocked my tooth out! It was about 2010 when it happened.

     Finally, I met Grandma's new puppy. I was in my early sevens when it happened. It was in 2011 when it happened also. We were inside playing when we heard barking. It was coming from outside. We looked outside and there was Grandma holding her new puppy on a leash. The puppy was brown with white spots. It was a girl and her name was Lilly. She was half jack russel terrier and half another dog. She was wild and when she saw another dog she went crazy. but when Lilly got her energy out she was calm and quiet. Will and me would make her a doggy bed. Every time Lilly saw the leash, she thought she was going for a walk. Lilly can stand on her hind legs for more then ten seconds. She loves to chase squirrels and birds and chipmunks.

     When I grow up, I want to be a paleontologist. They study dinosaurs. I will learn more about prehistoric creatures. I will dig up dinosaur bones and put them together to make skeletons. I will put the skeletons on displays and make a museum. I will discover new species of dinosaurs. I will tell my children about dinosaurs. I could tell other people about dinosaurs. It will be exciting--very exciting!

The Biography of Jessica Abbey

     Hi, my name is Jessica Beth Abbey. I was born on December thirty-first, two-thousand-three. That's New Years Eve of two thousand three!

     One bright, beautiful summer day, Matthew, Christopher, Rachael and I were riding our bikes up and down the road. Then, I wanted to try riding a two-wheeler bike. So. Matthew got out a little red bike. It was Matthew's first two-wheeler. I tried it out. It worked! I could ride a two-wheeler! After this, I rode up and down the road almost every single day I could! And, Rachael and I loved to have races. I especially liked having races down the road, because I was really fast down the road. That is the time I rode a two-wheeler bike for the first time.

     One summer day, Rachael, Christopher and I were fishing on A-dock. We didn't really catch anything, so we moved to B-dock. B-dock was where everything happened. Nobody caught a single fish yet. Well, Christopher may have caught a couple small fish. Then, suddenly, I felt a strong tug. I yanked my pole up. My pole was bending a lot! I realized it then--I had caught a large-mouthed bass! Christopher measured it. It was about fourteen to sixteen inches long! Then he weighed it. It was one and a half to two pounds! We showed it to my parents. They were very proud that their own six-year-old daughter could catch a large mouthed bass. I named him Mr. Bass--at least, I think so. We kept him for a while. Then I threw him back into the water. Mr. Bass made a big splash! That was the time I caught a large-mouthed bass.

     Then, in two-thousand-eleven was when all of the enthusiasm began. It was almost time for Matthew's school play. I was the little witch. This was how the wicked witch disappeared. The witch is going to melt Dorothy, Tin Man, Scare Crow, and the lion. Then, instead, the witch gets melted. Then I run out of the pot screaming, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!" Then the lion picked me up! I screamed, "Let me go! Let me go!" And, at the same time, I kicked! It was fun. My costume was Rachael's old witch costume. That was when I was in a high school play!

     Finally, I was eight years old when the cramp bike came into creation. Rachael and I still loved to have races. We still went up and down, up and down the road almost every single day we could. My little red bike felt a little small for me. We call it the cramp bike, because when you ride it, it'll make a cramping noise. I wanted to try it out. It had been Matthew's old bike, I remember, when Matthew used to ride it up the road (and down), he would pretend that he always had the cramps. When I tried it out, it made a cramping noise, I peddled slowly, I could ride it! The only problem was, it was a little high. So a few days later, I had Christopher lower the seat for me. He had to loosen a bolt. Once he lowered the seat, it was crooked. I peddled slowly at first. I could ride it a little better! I loved to ride it around the house. That was when I got the seat lowered for me on the silver cramp bike.

The Autobiography of Dylan Burnett

     My name is Dylan Burnett. I was born on August 20, 2004. First, I moved to a new house. I was a little bit scared. I said, "Will I get to keep everything?" The house was much bigger! It was fun seeing our new house, but when I saw that I got to have my own room I was really happy.

     When I was four, I got my ears pierced. I was squeezing my mom's hand, but I was still crying. Afterwards I was really happy I got them. It was exciting to change them in six weeks. Years later, I got them double pierced.

     Next, I learned how to ride a two-wheeler. I learned how to ride it in the driveway. I really liked my new bike. I was really excited! I liked the color of the bike. Also I played this game with my brother. I was the robber and he was the cop. I would have to peddle faster and faster so he wouldn't get me. 

     Finally I went to Florida. I went on Thunder Mountain Railroad. It was really fast and fun! I was yelling, "Aaaaaaaaaa!" the whole time. Also, I got Ginny's wand. It was wicket cool. Next I got my hair done like a princess. It was super pretty.

     Now I am knitting like crazy. It is extremely fun. And that's the story of my life.

The Autobiography of Emily Marie Fess

     Hi, my name is Emily Marie Fess. I was born on September 19th of 2003. In May of 2006, I moved to a new house in Erving. It was kind of strange. My dog Taz would not go inside at first. My cats Buddy and BJ had strange behavior like fighting nothing and hissing and clawing and growling at nothing. We were building the kitchen and we were just about done when the fridge wasn't working. So my Gramma and Grampa had to pay another $300 more for a new fridge. Do you want to know what was causing the cat's strange behavior and the fridge to not work? well, it was a tiny little mouse! When we were finished with the house a few days later, we got a new dog named Fiona. A few months later we found out that she was pregnant with nine puppies and one year later she had puppies! Two years later we sold eight of the puppies and we kept one of them. We named her Molly Rose Golembeski. Next, I got two cats and they were black. We named one cat Cole and we named the other one Max. They were very cute to look at and extremely funny to watch and play with.

     When I was seven I learned how to ride a horse at my uncle's. Learning how to ride a horse is extremely fun. I hope that you try it at some period in your lifetime. 

     When I grow up, I want to be a professional horse rider and compete in horse riding competitions.

The Autobiography of Madelyn Janus

     First came me, Madelyn Janus! My birthday is January 7, 2004. Next my mom told me I was going to be a big sister. My mom's belly got bigger and bigger. Then my dad said, "We're going to the hospital." So we got in the car. When we got to the hospital my dad took me to get a present for the baby. Finally, we went up to see mom. She was holding something. It was the baby! My mom said, "Her name is Nadia!"

     Years had passed when it all happened. I was in kindergarten. It was rest time. I had a very loose tooth. It was so loose that it popped out! I yelled, "Mrs. Yaz, Mrs. Yaz! My tooth is gone! My tooth is gone!" Next she said, "Wow, Madelyn! That's awesome!" "I know!" I said. While Mrs. Yaz was showing the class, my tongue was touching where it came out. It felt gushy. But then I tasted something. Its color was red. Mrs. Yaz said, "Get a paper towel, Madelyn is bleeding!" But then it stopped. "That was good!" I said to myself. It felt uncomfortable. When it was time to go to bed, I was dreaming of my tooth. In the morning, my pillow was not fluffy anymore. Then I looked under my pillow. "Money!" I said. I got out of bed. I ran down the hall and said, "I got a one dollar in an envelope!" My dad said "The tooth fairy came!" "The tooth fairy? Who's she?" I said. "She picks up kids' teeth," Dad said. And that's the time I lost a tooth!

     When I was seven my mom and dad called me and Nadia over to the table. "I am afraid that I have bad news. Our dog Belly is going to die, " Mom said. I did not say a word. I just sat there. I started to cry. After that day, I kept crying and crying and crying. Then my dad said, "I know you love her, but it's time to let go." "Okay," I said. Then he started to walk away. On the day that she was going to die, our neighbors came over to say goodbye to her. We took a picture of her. We also made a paw print of her paw. On the day of the funeral, I was crying a lot. But I knew she was going to be an angel. That's the time my dog was going to heaven. 

     It all happened at gymnastics camp. After a day at gymnastics, I got a note. It said: Would you like to be on the gymnastics team? I thought about it. Then I just remembered that it was my dream. I went home. I told my mom and my dad. They made me choose between girl scouts and gymnastics. I chose gymnastics. On my first meet, it was my 8th birthday. I got second place. After that, I got team leotards and routines to do. After that I kept getting first place trophies! 

     Finally, this is the time I wrote an autobiography. When I grow up, I want to be a famous writer, because if I can write this, I can write anything!

The Autobiography of Skye Porlier

     Hello, my name is Skye Elizabeth Porlier, and I am going to tell you a little about me, so here it starts. A long time ago, when I was a baby, my cousin Dezirae was so nice to me. She read to me in my high chair, so that was nice. She played with me in my crib and sang me a lullaby when I needed to go to sleep.

     Now I would like to write about school. School is interesting to me because school is fascinating. I like school, because we play a lot of games. We also do knitting in school. That is really fun for me.We also put a lot on the blog so that is another reason it is cool. I love looking on the blog to see my work! 

     Now is Hunter. He is my brother and he is a very good brother to me. He is so nice and is the best brother I've ever had. He is not my only brother. I have Kyle, Cody, Jole, and a step sister named Lhyla. I know Hunter the best though, and Mom taught him well. My dad is the best dad. I never see him, but one day I was massaging my mom's back and then she said, "You are going to see your dad every two weeks." So I was so happy I fell off the bed, and that was not good! 

     Now I am going to tell you a story that is true. Once when I was a baby, my mom and dad were making a tent inside so me and dad and mom slept in it. I woke up, but mom and dad did not so I was just sitting on the pillow staring at Dad. He woke up in fifteen minutes. I was hiding in the cabinet on the floor! It was open, so I went in and dad could not find me. He only found me when I got out! So that is my story. 

The Loveliest Tunes: A Springtime Song

Second Grade Sings About Springtime in "The Loveliest Tunes" from Nettie Harrington Pangallo on Vimeo.

Are You a Continent Expert?

Here are a couple links to some continent games:

Label the continents here!

A Continent Memory Game

Asia:
Asia Map Puzzle
Photographs of Asia
Asia Kids Society
National Geographic Kids: Global Bros in Asia

South America:
South America Map Puzzle
Photographs of South America
Endangered Animals of the Amazon Rainforest
National Geographic Kids: Global Bros and the Amazon
National Geographic Kids: Global Bros in South America

Europe:
Europe Map Puzzle
Photographs of Europe
National Geographic Kids: Global Bros in Europe

Africa:
Africa Map Puzzle
Photographs of Africa
PBS: Africa for Kids
National Geographic Kids: Global Bros in Africa

North America:
North America Map Puzzle
Photographs of North America

Antarctica:
Discovering Antarctica
Photographs of Antarctica

Australia:
Australia for Kids
Photographs of Australia
National Geographic Kids: Global Bros in Australia

Great Thinkers and Explorers of Our World

The second graders have just completed their social studies unit on people in the past and present who have become known for their desire to explore and think critically about our world, even in the face of adversity. Here are their final reports.

Jacques Cousteau

by Madelyn

Once there was a man named Jacques Cousteau. He spent most of his time in the ocean. One day he went for a swim. Then he saw something. There was ink and chemicals in the ocean. He felt surprised, angry, mad, and sad. He wanted to tell people that people are hurting the ocean. First, he made movies so that people could understand. Next, he swam a lot to see what was going on. Then he was showing people how to treat the ocean nicely. Finally, he wrote books to show the ways people were hurting the sea. In the end, people were nicer to the ocean. Jacques was excited, happy, and glad.

Vasco da Gama

by Dezirae

Once upon a time, Vasco da Gama spent a lot of time in the sea. He noticed it was not safe to go to India on land. It made him mad and angry. He wanted to change the world and find a safer way to go. First, he sailed to islands. Then he sailed around the Cape of Good Hope. Finally, he got to India. It made him happy when he got there. Then, he finally got back to his land. Everybody was very happy Vasco da Gama was back.

Benjamin Banneker

by Greyson

A long time ago, there was a man named Benjamin Banneker. The white people wouldn't let him write maps. He felt mad and sad about this. He wanted to show people that he could do it. He wrote a note to the president to tell him about it. The president agreed with him. He ended up making important maps anyway, and lots of people used them.

Amelia Earhart 

by Jessica

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Amelia Earhart. She lived in Atchison, Kansas. Then, people said, "Women can't fly." She felt mad, sad, and angry since she wanted to fly a plane. First, she flew across the Atlantic on the Friendship. Finally, she flew around the equator on the Flying Laboratory. That flight was 27,000 miles! She succeeded! She felt proud.

Nelson Mandela

by Brandon

Nelson Mandela was born in South Africa. He lived in South Africa. There were "White Only" signs in many places, and it made him feel sad. He wanted to end apartheid. He told speeches. He made signs. He became a lawyer. The government put him in jail for not agreeing with apartheid, but his words showed people he should not be in jail. Eventually, people voted for him and be became the first black president in South Africa. He felt very happy.

Helen Keller

by Emily

Once there was a girl named Helen Keller. She lived in Alabama. She became very sick and became blind and deaf. She felt sad and scared. She wanted to be like any other kid and go to school. So she got a teacher and then another one to teach her without seeing and hearing. She learned how to understand people, and so she felt happy.

Bessie Coleman

by Arianna

Once upon a time there was a woman named Bessie Coleman. She lived in Texas. She wanted to fly a plane. First, she tried in Texas. That did not work. They did not let her because she was a black woman. This made her sad. Next, she went to a flying school in France.  Then she saved money so she could go to Chicago. Then it worked. She got to fly a plane. She was happy because she got to fly.

Robert Fulton

by Avery

Once upon a time there was a man named Robert Fulton. He was born in Pennsylvania. People didn't believe he could build a steamboat. He was angry, sad, and mad. He wanted to show people he could do it and traveling by boat was safe.  First, he steered a steamboat down the Seine River. Next, when he tried to build his own steamer, people called in "Fulton's Folly". I think he felt sad, but he was determined. At the end, he succeeded. I think he felt happy.

Charles Lindbergh

by Will

Once there was a man named Charles Lindbergh. He lived in New York. People started to fly planes when he was a young man, and it made him feel excited. He wanted to fly planes by himself. First, he went to flying school. Next, he learned all he could. He asked teachers questions. Then, he became a barnstormer and did flying stunts. Finally, he became the first person to fly across the Atlantic Ocean without stopping! He felt very happy.

Jerry Spinelli

by Jasmine

Once there was a little boy named Jerry Spinelli. Jerry lived in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He wanted to write books. Jerry's plan was to be creative. First, he would figure out how to write books. Then he would made sure the words made sense. Then he would think of names for his books. He wanted to make sure they weren't about violence. Finally, he made a lot of books for kids. He felt proud of himself and surprised he could do it!

Lucretia Mott

by Katelynn

Once upon a time there lived a girl named Lucretia Mott. She lived in Nantucket. Suddenly, she noticed white people had slaves and she felt angry and sad. She wanted equal rights for everyone. First, she started a group that worked for peace. Next she tried make people feel strong to stand up for themselves. Finally, she spoke for equal rights. She helped the world and that made her feel happy.

Jane Goodall

by Rebecca

Jane Goodall was born in England. She got to go to Africa once. She felt proud because she wanted to learn about animals there. She loved chimpanzees, and she wanted to take care of them. First, she traveled to Africa and saw many animals. Then she studied with a scientist named Dr. Leakey. Next, she lived with and studied chimpanzees on her own. She had to be quiet and still so the animals would trust her. Finally, she wrote books and speeches to teach people about chimpanzees. When people learned about chimps, she felt extraordinary.

James Cook

by Zachary

James Cook was from Yorkshire, England. He wanted to be a sailor. He loved the ocean. He learned from a sea captain and joined to British Royal Navy.  First he took a Pacific voyage. A year later he did another one. He found many new plants and animals. He traveled to Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, and all the way around the world.

Ponce de Leon

by Vincent

Once there was a man named Ponce de Leon. He was always sailing on the sea. He even went to the New World. He was happy to discover new land. He discovered Florida and Puerto Rico. In Florida, he went to war with the Indians. He eventually got killed by an infected wound. It was sad.

Second Grade Dreams

To celebrate Martin Luther King Day, the second graders read about Dr. King and thought about what their dreams for our world are. Let's take a look!

I have a dream that one day the world would be a better place! Everyone would have peace and people would be treated fairly. People would not bully but they would protect each other. I have a dream that one day the world would be a better place, but we need to treat people fairly to make it happen.
by Tristan

I have a dream that one day the world will be a better place. People will be nice to each other. Girls and boys will be peaceful. The world will be peaceful. I have a dream that one day the world will be a better place, but we need to work together to make it happen.

by Arianna

I have a dream that one day the world will change. People will not bully. People will care for each other. People will also share. I have a dream that one day people will get equal food, money, and rights, but we need to believe to make it happen.

by Jasmine

I have a dream that one day people would be nice to one another. Men and women would earn the same amount of money for their work. Also people would not litter. Instead they would be nice to the world. Boys and girls and men and women could wear whatever they want. But we need to care to make it happen.

by Katelynn

I have a dream that one day the law will change to keep people safe and healthy. For example, people would not smoke. The people will not bully. They will be nicer than before. People will greet the other people when they go by. I have a dream that one day the world will have peace, but we need to share good thoughts to make it happen.

by Samantha

I have a dream that one day more people will care for others. More black and white people will be friends. The world will be more peaceful. People will keep the earth clean and healthy. I have a dream that one day the world will be a better place, but we need to care for our community to make it happen.

by Emily L.

I have a dream that one day the world would be peaceful. The laws would be good all over the world. People would be nice. I wish the world would be fair. I have a dream that one day the world would be peaceful, but we need to not fight to make it happen.

by Nick

I have a dream that one day the world would change. No one would be poor. No one would have to drink dirty water. No one would be bullied. I have a dream that one day the world would change, but we need to protect each other and share to make it happen.

by Greyson

I have a dream that one day everyone will be treated more nicely. No one would get bullied, but everyone would get peace instead. People should be more caring. I have a dream that one day everyone will be treated more nicely, but we need to treat others nicely to make it happen.

by Jaeden

I have a dream that one day all people would be treated fairly. It wouldn't matter what your skin color is or if you think different things than others. People could be friends with one another. I have a dream that one day all people would be treated fairly, but we need to work together to make those three things happen.

by Will