Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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.




Saturday, February 18, 2012

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




Monday, January 9, 2012

How to Clean Your Room

Mrs. Mankowsky's class recently wrote some directions on how to clean your room. Let's take a look!

This is how to clean your room. First, you have to put all of your toys on the ground. Second, you have to sort it. Third, separate it. Fourth, put all of the toys on your shelves if you have any.  Fifth, dust. Sixth, vacuum. Seventh, wash the windows. Eighth, wait, that's it!!!

by Tristan
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This is now you clean your room. First make your bed. Then vacuum your room. Next clean under your bed. Last dust your stuff like your dresser. 

by Katelynn
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How to Clean Your Room

You have to pick up all of your toys and stuffed animal and put it where it goes. Set your bed up for the night. Tell your mommy or daddy and then you are done.

by Sammy
______________________________

This is how you clean your room. You make it nice and neat. Put it where it belongs. Dust it. You make it sparkle. you try to do your best. Try really hard to clean. It is good to clean your room. That's why cleaning your room is so important. It is so fun.

by Jasmine
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This is now to clean your room. First you make your bed. Then you put your clothes away. Then you put your toys away. Then you need to vacuum your room. And that is how to clean your room.

by Emily L.
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How to Make a Snowman

Mr. K's ELA group is wishing for it to snow soon, and they've written some directions for building a snowman when it does. Let's see what they've written:

How to Make a Snowman
by Zack, Reid, Naomi, and Blake

First we need it to snow. Then we roll 3 balls of snow. After that we stack the balls. We make 2 eyes out of coal. Then add a carrot for a nose. After that put buttons for a mouth. Next add a hat, scarf, and mittens. Enjoy the snowman.






Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Celebrations of Light

As we approached the winter vacation, Ms. Harrington’s second graders did some reading about the many winter celebrations around the world in Nancy Luenn’s Celebrations of Light. We noticed that whether we celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Diwali, Ramadan or Bon Matsuri, Chinese New Year or Las Posadas, it is likely that light will be an important part of the celebration. Why is light so important to us? Here’s what the students think:

Celebrations of Light from Nettie Harrington Pangallo on Vimeo.

The Second Grade Dabbles in Exploring Character and Author's Purpose in Classic Literature

As a holiday treat, our second graders listened to an abridged children's version of Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol.  From there, they used their critical thinking skills in an exploration of character and author's purpose throughout the story. Let's see what they came up with! 
A Christmas Carol from Nettie Harrington Pangallo on Vimeo.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Explorers of the World Around Us

As we conclude the first half of our second grade year, Ms. Harrington's students are also concluding their social studies unit for the trimester, "Explorers of the World Around Us". The children chose their own explorer to research independently, with peers, teachers, and fourth grade reading buddies. They drew portraits, studied their explorer's travel routes on maps, sorted out the information they learned on graphic organizers, and wrote reports. Here is some of their work:

Charles Lindbergh
by Emily

Charles was a curious person. He was curious about learning to fly. He wanted to explore learning to fly, but it wasn't always easy. That's because the airplanes always brode down and they always needed more and more fuel. So he made lighter planes that didn't break down. Even though it was hard, Charles persisted. Eventually, he flew across the Atlantic Ocean. I think we can learn a lot from Charles, like how to use our brains to solve problems.
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James Cook
by Blake

James Cook was a curious person. He was curious about the South Pole. He wanted to explore the coasts of the world. There was a big storm. Even though it was hard, James persisted. Eventually, he sailed around the world. I think we can learn a lot from James, like how to sail and keep trying when things are hard.
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Jane Goodall
by Elizabeth

Jane Goodall was a curious person. She was curious about chimps. She wanted to explore animals in Africa, but it wasn't always easy. That's because Jane's mom said that she had to go to secretary school. Even though it was hard, Jane persisted. Eventually, she made it to Africa. I think we can learn a lot from Jane, like how to save wildlife.
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Vasco da Gama
by Tristan

Vasco da Gama was a curious person. He was curious about finding different spices at India and goods, too. He wanted to explore a new trading route, but it wasn't always easy. That's because it was very hard to find a ship and the seas were very dangerous, too. Even though it was hard, Vasco da Gama persisted. Eventually, he found a new trade route. I think we can learn a lot from Vasco da Gama, like how to follow your dreams.
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Leif Erikkson
by Gracie

Leif was a curious person. He was curious about discovering new lands. He wanted to explore new lands, but it wasn't always easy. That's becuase he had to travel a long way until he came to the first coast of land in North America. Even though it was hard, Leif persisted. Eventually, he came to the first coast. I think we can learn a lot from Leif Erikkson, like how to discover new lands.
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Robert Fulton
by Reid

Robert Fulton was a curious person. He was curious about how to build machines. He built a submarine and steamboats. He was creative.
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Marco Polo
by Skye

Marco Polo was a curious person. He was curious about sea monsters, but he was brave and found out and he wanted to explore and sail on the ocean, but it wasn't always easy.That's because he was afraid of sea monsters, but he was brave and did it anyways and it was cool. Even though it was hard, he did it and persisted. Eventually he was brave. I think we can learn a lot from him, like how to be creative and impressive. I like this explorer because he is spectacular to me and I think this is a great time to me and I learned a lot from him. He is a good explorer for me, because I like the ocean.
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Amelia Earhart
by Dylan

Amelia Earhart was curious about being the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean. She wanted to explore the Atlantic Ocea, but even thought it was hard, Amelia persisted. Eventually she did it because she believed in herself. I think we can learn a lot from Amelia. I learned from Amelia that I should keep on trying, don't give up, and believe in myself. And also, I think that Amelia shouldn't listen to other people and what they say. She should care what she thinks. 
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Benjamin Banneker
by Jaeden

Benjamin Banneker was a curious person. He was curious about the stars. He wanted to explore the stars, but it wasn't always easy. That's because he struggled, because the people said he was a black man and so he couldn't make maps of the stars. Even thought it was hard, Benjamin persisted. Eventually, he wrote to the president to say that he could do it. I think we can learn a lot from Benjamin like how to make maps of the stars. 
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Ponce de Leon
by Nick

Ponce de Leon was a curious person. He was curious about discovering new lands. He wanted to explore new lands, but it wasn't always easy. That's because he had to travel through storms. Even thought it was hard, Ponce de Leon persisted. Eventually, he risked to go through a storm. I think we can learn a lot from him, like how to go to a new land and just keep going, even if it's hard.

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Jaques Cousteau
by Sydney

Jacques was a curious person. He was curious about the ocean. He wanted to explore the ocean, but it was not always easy. That's because he could only hold his breath for a minute. But he persisted in his work. He invented he airtank. Then he made movies about the ocean. After Jacques spent most of his life making movies about the sea, he saw something happening. Something shocking. Plants that used to be alive and healthy were dying. Jaques saw that people, without realizing it, were slowly killing the sea and it's creatures by dumping garbage and poisonous chemicals into the ocean he loved so much. He knew what he had to do. He had to make more movies. Movies to warn people. Movies to save the sea. Jacques spoke to the presidents, to kings and queens, to people. I think we can learn a lot about Jaques. I studied him because he loved the ocean. He is adventurous. I like the ocean. It is cool. I would like to go scuba diving.
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Eratosthenes
by Bryce

Eratosthenes was a curious person. He was curious about the Earth. He wanted to know the size of the Earth, but it wasn't easy. Even though it was hard, he learned to measure the size of the Earth using math. I think we can learn a lot from Eratosthenes about math.

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Bessie Coleman
by Naomi

Bessie Coleman was a curious person. She was curious about how to fly. She wanted to learn to fly, but it wasn't easy. That's because people said that she could not do it because she was a black woman. Even though it was hard, Bessie persisted. Eventually, she did it! She went to school in France and learned how to be a pilot. I think we can learn a lot from Bessie, like how to fly and do it even if someone said you could not.
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Sir Francis Drake
by Sammy

Sir Francis Drake was a curious person. He was curious about gold, silver, and even spices. He wanted to explore the world, but it wasn't always easy. That's because the Spanish sailors and Drake fought a lot. Even thought it was hard, Drake persisted. Eventually, he sailed around the world. I think we can learn a lot from Sir Francis Drake, like how to find treasure.

Nice job, second graders! After the holiday, Mrs. Mankowsky's class will begin their "Explorers" unit, as well. For now, here's wishing you peace, love, and happiness this holiday season!