What does it mean to find an issue that touches one's heart? This week Kristen Haferbecker, our LS Service Learning Coordinator, spent an hour with each of the second grade classes helping students to choose an issue or need that touches their heart and is related to helping animals in Portland. She began by reading the book, Beautiful Hands by Kathryn Otoshi. She asked, “How can you use your beautiful hands to create something that will help animals in Portland?” Together, the children began to brainstorm a list of ways that they could help and add to the good work that is already being done by agencies in Portland. The children made a list of ideas related to their chosen need or issue. A few examples included:
- making toys for dogs or cats
- making treats or food for birds or dogs
- building a birdhouse or a squirrel feeder
- creating a small habitat in your yard to invite certain insects or birds or small mammals
Ask your child: What issue or need touches your heart and what ideas do you have about how you can help make a difference for animals in Portland?
Large watercolor hearts were designed by the students to be used in a brochure that they will share with parents at our Learning Celebration on Wednesday, December 6th, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Each child will also create a brochure that will teach others about the issue that touches their heart, what they have learned about a specific agency that is helping this need in Portland, and an idea for how one could could help animals with this need in Portland.
Interviewing an Student Expert:
Fourth grader, Ellis McAuley spoke in front of the class and shared information she had researched about squirrels. The children had an opportunity to listen and ask questions about one of the many wild creatures that have interested them in the past weeks of their own research.
We are excited to see how these projects develop and where they might lead us.
What is happening in:
Math
The children have been exploring "groups" and investigating how they relate to place value.
Reading
Today our Kindergarten buddies joined us for D.E.A.R (Drop Everything And Read)! The children read from their own book boxes for 15 minutes and then shared favorite picture books for the final 15 minutes.
Homework
Homework due: 11/20:
- Reading log
- Math Journal pages: 29-34
There will not be any homework next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
**Take apart items due 11/27 for Science
Homework for the week of 11/27, due 12/4
- Read for at least 15 minutes each night Monday through Friday (weekends are bonus) and fill in the reading log nightly
- Conduct the reading interview questions throughout the week
- Math Journal: pages 39-40
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
We are excited to welcome grandparents and special friends to our school on Tuesday the 21st. There will be activities for all guests in the morning with time afterwards to visit children’s classrooms and join in a chapel service. If your child’s grandparent or special guest has not yet RSVP’d and plans to join us, please have them do so as soon as possible. You can contact the Development Office with any questions. The schedule for this special day is as follows:
Grandparents Day, Tuesday, November 21
- 8:00 - 8:30 - Breakfast in Gym
- 8:30 - 9:30 - LS Classroom Visits
- 9:30 - Grandparents Choice
- Recess, snack and then over to Gym
- State of Lower School in LS Library
- Specialist visit
- 10:15 - 10:50 - Concert in Gym
Save the Date
2nd Grade Learning Celebration: Using Our Power for Good to Help Animals in Portland. On Wednesday, December 6th at 8:30 parents are invited to join us in the classroom to circulate and learn about the projects that are close to each child's heart. If you cannot make it, please feel free to invite a special friend or relative.
Links:
Smith & Bybee Wetlands field trip photos
Chaplain Phillip EC3 Day LINK
Oregon Humane Society field trip photos
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