Animals, and Animals, and More Animals-Oh my!

This week, we had a special guest from USC Upstate's Watershed program come speak with 2nd graders about habitats and how they provide for the plants and animals within that habitat. They loved the items she brought: ostrich egg to discuss birds, bear claws and fur for mammals, shark teeth and jaws for fish, and even a real amphibian: a tiger salamander! I was impressed with what they already knew and had learned with our unit when they answered her questions about the animal groups, their needs, etc. I'm a proud teacher! :)

Speaking of animals, our new bulletin board is up and we love it! We read the book, What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle which was very interesting! It really makes you wonder about what if we really did have a specific animal's teeth? But at the same time, we learned that we have the teeth we have a for a reason, just as each animal does. The students then chose an animal from the book that they would want the teeth of. They decorated their face, glued the teeth of that animal in the mouth, and wrote why they wanted those teeth. It looks so good and we've had several compliments already!

This week, they will begin researching an animal from the animal expert group they're in. They chose an animal that can be found at the Riverbanks Zoo to research, so I'm excited they'll get to see it up close and personal next week after learning about it! Remember, our trip is next Wednesday, October 29. We'll be sending reminders home this week about permission slips and payment which is due by Thursday. I'm looking forward to seeing you this week (Tuesday or Thursday) for our scheduled student-led conference. Please bring your child with you because they will be discussing their progress, grades, and behavior with you. I will explain MAP scores and answer any questions you may have. See you soon!
There is no school for the students on Friday, so enjoy the long weekend! Have a fabulous week!