Buddy Reading

Read to buddy is always a favorite activity of reader's workshop and we have practicing A LOT!  To make sure everyone is staying on task, we decided to make some guidelines.  Here is what we came up with:

- Sit next to your partner

- Take turns reading the pages

- Use a whisper voice

- Conversations should only be about the reading

Looking Back at Summer

While summer wasn't too long ago, it sure does feel like it in room 119!  Over the last week, everyone brought in one special object that reminded them of summer.  From vacation souvenirs to t-shirts to photos, we all seemed to have a terrific summer!  And our bulletin board proves it!  Not only did we write about our favorite summer memory, we also drew a self-portrait with cool shades and all!

First Days of School

We had a great first few days in 2nd grade!  We were very busy learning new routines, rules, expectations, and names.  To help learn about one another, we did several fun get-to-know-you activities.  We also transformed our paper towel rolls into time capsules!  We decorated the capsules and fill them with memories of the first week of school like: hand print, yarn the length of our height, photograph, footprint, and short questionnaire.  The time capsules are sealed away somewhere special and will not be opened until the last week of school.  Lastly, we showed off our family photos and put them on the family tree.  Our year is off to a great start and our classroom is filled with wonderful boys and girls!

We played the Name Game.  Before saying our name, we had do a beat of patting, snapping, and clapping.  Then we would introduce ourselves and call on someone new.  It was A LOT of fun and we all got the hang of it...after awhile!

We went on a People Hunt.  We had to find others who had things in common with us such as favorite food, season, birthday month, etc.  It definitely helped us learn about one another.

More from the People Hunt

See you Wednesday!

It was so wonderful meeting everyone last night and I am even more excited for our first day of school!  Just a reminder to bring along these items by Friday: paper towel tube, family photo, and special object from summer.  Enjoy your last day of summer and I will see you tomorrow! 

Meet Mrs. Anklam!

Welcome second graders and families!  I am very excited to start the school year and get to know each and every one of you!  Before I get to know you better, here are 10 things you can learn about me...

1. I grew up in the small town of Winnebago, Illinois.  
2. While I only have one younger brother, Michael, I come from a VERY big family.  I have many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Whenever I can, I go back to Winnebago to visit everyone!
3.  My family has two dogs, Max and Jackson.  They are very funny and sweet.  I love to visit them at my mom's house.

   

   Meet Max

   

   Meet Jackson

4. I got married last year!
5. My husband and I live in Aurora.
6. I have wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten.
7. I love to take vacations...and took two this summer!

   

   Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

   

   Mackinac Island, Michigan

8. Ice-cream is my favorite food.
9. When I am not at school, I enjoy being with family and friends, reading, being outside, shopping, baking, exercising, and watching movies.
10. I am VERY excited to be your teacher this year and cannot wait to see what great things we learn and do!