|The Magical Minds||
Magical Minds working on independent pentatonic motives
Dear Magical Minds,
I am excited for an amazing first day of school tomorrow. Just like you, I am filled with joy and nervousness. But, I know that when the day is over you will be thinking, Wow! Second Grade is going to be awesome.
Here is a list of the units Mr. H and I have planned for this magical year:
Thinking Like a Scientist
The year begins with lots of experiments while we learn about the scientific method. We will explore how to read and follow science experiments as well as create our own for the Science Fair.
While we are thinking like scientists, we will investigate how rocks are made and how they change over time.
Using cardboard we will build a Medieval Village and learn how people lived in those times.
It's Written in the Stars
Through observation and lots of kinesthetic activities, we will investigate the relationship between the Earth, Moon, Sun and stars.
We will explore the mysterious nature of energy, examine circuits and attempt to create our own energy.
For our research project this year, we will focus on people of importance who have made an impact in this world .
Things in Motion
The year finishes up with a unit on Newton's Laws of Motion and simple machines. Ultimately we prepare ourselves to build complex Rube Goldberg Machines.
Those are our BIG PLANS - but for the first couple of weeks we are going to focus on COMMUNITY. We will learn about each other's interests, families and ancestry. We will explore our school and neighborhood, making maps as we explore our space. We will examine Alta Vista School's vision and inquire into our shared values:
Be sure to leave a comment below if you, too, are excited about starting school.
Let us know what you are looking forward to!.
Welcome to 2nd Grade. My name is Erin Mahollitz, and I am delighted to be your child’s second grade teacher this year. We have a lot of exciting learning ahead of us, and I look forward to teaching, playing and growing with this year’s second graders, or as I like to call them, The Magical Minds.
You are probably eager to learn more about me, as I am excited to learn more about you. Thus, I invite you to explore my online professional portfolio.
During the first week of school, parents please take a moment to complete the "My Child as a Learner" survey. Your answers will help me plan for the year, preparing learning experiences that best fit the needs and wants of the Magical Minds.
Feel free to contact me before the first day of school. You can always email me with your questions, concerns and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you. And, by all means, visit us in the classroom! You are always welcome.
About the Author
Erin Mahollitz is an international teacher teaching 2nd Grade in San Francisco, CA.
She specializes in inquiry-based instruction, technology integration and social & emotional education.
This website is a collection of stories, ideas, resources and lessons from Erin's classrooms.
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