Volcanic Activity: Paricutin, Mexico

Hill of Fire: A Fiery Read by Two Second Grade Book Groups

The volcano that erupted in Paricutin, Mexico in 1943 is only the second volcano witnessed in its inception by people. Second grade students feel as if they are there as they read about the moment Pablo, his father and their family ox discovered white smoke billowing from the ground in the field they were plowing. In the days leading up to this volcano erupting, Pablo's father has been feeling discontented with life in his village. He often says, "Nothing ever happens."

What advice can our student readers give to Pablo's father to help him to enjoy and appreciate his life? In order to think of ideas, we needed to understand what the community was like in 1943 in Pablo's village. Kacey noticed how the farm animals are valued and how children can take their pigs with them to their schoolhouse. Gracen and James noticed that the village had a market place where villagers can sell food and things they made. All agreed that they thought the market would be a great place to catch up with neighbors. Andrew, James, and Devon suggested that Pablo's dad could carve an animal for his son. Everyone was really excited when later in the story he gives Pablo a bull that he carved.

Second grade readers are transported in time through Hill of Fire author, Joan Sandin's effective writing and illustrations. She actually sketched her pictures at the site! They gain an appreciation for the culture and community of Pablo and his family in their village of Paricutin and the bravery of Pablo's family and the villagers in facing the challenge and change brought on by this volcano.

Ready, Set, Read!

Chloe Juliet was born on September 16 in Austin, Texas. Chloe is my first grandchild. Her mom Rachel graduated from Abington Friends in 2000 and is now teaching in Austin. Both grandmothers are teachers. Her dad Jesse is an architect as are her two grandfathers. I'm sharing this background to help provide the context for the rich conversations Chloe has been listening to during these first days of her life. Debates about architectural philosophy, conversations about books, music, art and baby development. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for sweet talking to Chloe also. She loves being read to and was especially engaged in Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. All of this early exposure to the cadence and rhythm of language will help to develop her vocabulary and love of responding to and expressing language herself. She also by the way, loves listening to music, whether its her dad playing the guitar or the rich sounds of classical music. She is looking forward to her Aunt Emily's visit (AFS grad 2006) and listening to her playing violin. Her Uncle Eric (AFS grad 1998) and Aunt Diana will further her love for film and design. Seize the opportunity with all of your young babies and children to engage in play, lots of hugs, and to also expose them to rich language and discourse. Most of all, of course:enjoy this precious time. I know I am.

My Teddy Bear

My Teddy Bear

My Teddy Bear

The poem My Teddy Bear captured the attention of second grade students on Friday September 10. Students made connections from their lives to the poem. They discovered rhyming words in the poem and discussed the meaning of "faithful" and how a friend or one's teddy bear can be a "faithful friend". Our poetry readers then had the opportunity to illustrate a border that reflected the meaning of the poem.

First Grade Celebrates Writing
May 25, 2010

Our celebration began with a reading by first grade authors of their research book. In preparation for this event, students researched one of three topics, animals, transportation or dinosaurs. Within these topics, students pursued areas of interest. It was exciting during the two months spent on this project to help children delve deeply into a specialized area. Along the way students learned strategies to read nonfiction, reflect on their learning, take notes, and write in their own words their findings. Illustrating their book was also a reflective process, one in which students reread their writing and determined what illustration would reflect their information. As part of the published book, students included a dedication page, table of contents and author's page.
A few days before our author's event, students shared their books with various partners and practiced reading with expression. Students shared strategies with each other. Some of the tips included, notice punctuation, read loudly, read slowly, read with excitement and lastly, to be happy.
We were very happy! Crissy opened our event by sharing her thoughts about the importance of reading and writing in our lives. Her words were inspirational. Students and families then met in small groups facilitated by either our first grade teachers, Cinda, Beverly, Jill, Cassie, our library assistant Gwen and myself. After each student read their book, family members had an opportunity to share a compliment and or something they learned. This was very meaningful for all.
The author's celebration culminated in the sharing of a breakfast prepared by our parents and linked to favorite picture books in our first grade. Plump, ripe blueberries were of course the perfect choice for the book Blueberries for Sal. Students then shared with their families all of their published books, including a personal narrative, poetry book, and fairy tale.
A truly glorious event to be remembered, savored and inspire our students to continue traveling on their path as deep readers and creative writers.