Student Blogger: Abhi

Hey guys! I'm Abhi Ram. I go to Star Academy of Natomas Charter School in second grade.

I love going to school, being with my friends and playing at recess. Some of my hobbies are to make fruit shish kabobs. It just makes fruits more appealing and I love eating fruits.

Yesterday was my first presentation of one of my many projects in the class. It was a nice one. I was little bit disappointed on my performance because I'd practiced a lot on that. Though the story telling part didn't go well as it was my first experience, yet my lovely teacher, Mrs. Torres appreciated my work and efforts which has already act as a booster and now I'm very well prepared for the upcoming one.

I love decorations and decorating anything with my Mom. This is one of my ways to decorate candles.

How's it?

One of the proud moment for me was when I made clay pots with my Mom's help and I was first to sell them all. Yay! I did it.

It's a rainy day! I've some fun to do... So I made a bridge for the insects to walk over.

Student Blogger: Chase

Our first student blogger: Chase

Hi friends!  This is Chase.  I’m a 7 year-old student in Mrs. Torres’ class.  In my free time I like to read and play video games like Skylanders.  I spend a lot of time with my 9 year-old brother Quinn.  We go on adventures together like riding our bikes, and playing with friends in the neighborhood.  

This weekend I worked on my book report poster.  Our class had to do a book report about a fantasy book that we read.  It took me a long time to finish.  The book I chose was “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo.  Here’s a picture of me putting it together.

Things got a little complicated when my cat Mountain jumped up on my poster and decided to take a nap there.

I’ll be practicing for the presentation later this week.

Wish me luck!

-Chase

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Our first parent blogger: Bonnie

School Projects and Exploring Folsom Lake

By Bonnie Early (Chase’s Mom)

Hi Class!  This weekend was busy and lots of fun for Chase and I.  We decided to explore Folsom Lake and see the impact of the drought.  We were able to see an old, flooded, gold rush, town called Mormon Island that was flooded in the 1950’s.  It has been under water for the past 50 years.  Chase and I were able to see some old broken pottery, bricks, and what remains of the buildings before they were flooded.  We have never seen the lake this low before and hope that the coming months brings lots of rain to fill up the lake.

We also worked on Chase’s poster for his Fantasy book report.  As Chase shared, it was a bit tricky with our kitty.  He doesn’t like to feel left out.  Chase is looking forward to his presentation later this week, although I think he may be a little nervous.  I will also be volunteering in the classroom tomorrow to read with the students.  I look forward to this time every week so I have a chance to meet and know all the kids.  

Happy Monday Everyone!

-Bonnie (Chase’s Mom)

Please leave a comment for Chase!

Learning about Measurement

When I told the class the next math unit was about measurement, I heard nothing but grumbles and sighs. It was clear to me that they were not thrilled about this new unit. I knew once we got into it, they would like it and maybe even some would love it! After the first lesson, the students seemed very interested. When I had to cut the lesson short on day 2 so we could go to lunch, I heard more grumbles...but this time it was because they didn't want to STOP! In the pictures below, students were showing how to measure objects with a nonstandard unit (cubes) and standard units like the inch ruler and then a yardstick.

Learning about Our Ancestors

One of our December projects was to learn about our families and ancestors. Students had to interview their eldest relative to learn when, how and why they immigrated to the US. At first, the kids didn't seem excited about this project, but as soon as some began interviewing, their minds were changing quickly. They began sharing with me what they were learning from the interview. They were so surprised to learn what types of chores their family member had, what their first jobs were and how much they got paid. Even more surprising was how strict things were long ago.  This excitement spread very quickly and before I knew it, they were all sharing!

This got me thinking...the kids need an opportunity to share their interviews with other kids. I switched half my kids with the other 2nd grade class and partnered up the kids. They didn't even wait for me to give instructions...they jumped right in and they excitedly began sharing what they learned about their family. Here are some pictures when they were sharing their interviews.


Sharing Time on PhotoPeach Anytime I tell the kids we are going to the computer lab they get very excited. So I linked the interview project to a technology activity. Each student used Google Maps to drop a pin on the continent their ancestors immigrated from and then they had to type a few sentences about their family member.
View Ancestors Project in a larger map

Holiday Celebration

Twas the last day before winter vacation and all were in their pajamas, not a single student was stirring, not even Mrs. Torres!

We spent the last couple of hours of school drinking hot chocolate, munching on popcorn and making some cool crafts. Everyone, parents and teacher included, enjoyed this fun afternoon.

Holiday Celebration on PhotoPeach