Welcome to Second Grade!

          We’ll start the year off with our Insect Study.  Be on the lookout for monarch caterpillars on milkweed plants.  I hope to have caterpillars in the classroom this fall so that we can observe their metamorphosis.  We’ll watch the caterpillars eat and eat and eat, then climb to the top of the container and form a chrysalis.  We’ll keep an eye on the chrysalis until one day a butterfly emerges.  Once the butterfly’s wings are dry, we will set it free.  This butterfly will fly all the way to Mexico!  If you find a monarch caterpillar, you can either observe it at home, or give me a call and bring it in to school. 
This website has a good picture of a monarch caterpillar: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/worldonthemove/image/2/622/451/2/images/monarch-caterpillar1.jpg
This website shows the monarch life cycle: http://www.butterflybushes.com/monarch_metamorphosis.htm
Please be on the lookout for other insects.  If you do find a dead insect, it would be great if you can put it in a small box and bring it in to school to share. Happy hunting!
In Social Studies this year, you will learn about countries around the world in our “Children Like Me” Social Studies unit.  We will spend some time learning about animal habitats. This year, we’ll continue to work on communication skills, cooperation, and anger management through our Second Step Program.  I hope that we can cook up some delicious food during our Nutrition unit.
I’m looking forward to a great year!
                                                                             Ms. Brooks
                                                                            
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