Wow! You know it's going to be a great week when it begins with a visit with John Steven Gurney... illustrator of The Bailey School Kids, and The A-Z Mystery Series!! He shared his time and talent with us, explaining how he illustrates, the variety of tools he uses, what he thinks about, and what it's like to work with publishers and editors. Students were able to "visit" his studio via slide show, and were treated to many of his colorful and realistic illustrations. His inspiration for many of his characters are developed from his very own son (and his friends) along with pictures he's collected (remind anyone of Don and Audrey Wood... I thought so!). Seeing the process he goes through... from idea, to conception, to drafts, to, well... to even starting over was so valuable for young second grade writers and illustrators! And, if that wasn't enough, he walked us through a tutorial of drawing with clever (Ed Emberly like) steps to our very own "Grumpy Grandpa".
I was very impressed with each second grader who not only appreciated and enjoyed our guest illustrator, but were quiet, respectful, and attentive! Well done second graders. Many thanks to Mrs. Cranshaw, our librarian, for arranging such a memorable Monday for our school! Awesome start to our work week.... and I'm NOT JOE KING! HA, ha, ha! Couldn't resist... that was a good one!!
Other honorable mentions for today include Amanda's very first math meeting! Great job Amanda! We will begin learning double digit subtraction with regrouping (borrowing) tomorrow, and practice this week during math. We also have another magnet investigation tomorrow, and will write our observations like "scientists" during writing workshop.
For those wondering... tomorrow is an MCAS day for students (NOT second graders) so we will work hard to make our school a quiet work place for thinkers.
CONFERENCES... Many have already signed up for a conference and I look forward to sharing your students progress with you! If you have not signed up yet, please return the sign up sheet, or simply a note about what will work best for you!
No comments:
Post a Comment