2W Movie Project: “Journey to the Center of the Toilet”

In class 2W we have been learning about the body systems and in our investigation of the digestive system we worked together to create a movie project using stop motion animation. We all helped design and name the star of the film, “Jake” and write the script describing what happens to food after you eat it. Some very skilled readers did the voice overs (I wonder if you can guess who they are by listening?) and Mr. McKillip helped us with the technical aspects of the job.

It was terrific fun so check out the results.

2P Digestion Animation Project

In Grade 2P, we have been studying the different body systems and how they work together to keep us alive.

We made the following animated video to show how the digestive system enables the food we eat turn into food for our cells.

We drew all the body parts, we took all the photos, we wrote the script and said all the parts. Mr. McKillip helped us put everything together.

We hope you enjoy watching our video as much as we enjoyed making it!

Maasai and I Unit Reflection

Maasai and I Unit Student Reflections

As part of our unit reflection on learning about the modern and traditional Maasai culture, we also took time to look more closely at our own culture at IST. We looked at how our culture at school is similar and also different than that of the Maasai. We used Venn Diagrams to record the different ways that we are the same and the ways that we are different. Using Venn Diagrams helped us to organize our findings.

(By the way, did you know that “Maasai” spelled with two ‘a’s is the way it is spelled in Tanzania? In Kenya, “Masai” is spelled like this with only one ‘a’.)

Below are a few quotes from students as they reflect on their own learning:

“I learned that the Maasai people are not that different from us. We both wear clothes. We wear uniforms at IST and they wear kangas.” – Danni, 2M

“I would like to be a Maasai because they can run so fast.” – Tess, 2P

“What I liked about the Maasai, is their clothing and how high they can jump.” – Vansh, 2N

“I think the Maasai high jumping dance is so cool.” – Marcel, 2P

“What I learnt about the Maasai is that they are just like us but usually they do things that are not the same as us. They are still human. Maasais are a great culture to learn about. Thank you.” – Lauren, 2N

“I love the way Maasai look, they are so tall and colourful.” – Mikaeel, 2P

“Their jewelry is really funky!” – Abe, 2P

“My favourite thing about the Maasai unit was when the Maasai came in and danced. The Maasai unit was one of my best units in Grade 2. I loved it.” – Gemma, 2N

“I really liked learning about how Maasai used to be able to get married at 10 or 11 years old. I loved it when the Maasai came and they danced for us.” – Lisa, 2L

“I wouldn’t want to be a Maasai because I don’t want to drink cow blood.” – Suren, 2P

“I learned about culture, like everyone eats but we eat in different ways. Some people use their hands and some use a fork and spoon.” – Tatiana, 2L

“I learned that we both have houses we call our homes. The traditional Maasai live in houses made of mud and cow poo. We live in houses made of wood and cement.” – Jodie, 2M

“In common we both have houses but the Maasai have huts. We have pets like cats and dogs, but Maasai have cows, chickens and goats.” – Henry, 2M

A Traditional Maasai Visit

On Tuesday March 23, 2010 a traditional Maasai came to our class. His name was Mr. Mayuwe Samarie. He comes from a village in Arusha called Kiteto.

We got to ask him lots of questions. He didn’t speak English so Mr. Elliot translated for us. We learned that Maasai drink cow’s blood to get energy. Sometimes they mix it with milk.

Did you know… Maasai men can have more than one wife? But Mr. Mayuwe only has one! Mr. Mayuwe has 60 cows but the richest man in the village has over 700 cows!

After our visit in the classroom we joined the other grade 2 classes in the field to watch and learn how to dance and jump like the Maasai. They jumped very high and chanted. We enjoyed jumping and singing with them.

written by:
The G2 Kung Fu Praying Mantids

A note to our Global Friends:
Please feel free to leave comments asking us questions about the Maasai people of Tanzania. We will do our best to answer your questions or find someone to help us find the answer.

Student Led Conferences

Student Led Conferences – A Celebration of Learning at IST!

Grade 2 students put a lot of time and effort into getting ready to celebrate their learning with parents and family members. Students started the process by brainstorming different ideas for learning stations. Students and teachers then worked together to set up classrooms to accommodate the following interactive learning stations.

Conference with Teacher – Two Stars and a Wish
Two Stars (students celebrate two things they have done well so far this year) and a Wish (students set one goal to work on for the rest of the year). Students took time before their conference to reflect on academic work and behavior. Teacher and parents listened attentively to students as they shared their strengths. Both teacher and parents then added what they thought were also strengths and strategies for students to attain student goals.

Portfolio and PYP Learner Profile Review
Throughout the year students and teacher(s) chose work to placed in individual student portfolios. Students wrote short reflections on selected pieces of work before placing in their portfolio. At the conference, students led parents through learning evidence collected in their portfolio and on the IST Grade 2 Website. (Students showed parents how to search for specific learning evidence using the “search” option on our website.) Students reflected on learning and completed the PYP Learner Profile Reflection form with parents.

Maths Activities
Grade 2 classroom teachers worked with students to create interactive Maths learning stations. Students chose from activities that have been happening in class. Students chose to play Maths games, build 3D objects and complete tasks using Geoboards and other Maths manipulatives used in class.

Literacy/Unit of Inquiry Activities
Students chose various Literacy and Unit activities to demonstrate learning to parents. Some students chose writing tasks such as journal writing and acrostic poems. Other students chose to lead guests though an Internet activity from EdHeads that we used during our Simple Machines unit. Many other students chose to read a book or favorite part of a book asking parents to make predictions and comprehension questions to check for understanding.

Thank you parents and family members for taking time out of your busy day to celebrate learning with us!

Please feel free to leave us comments and suggestions on how we can continue to learn and improve on Student Led Conferences.

Grade 2 Healthy Heart Week Wrap-Up

On Tuesday, we did the relay race with our friends. When we work together, exercise can be fun for everyone!

On Wednesday, during our morning run, when people had a cramp they did not give up. Everyone did a great job running and helping each other.

On Thursday, we did mountain climbing! Everyone cheers for you! Our hearts are healthier because we are exercising everyday!

On Friday, we liked doing the different aerobic activities like jumping on the ladders, running around the cones, skipping ropes and doing push-ups on the mat. We had so much fun this week. The Healthy Heart Week should be everyday!

written by Talin, Insiyah, Yusra and Bertha

Using Comments to Reflect

Today, as part of Language Arts, students in Mr. McKillip’s class used the IST Grade 2 Website to write and record their own comments as a way of reflecting on the hard work that they put into last week’s IST Minibeast Assembly. Click here to read their comments. Feel free to add your own comments as well.

Thank you Lively Lady Bugs for your wonderful letter.