Deep Thoughts by Coretta

The other day, Coretta was sitting in her chair writing one of her songs, when she stopped and asked her Dad, "Can I read my song to you?" which he replied, "Of course." Afterwards she asked, "Are any of these lyrics all rights reserved?" How cute is that!! Already worrying about copyright infringement!

Coretta and school...

Coretta received her report card yesterday and she did very well. She is strong in reading, writing, public speaking, music, spanish, science, religion and social studies and has improved considerably in Math. She has exceeded in the expectations for second grade in many areas. We are very proud of her.

In second grade this semester, they have been very busy. In social studies, they have been learning about immigration. They also spent time researching their own relatives to tell their story about coming to America. They have read a story called Coming to America by Betsy Maestro. They had to answer questions such as what would be the best/worst things about going to a new land. They also have spent time mapping continents, oceans, and rivers and spent time studying Sweden.

In Language Arts, they have been busy reading the Roxaboxen series by Alice McLerran, reading folktales, and writing their own tall tales. In addition to this, they had to choose a book that they were to memorize and will share with an audience next Wednesday at Storytelling Night. Coretta chose the book Today I Feel Silly. They have spent considerable time mapping out their story, practicing their lines, and paying attention to gestures. tone, pitch, rate, and eye contact. I can't wait to see the final presentation!

In math, they continue to have timed tests in subtraction and addition and are now working on division and multiplication. They have also been working on counting money and telling time.

In religion, they have been learning about reconciliation as well as the sacraments. More specifically holy communion which will take place in April.

In science, they have been continually studying their frogs and making observations. What a great experience to observe a frog from the tadpole stage on.

In art, they have what is called Art Adventures where volunteers come in to teach students about art using specific paintings from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. I have volunteered to teach this program in Coretta's class which is very exciting. The theme for this eight week exploration is friends, family, and foes. For every painting they study, they learn art history as well as create their own art project. So far, they have been able to create a sculpture, a painting of a garden using the impressionism brush strokes, and will create a mask next week.

Coretta started piano lessons yesterday at Saint Joseph's School of Music and is very happy to be back playing the piano. She is registering for track this spring and is looking forward to that as well.

She is also busy starting her band which they have named The Guitar Heroes. Coretta spends a considerable amount of time writing songs for the band as well. The picture above is of Coretta and her song book!

Live, Laugh, Love...

Coretta has been quite busy with school and birthday parties and sleep overs and figure skating and holy communion and piano lessons....I don't know about you, but I am tired! She has been wanting to highlight one of her most hidden talents: one being the art of meditation, and the other being her unique dance moves. Here is a video of her performance!

The Molar Miracle

Coretta lost her big molar the other day at school. It was bleeding so badly that she had to go to the nurse. When I picked her up that day, she was smiling from ear to ear. When I asked her what was the matter, she said that she had lost her tooth. That night she wrote the tooth fairy a letter and put her tooth under her pillow. The next day, she received some horse tattoos and $10.00. I guess the molars are worth a lot of money.

I love my dog...

Coretta has had a great basketball season. In fact, at her last game she scored two baskets for her team! She is definitely growing up. Although I know that this is a part of life, I wish sometimes she could stay this age forever! She is doing well at school and has made a lot of great friends this year. She will soon be starting piano at Saint Joseph's School of Music as well as starting swimming lessons again at the YMCA. Here is a picture of Coretta in her early Valentine's gift (pajamas) from Mom. If you look closely, you can see her brother in the background!

Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week at Coretta's school. There are several activities going on such as a school dance, prayer service, bingo night, treats in class, open house tour, food shelf drive, as well as out of uniform days. Coretta's second grade class had the privilege of leading the prayer service on Monday and read information about Saint Thomas More in front of the whole school! Afterwards, parents were able to join the second graders in the classroom and eat doughnuts with the kids. Here is a short video of Coretta and her classmates participating in the prayer service. Great job
second graders!

Coretta's new sweater...

Coretta received a package in the mail today from Grandma Marilyn. When she opened it, it was a sweater and slippers that she knitted especially for her. Here is a picture of Coretta modeling her new digs. Thanks Grandma!!