Throughout Hannah's 2nd grade school year, she kept two writing journals, one was her composition book, the other her writing journal.
The writing journal was a way for Miss Barrett to get to know her students, their interests, what was on their minds, etc. They would write what they wanted and every couple of days or so, she would write in their journal, asking a question or two about what they wrote and then they would answer it. It was a way of developing conversational writing.
The composition notebook was a way of practicing a more formal way of writing, as formal as it can get in 2nd grade. It was a way for the kids to develop a "story sense". While they were still able choose the subject they wanted, their story had to have a good lead into their story that caught the readers eye and made them want to continue reading. A few times during the year, a piece from the composition book would be edited, re-written and put into a more finished, or polished form.
Hannah loves to write, and I think both of these opportunities definitely allowed her to use her imagination and creativity. The difference between her beginning of the school year writing and the end of the school year writing is greatly improved.
I'd like to begin sharing some of Hannah's writing here on her blog. Some times I will share just her writing, other times I'll include the picture. At any rate, I intend to share exactly how Hannah wrote it, spelling errors and all, because after all, that's something that adds character to her writing, at this stage of the game. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed reading them!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Writer's Workshop
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Lunch with a Friend
We had a new adventure today! We met Hannah's 2nd grade teacher for a picnic lunch at the most beautiful park with rolling green hills, large shade trees, and two ponds!
It was a great afternoon of catching up and getting ideas for Hannah's reading challenge this summer and just enjoying the beautiful day.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Computer for Hannah
Right after school getting out, Steven moved our old iMac into Hannah's room so that she could do her educational games during the day and not interrupt Steven's work day with the noise.
We were giving it a trial run to see how much she'd actually use it and to make sure Rachel wouldn't cause problems with pushing the keys, etc. The trial run was a success and this past weekend we found a nice desk for it at Target! She loves it and has spent so much time doing her games and visiting the few sites she has access to. She's also been checking out her own blog and seeing what it is what Mommy writes about! LOL.
Don't worry, Steven has the computer locked so tightly with parental controls, she'll be perfectly fine and safe on the computer.
Monday, June 09, 2008
The Weekend In Review
The cousins came and spent the weekend with us so that Uncle Robbie could surprise Auntie and take her away for the weekend.
In order to keep it a surprise, I didn't tell the girls that their cousins would be coming for the weekend. They'd see the girls and Auntie at school and be so excited that they'd slip up and tell the secret. All I told them was a surprise was happening on Friday. So when McKenzie and Haylee showed up with their duffle bags mid Friday morning, the girls were beyond excited.
We had a fun weekend together...
And some times we weren't happy and didn't get along. LOL. But that's just something that comes along with having four girls all very close in age...DRAMA!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Disneyland with Uncle Bart
We went to Disneyland this afternoon after picking up Rachel from preschool. We met up with my Uncle Bart and had a great afternoon and evening. We did a lot of our the girls favorites, but still had a good time! 
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Weekend Camping at Lake Perris
We spent the weekend camping at Lake Perris with my brother and sister-in-law, my neices, and some friends. Growing up, we spent a lot of time out at the Lake between camping in my grandparents trailer, or just day trips when we were out of school for the summer. So needless to say, this weekend brought back a lot of memories and I was happy to go and make new memories with my own children.
Friday, both the girls could hardly contain themselves, they were so excited to be going camping with their cousins. We arrived to the Lake mid afternoon and by 5:00, camp was set up. Steven was able to join us later in the evening and stayed until Saturday afternoon, when he had to go home and work.
until Uncle Robbie can get the tent up."
Ahhh, the campfire. One of the many things fun about camping in the great outdoors. Great fellowship, and lots of silliness.
Auntie, Uncle Robbie, and Steven made a killer breakfast Saturday morning - French toast, sausage, eggs and chorizo. YUM!
Saturday morning was spent with a walk to the park and then a walk to the marina for fishing. After lunch, the parents of the friends who were also camping with us brought out their boat and launched it for the afternoon. I was surprised, but Hannah wasn't reluctant to go on the boat. Once on the boat and out in the wide openness of the Lake, she was having so much fun. We sat in the front of the boat and had a blast. Hannah pointed out that this was her first time on a boat outside of Disneyland! LOL. 
After circling the Lake a couple of times, the boat took us to where the rest of our group was, over at the island. Hannah loved the thought of being on an island, as small as it is, it was still fun none the less. The girls enjoyed splashing about and gathering shells, and collected rocks that were deemed "shark's tooth" for the remainder of the weekend. 
After our adventures on the boat, it was time for cleaning up and settling down. We had a late dinner that night and the girlies were all tuckered out that they cut out from the campfire early and went to bed. No one had troubles falling asleep that night!!! Sunday morning, we slowly got moving and packing up. The girls went around camp collecting trash that each earned themselves a dollar from Matt!! They were all so excited! Everyone, except for Hannah spent their money on ice cream and suckers at the Marina, Hannah is saving hers.
Hannah attempted fishing again this afternoon. This time Uncle Robbie made her bait her own hook, with a worm. She was hesitant at first, but she knew if she wanted to fish, Uncle Robbie wasn't going to let her get away with not baiting her own hook. I was soooo proud of her, she did it!!! Despite her great efforts of preparing her hook, she caught nothing. 
Soon after, we headed for home. We said our goodbyes and off to our car we went. The girls of course not wanting to leave. On the way home, we talked about how great a weekend we had and what our favorite part was, and Hannah's favorite part, was the boat ride!!Needless to say, Hannah is very excited for our next camping trip: Mammoth Lakes for four nights!!
