Ask the President

As I prepare to leave for Washington D.C. on Sunday, my students wanted to ask the President a few questions. They are so excited that I get to meet him. I doubt he will ever see this, but you don't know if you don't try right? It is like I learned last week... Don't be afraid to jump! You will either fly or land at the bottom and start a new climb!

Lonely Classroom

Look how lonely the room looks when they all leave. It's funny how the room can go from the ecstatic frenzy that is Arthur's Reading Club this afternoon to this quiet place. I'll be away for a few days at the SC Teacher Forum for District Teachers of the Year. Proud to represent my district, but I'll miss them while I'm gone.

The Mystery Fish

While running Tuesday, I saw this fish on the side of the road. I explained to my students about the figure of speech, "feeling like a fish out of water." They loved the pic and had loads of laughter at the thought of how he got there. They write stories about "The Mystery Fish." Check out some of their writings below.

Drill Time

My goal is to maximize every second of the school day! On Thursdays we have PE and dance class. We only have about 10 minutes in between the two, so this is how we often use the time. Kids love drill time, and they certainly love it when they beat me!!!

Exceptional Class

Sometimes you just need a reminder that all kids are exceptional, and this is why we do what do!
Love these kids!!!

Blogging With 2nd Graders

Today I am teaching my students about blogging. In the comments below they are going to have their first taste of putting their voices online. I hope that you will read their comments by clicking the comments below the post and encourage them as we learn about writing and the world of technology. Of course, there are mistakes. This is their first time doing this, and second graders are still learning to write and spell. Thanks so much for partnering with me as I strive to give the best education possible to your students! Below are pics of them actually writing their comments!

Padlet.com

A few months ago I started using this site so that students can communicate with me whenever they need to. This past week during the snowpocalypse many students used it to tell me about their day in the snow and ask questions about assignments on Mimio. It's a great way for students to interact with me after school is over. Please encourage them to use it anytime. It sends an email notification when someone writes. I will respond to every student as soon as possible. Just to see who is reading this, I have posted a question on there just for tonight. Each student who answers will receive a class coupon! Click below to go now.

Mr. Dearybury's Wall

Dear Weatherman

South Carolina State Science Standards ask 2nd graders to learn about the weather. What better day to discuss the weather than on the eve of the great "Southern Snowpocalypse" that seems to be coming our way! Today we watched News Channel 4 meteorologist, Chris Justus's noontime forecast to see what the latest news was about the impending winter storm. After watching his prediction, students asked if we could write him letters asking for snow. Being a progressive educator who strives to meet the needs of my students in ways that are best for them, and being a big snow loving kid at heart, I obliged! Below are some of their letters. I am going to send him the link to the blog. Maybe he will read a letter on the air! 

D.W. Visits Woodland Heights

Kim Brown, the inspiration for Arthur the Aardvark's pesky little sister D.W., from the world famous author Marc Brown's book series, visited our school today. The children loved hearing about how Arthur came to be and learning some neat facts about their beloved Arthur. Did you know Marc Brown has sold over 65 million books world wide? He started the stories of Arthur one night when his son asked for a bedtime story. Marc quickly thought from his imagination, and his first book, "Arthur's Nose," was born. His son loved and begged for it every night. 

The Arthur series is the inspiration for our very popular Arthur's Reading Club here at school. We hold the club meetings every six weeks to honor those students who have achieved their reading goals. We sing and dance to the Arthur Theme Song, have Arthur's secret handshake and password, and Marc Brown even sends us our very own membership card! If you would like to know more about this club or today's visit, drop me an email at mrdearybury@hotmail.com.

 It was a great treat to add this visit to our year long experience with Arthur!