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1/13/23

Happy new year! It’s been great being back with the children in the classroom. Since our return from vacation we have been learning about the Civil Rights Movement and people who were instrumental in it during this time. We have been busy reading books  about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Ruby Bridges and discussing how they were changemakers. The students have engaged in many rich conversations about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rosa Parks, and Ruby Bridge were instrumental key figures in the movement. They have also been learning and discussing a bit of the historical context of this movement to give deeper meaning and context.

This week, our culminating project was a paper quilt where each student created their own patchwork piece. On their individual patches they used  borders to reflect the beautiful artistry of author, Faith Ringgold as she was a pioneer in arts equity. They also wrote a  quote by one of these leaders that resonates with them and included a trait about that leader. Lastly, they used a symbol of peace, love or equality that they knew or one they created. 

Math: In math we launched a new unit on measurement. The students are learning about centimeters, inches, feet and meters. 

This unit includes:

-Estimating and measuring length, width and height in meters, feet, inches and centimeters

-Drawing lines of given length

-Comparing and ordering lengths

-Understanding bar models to solve up to two-step problems involving lengths

-When to use which unit of measurement

The second graders had a blast measuring each other and objects around school! A fun activity would be to do this at home as well. It was surprising to see how far and close the estimates were to the actual measurements.

Science: In science, students explored physical and chemical changes, including chemical reactions. We grew colorful sea salt crystals by the windowsill and wrote journal entries about how they grew over the course of two weeks. We learned about how evaporation and other matter changes can change the properties of a substance without changing its chemical composition. This week, we performed a classic vinegar and baking soda experiment – we attached videos to this post. The children were so excited to see “explosions” and chemical reactions in action! Stay tuned for our exciting wrap-up to our unit on matter…

Music:

In Music class, Second Graders have been reviewing the story of the song We Shall Overcome. They are adept at singing the four verses that Hannah Senesh students sing every year – three in English and one in Hebrew. They’re looking forward to singing it with the rest of the school at the MLK Tekes! second graders have also learned about triplets in their rhythm studies. Starting this week, one second grader a week is invited to perform a song for their class. Students are also learning how to be an attentive, supportive audience. We all enjoyed Helen’s beautiful singing performance on Tuesday!

Art:

Students are combining collage and printmaking to make collagraph prints. Using textured fabrics and pieces of cardboard, they are creating bumpy and varied surfaces to use as printing plates with screen printing ink. We can’t wait to show you our results soon!

A final reminder:

 

  • MLK Weekend of Service: Pack Hygiene Kits for St John’s Bread and Life
  • Sunday Jan 15, 9:30-11:00am | Hannah Senesh
  • Join Repair the World New York on Sunday, January 15 at Hannah Senesh Community Day School to package hygiene kits for St John’s Bread & Life. SJBL provides vital access to food & comprehensive support for neighbors in need across Bed Stuy. Volunteers will also engage in service learning & reflection, exploring Jewish values & the words of Dr. King to honor MLK Weekend of Service.
  • IMPORTANT DETAILS: This program is open to adults and families w/ kids of all ages. Children under 15 must be accompanied at all times. Due to COVID-19, all participants must wear masks inside.

 

 

 

  • MLK Weekend of Service: Pack Baby Care Kits for St John’s Bread and Life
  • Monday Jan 16, 1:45-3:15pm | Hannah Senesh
  • Join Repair the World New York on Monday, January 16 at Hannah Senesh Community Day School in Carroll Gardens to package diapers & baby essentials for St John’s Bread & Life. SJBL provides vital access to food & comprehensive support for neighbors in need across Bed Stuy. Volunteers will also engage in service learning & reflection, exploring Jewish values & the words of Dr. King to honor MLK Weekend of Service.
  • IMPORTANT DETAILS: This program is open to adults and families w/ kids of all ages. Children under 15 must be accompanied at all times. Due to COVID-19, all participants must wear masks inside.

 

This project is generously made possible by UJA Federation of NY. Sign up here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4957482?id=7013s000000e7KZA