2nd Class Nature Walk

With the weather improving every day we thought it might be a good time to have a nature walk and see what signs of spring we could spot. The boys brought a checklist and looked for things like buds, new leaves, daffodils, insects, nests and flowers. The nature walk was in Fairview Park and the boys played in the playground and on the hills aftertheir work was done!

'How I Became A Knight' by Shane Fitzgerald

Shane wrote this brilliant piece recently about an interesting way to become a knight. It's very imaginative and well written, in fact it could have been written by a much older boy - well done Shane!!!

I worked for King Arthur as a stable boy. It was great. When all the knights were competing at one competition and I was tossing a bale of hay down to a horse the White Knight walked in and the bale of hay landed on him knocking him out. I knew if the White Knight didn't beat the Black Knight King Arthur would lose his castle so I put on the White Knight's armour and went out and beat the Black Knight. That's how I became a knight!

Floating and sinking

We investigated floating and sinking in 2nd class today. We tested a number of items including coins, spoons, parers and rulers. Some boys were surprised to find that the heavier items didn't always sink. It was also interesting to see what happened to an orange before and after it was peeled - we thought that because the orange would be lighter with the peel removed it would float however this wasn't the case. This is because the peel is less dense than the orange so it allows the orange to float when it is on but the orange sinks without it - like a life jacket!

St Brigid's Day celebrations in 2nd Class

The boys learned a lot about St Brigid today - they made crosses, had a table quiz and learned the story of her life. Here are some pictures of them making crosses with help from Miss Sunderland and Theresa - thanks ladies!

2nd class learn about Andy Warhol

2nd Class are back from their Christmas holidays refreshed and ready for work!! Last week we learned about an artist called Andy Warhol and then created our own Warhol-inspired portraits. The boys really liked this artist, especially his use of colour and the subjects of his paintings. Their favourite painting by far was of Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer. Here are some of the Warhol paintings we looked at as well as photos of the boys working on their own portraits. These are finished and will be displayed in the classroom soon - photos of that to follow!

Sing for Simon!

The Larriers sang Christmas carols today in the IFSC in support of the Simon Community. It

was freezing cold and they did a brilliant job! Here are some photos of 2nd class.

Homes and family life - then and now

2nd class explored some of the differences between everyday life in the past and now - here are some of their observations! They all agreed that children seemed to work harder in the past in the home than they do now!

Light

Dane - they used a candle to see in the dark and now we use electricity in these days so we can see.

Callum - in the old days they used oil lamps and candles.

Matti - in the old days they used something called an oil lamp. They would light it in the night to go to the chamber pot.

Cian - back in the old days they used an oil lamp. They would also use candles. The fire would also give them light and heat.

Water

Cian - They used to get water from a pump.

Scott - They used to use pumps and now we use taps and fresh water comes out of them everyday.

Nathan - The children used to go out to the water pump and pump until the water came up and they would fill the bucket and carry it home. It was very heavy, sometimes they would spill it.

Dane - They used a water pump to get water in the old days and we use a tap now to get water to wash our dishes so we can eat off them.

Milk

Callum - Back in the old days they had to milk the cows with their hands and in the new days they use machines.

Cooking

Ben - They used fires to cook and we use cookers - it is easy now.

Matti - In the old days they used something called an open fire.

2nd class write about winter

We spent some time last week brainstorming all of the words we could think of to do with winter. Then we wrote some lovely stories about what winter means to us. Have a look at our stories and pictures below.

By Brandon and Aaron

Halloween fun in Citigroup!

2nd Class spent the morning in Citigroup today. The class arrived to school in sinister, spooky and silly costumes and we set off for the IFSC. The day started with milk and cookies and the boys were treated to a magic show, art and a tour of the building throughout the day. A delicious meal in the staff restaurant ended a fantastic day out. The whole class behaved brilliantly and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

Halloween arrives early at Larriers!!

Second class is replaced by a band of little Monsters!! Poor Ms. Price!!

Hope the Miss survives!!