Today, after Afternoon Work TIme and Afternoon Meeting, we took some time to work on our Memory book pages. We also read a fun book (one of the Frog and Toad series - a sure fire winner). Then we went to the auditorium to rehearse for the kindergarten program - it will be VERY cute!! After that, we came back to the room and made invitations for the program - look for them in your child's backpack today. Then, after a short outdoor recess, it was time to pack p and head home.

Today, after a very short Afternoon Work Time and a equally short Afternoon Meeting, we had our Writer's Celebration! The kids did a super job - I couldn't be more proud. After the readings, we had cookie and juice, and the kids made themselves available for complements and autographs. It was a very fun event- thank you to all who helped practicing at home, and to all who were able to come. I did videotape it, and I will send home info about making a copy of the DVD soon.

After the program, we read a quick book (to calm the sugar high) and then went up to the computer lab for ourtime there. After the lab, we headed out to the playground for a short play time, and then home!

Today, after Afternoon Work Time and a very short Afternoon Meeting, we spent quite a lot of time working on our writing for the Writer's Celebration next week. Today, the kids worked on their illustrations, and also practiced reading their pieces. After that, we headed to the gym for an assembly - the 4th graders had a parade of the "state floats" that each made for his/her state research project. It was quite a show, and the kids really enjoyed it, I think.

When we got back down to our room, had a quick recess outside (after sitting the gym for about 45 minutes). When we got back into our room, we worked more on our illustrations (and finished them!). After that, it was time to pack up and head home!

Today, after Afternoon Work Time and Afternoon Meeting, we worked on the pieces of writing that we are getting ready for our Writer's Celebration. Each kid read their writing to a partner, and then the parter helped them think of "reader questions" (questions that a reader would have after reading their work) - then they went back to write and answer those questions.

After writing, we took a bit of a field trip. We went across the street to see what the big kids were up to at Field Day. The kindergartners don't participate in Field Day, but I wanted them to see what it is all about, for next year. Plus, it was good to get outside, too.

When we got back to our room, we worked on two pages for our kindergarten memory books, and then headed up to the Media Center to check out books with Mrs. Hennen.

When we got back down to our classroom, we finished the pages for our memory books. By the time we got back to our room, it was time to pack up and head home!

Today, after Afternoon Work Time and Afternoon Meeting, we had reading - the kids changed the "just-right" books in their bookbags, and then read them. The books are getting harder, but the kids are up for it! Today we made a new record for the number of minutes that we read without stopping - 11 minutes!!

After reading, I read a book to the kids - Edward and the Pirates, by David McPhail. It talks about a boy who gets so into the books that he is reading that it seems like he is actually there. The kids then went to write, and tried to make their writing seem so alive that their reader woudl feel that s/he were a part of the story.

After writing, we went up to the computer lab for our time there. When we got back down, we couldn't resist going outside for a little recess. After that, it was time to pack up and go home!

Today, after Afternoon Work Time and Afternoon Meeting, we opened still more Flat Stanley mail - one for Andrés from Arizona, Texas, and Maryland, and also one for Adele from Massachusetts and New York. We had a nice discussion about types of cactus - there were some fun pictures from Arizona to see of various kinds.

After catching up with our friend Stan, , we had Writer's Workshop. The kids wrote for about 20 minutes today - and all words (no pictures!). They did a super job.

After writing, we went up to the art room for art class - there was a sub for Mr. Fairbanks today, and the kids worked on drawing pictures of loons. When we got back down to our classroom, we had our last Bravo lesson of the year - Joseph's mom came in and taught us about a local, contemporary composer, Libby Larson. They made a collage while listening to her composition called Collage Boogie.

After all of that, we had just enough time to eat Augie's birthday snack (yum -thanks, Augie!) and pack up to go home!

Enjoy your weekend!

Today, after Afternoon Work Time and Afternoon Meeting, we talked about the new microphone systrem that we have. All of the classrooms at Burroughs have been equipped with a sound projection system for the teachers to use - the amplification will enable us to use a smaller voice and still be heard all over the classroom. We learned all about how it works, and then we got to try it out. Then Joseph brought in some photos from his family's trip to Niagara Falls and told us all about them (thanks, Joseph - and nice job!!). He even had his Flat Stanley with for the trip! We also sang Happy Birthday to Will with loud instruments.

We then headed to the gym to see the 4th and 5th graders who are in band and orchestra perform their spring concert. It was a great show, and even though it took nearly an hour, the kids did a super job being attentive listeners. After the concert, we went up to the Media Center to check out books with Mrs. Hennen.

When we got back down to our room, we took a couple of minutes to celebrate Will's birthday again by eating some yummy cupcakes that he brought for his birthday treat, and then headed outside for a well-deserved recess. After all that, it was time to pack up and head home!