Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we worked on our January self-portraits to hang in our portrait gallery in our room. We also met a new High Hat friend - Jumping Jack.
For our reading lesson, we talked about our sight word for the week (see) and a "magic ending"* for words (-ing), both of which are in the song Going to the Zoo, which we have been learning (here are the words to the song, if you're interested).
We then went up to the computer lab for our time there, and when we got back down to our class, we spent some time talking about the Burroughs Read-a-thon (we had the kick-off ceremony this morning -- we can start reading on Sunday!!!). After that, we had a very fun Choice Time, and then packed up to go home.
Have a great weekend!!
* "magic endings" are simply suffixes for words that we study from time to time. It's the phrase that I use to help kids remember to use them in their own writing, and notice them in their reading and speaking.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we had just enough time to sing the new song that we learned yesterday (and practice our week's sight word "see") before it was time to get bundled up and head to the gym for our ice skating adventure. Thank you to all of the parents who came along to tie skates and have fun on the ice!
After skating, we had a little bit of time to get a drink of water, get all of our warm clothes off, and then get up to the Media Center for book Check-out. When we got back down to our room, we all looked at some of the work that Owen and Jack did in taking apart a DVD player at the Take-Apart Center yesterday. We learned all about the insides of the machine!
After that, it was time to head home.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we read Iris' Star of the Week poster (great job, Iris). She wrote hers in Spanish, so she gave us a nice Spanish lesson, and the many of the kids knew a number of the words before we translated them!
After the poster, we worked on making "R Books" that the kids can read at home, to practice our phonics sound for the week. We then learned a new song - We're Going to the Zoo. It has one of our sight words in it (see), which we will talk about tomorrow. It was a fun song, and the kids got to sing along as I played the guitar.
After the song, we practiced reading with our "just right" books - each student has a book bag with 4 books that are at their independent reading level. We are working on the skill of "reading silently" as well as reading strategies.
then, it was time for Choice Time, and Cosette, Owen, and Jack were at the Take-Apart Center with Adele's mom -- Cosette took apart a mixer, and Owen and Jack demolished a DVD player.
P.S. Keep the junk coming for the Take Apart Center - if it doesn;t work anymore, we can take it apart (except for TVs and computer monitors, which have mercury in them).
P.P.S. Don't forget that tomorrow is ice skating at Lynhurst Park (12:55 - 1:50). Meet us in the gym or in the warming room at Lynnhurst if you can -- it will be super fun!
After the poster, we worked on making "R Books" that the kids can read at home, to practice our phonics sound for the week. We then learned a new song - We're Going to the Zoo. It has one of our sight words in it (see), which we will talk about tomorrow. It was a fun song, and the kids got to sing along as I played the guitar.
After the song, we practiced reading with our "just right" books - each student has a book bag with 4 books that are at their independent reading level. We are working on the skill of "reading silently" as well as reading strategies.
then, it was time for Choice Time, and Cosette, Owen, and Jack were at the Take-Apart Center with Adele's mom -- Cosette took apart a mixer, and Owen and Jack demolished a DVD player.
P.S. Keep the junk coming for the Take Apart Center - if it doesn;t work anymore, we can take it apart (except for TVs and computer monitors, which have mercury in them).
P.P.S. Don't forget that tomorrow is ice skating at Lynhurst Park (12:55 - 1:50). Meet us in the gym or in the warming room at Lynnhurst if you can -- it will be super fun!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we had a little bit of time to read a couple of books related to the phonics program (the High Hat friends that we met last week - /v/ and /y/. After that, we headed up to the music room for our class there with Mr. Hoffman.
After music, we worked on findng "just right books" -- the kids all picked books that are at their reading level to have available in the classroom for reading time. After they chose them, we talke a little bit about how to read independently.
We finished up the day with Choice Time, and then, believe it or not, it was time to go home!
P.S. Remember that this week is skating week in gym -- Mr. Hill and Mr. Peterson are always looking for (and grateful for) volunteers -- we'll go to Lynnhurst Park on Thursday from 12:55 until 1:50, as long as the weather is above zero.
After music, we worked on findng "just right books" -- the kids all picked books that are at their reading level to have available in the classroom for reading time. After they chose them, we talke a little bit about how to read independently.
We finished up the day with Choice Time, and then, believe it or not, it was time to go home!
P.S. Remember that this week is skating week in gym -- Mr. Hill and Mr. Peterson are always looking for (and grateful for) volunteers -- we'll go to Lynnhurst Park on Thursday from 12:55 until 1:50, as long as the weather is above zero.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we met a new High Hat friend in our phonics lesson -- Yellow Yo-yo. After a story that was, frankly, a bit up and down, (the kids didn't think that joke was all that funny either...), we went to the gym for our time there with Mr. Hill and Mr. Peterson. The kids went outside sledding today - thank you for sending them in warm clothes!
When we got back down to our class, we worked on writing the letter y, both upper and lower case, and also worked on drawing and writing words that begin with the letter y. We finished the day with a trip up to the Media Center for book check-out, and then headed home!
Enjoy your weekend - remember that there is no school for students tomorrow!
When we got back down to our class, we worked on writing the letter y, both upper and lower case, and also worked on drawing and writing words that begin with the letter y. We finished the day with a trip up to the Media Center for book check-out, and then headed home!
Enjoy your weekend - remember that there is no school for students tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we had a little bit of time to meet a new High Friend in Phonics class. Today, we met Vernon and Vera, two twins who introduced us to the /v/ sound. We also played a game in which I drew pictures on the white board of things that begin with the letter v, and the kids guessed them (they were very gracious and did not make fun of my limited drawing skills once...).
After phonics, we headed up to the computer lab for our time there. When we got back down to the room, we read a fun book about running for president (Duck for President), and then had Choice Time. Adele's mom came in to run the Take-Apart Center (thank you!). Another DVD player and a blender met very timely demises today -- it was really interesting!
After all of that, it was time for us to head home!
P.S. Today, all of the kids had their vision and hearing screened by folks from the Phillips Eye Institute. The results will be sent home in the coming days.
After phonics, we headed up to the computer lab for our time there. When we got back down to the room, we read a fun book about running for president (Duck for President), and then had Choice Time. Adele's mom came in to run the Take-Apart Center (thank you!). Another DVD player and a blender met very timely demises today -- it was really interesting!
After all of that, it was time for us to head home!
P.S. Today, all of the kids had their vision and hearing screened by folks from the Phillips Eye Institute. The results will be sent home in the coming days.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we read a biography of Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr, and talked about how people with dark skin were treated in the past, and the significance of Dr. King's life and work. It was good to think and talk about, especially in light of the inauguration today.
After our book and discussion, we headed up to the computer lab for our time there. When we got back down to the room, we talked about the inauguration day, and about the president's job. We looked at pictures of the White House and the Oval Office, and discussed the importance of the day today.
We finished up with Choice Time, and then packed up to go home.
After our book and discussion, we headed up to the computer lab for our time there. When we got back down to the room, we talked about the inauguration day, and about the president's job. We looked at pictures of the White House and the Oval Office, and discussed the importance of the day today.
We finished up with Choice Time, and then packed up to go home.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon meeting, we celebrated Austin's birthday. After singing and playing instruments, Austin's mom read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. When we finished the festivities, we had math class. We made "Pattern Snakes" out of pattern blocks. They are hanging in the hallways outside our room -- take a look next time you are at school!
After math, we headed up to the computer lab for our time there. When we got back down to our room, we talked about the high Hat friends that we met this week, and made (and read) an "L Book," which should be in their backpacks. Ask you child to read it to you!
After a short Choice Time, we bundled up to go home.
Have a great weekend!
After math, we headed up to the computer lab for our time there. When we got back down to our room, we talked about the high Hat friends that we met this week, and made (and read) an "L Book," which should be in their backpacks. Ask you child to read it to you!
After a short Choice Time, we bundled up to go home.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we celebrated Annie's birthday with the usual exuberant instruments and singing. Annie's mom also came in and read a book to us, before we headed to the gym for our time there with Mr. Hill and Mr. Peterson. The kids bowled inside instead of going out for obvious (BRRRRRRRR!!!!) reasons. The outdoor activities from this week may be rescheduled; I'll keep you all posted.
After gym we headed back down to our classroom to meet a new High Hat friend. It was actually two friends -- Look and Listen, who introduced us to the /l/ sound. After a bit of discussion of that sound, we went up to the Media Center for book check-out, and then back down to our room to get ourselves all bundled up to go home.
Stay warm -- it can't stay this cold forever!!
After gym we headed back down to our classroom to meet a new High Hat friend. It was actually two friends -- Look and Listen, who introduced us to the /l/ sound. After a bit of discussion of that sound, we went up to the Media Center for book check-out, and then back down to our room to get ourselves all bundled up to go home.
Stay warm -- it can't stay this cold forever!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Afternoon Meeting we finished the book that we began in reading class yesterday (The Quiltmaker's Gift). It had an ending that I don't think most of the kids expected!
After reading, we worked on math - -using the pattern blocks to make shapes again. This serves to reinforce the basic concepts of geometry. Today the kids had to use a bit more creativity to solve the puzzles -- the figures were outlines only, as opposed to having the lines for each individual piece in the puzzles yesterday.
After math, we met a new High Friend in phonics -- Uncle Up, who introduced the short /u/ sound (as in "up"). We also talked about word families that use the short /u/ sound, such as words that end in -up and -ut.
After all of that, we had Choice Time. Adele's mom came in to run the Take-Apart Center, and it was really cool. Some of the kids got to take apart a DVD/CD player, and see what was inside. They also dismantled a waffle maker. Both will be on display in the classroom for everyone to see.
Then we bundled up and headed home.
Stay warm!!
After reading, we worked on math - -using the pattern blocks to make shapes again. This serves to reinforce the basic concepts of geometry. Today the kids had to use a bit more creativity to solve the puzzles -- the figures were outlines only, as opposed to having the lines for each individual piece in the puzzles yesterday.
After math, we met a new High Friend in phonics -- Uncle Up, who introduced the short /u/ sound (as in "up"). We also talked about word families that use the short /u/ sound, such as words that end in -up and -ut.
After all of that, we had Choice Time. Adele's mom came in to run the Take-Apart Center, and it was really cool. Some of the kids got to take apart a DVD/CD player, and see what was inside. They also dismantled a waffle maker. Both will be on display in the classroom for everyone to see.
Then we bundled up and headed home.
Stay warm!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
This afternoon, after Center Time and Afternoon meeting, we read Cosette's Star of the Week poster (nice job Cosette!!). We then read a book for our Reading Lesson today. We did what is called an Interactive Read-Aloud, in which I ask the students focused and planned questions about the text (The Quiltmaker's Gift) as we are reading. Our focus today was on comprehension (ask your child what the book was about (keeping in mind that we only read half of it today).
After that, we headed up to the Computer Lab for a half hour of math and reading practice. When we got back down to our room, we worked with pattern blocks (this is what pattern blocks look like), making pictures, as we start to study geometry. After all that, we had a short Choice Time, and then got all bundled up to go home.
Stay warm!!
After that, we headed up to the Computer Lab for a half hour of math and reading practice. When we got back down to our room, we worked with pattern blocks (this is what pattern blocks look like), making pictures, as we start to study geometry. After all that, we had a short Choice Time, and then got all bundled up to go home.
Stay warm!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Today, after Center Time, we had another BRAVO lesson. The BRAVO program introduces the kids to classical music and composers -- today Adele's mom Christine taught us about the composer Franz Joseph Hayden about the structure of symphonies (I have to admit, that I learned new things today too!!). Click here for more info about the BRAVO curriculum.
After Bravo, we did a little further practicing with writing numbers on the white boards with markers (there is a practice sheet in the kids' homework this week too). Then wwe headed up to the computer lab, and then back down to our room again for end-of-the day organization and a short Choice Time. Then, off to the weekend!!
After Bravo, we did a little further practicing with writing numbers on the white boards with markers (there is a practice sheet in the kids' homework this week too). Then wwe headed up to the computer lab, and then back down to our room again for end-of-the day organization and a short Choice Time. Then, off to the weekend!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Today, after Center Time and Morning Meeting, we headed to the gym -- after bundling up warmly. The kids went outside for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fun. They came in hot and tired, but it was great fun. Thanks for sending your child in nice warm clothes!
When we got back to the classroom, we unbundled and worked on writing numbers. The kids learned a song to help remember the proper way to write the numbers 1 - 10 (here it is, if you're interested). They all practiced writing on mini-white boards, which was a big hit with the kids.
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head home.
When we got back to the classroom, we unbundled and worked on writing numbers. The kids learned a song to help remember the proper way to write the numbers 1 - 10 (here it is, if you're interested). They all practiced writing on mini-white boards, which was a big hit with the kids.
After all of that, it was time to pack up and head home.
January 7, 2009
Today (yesterday, actually), was a busy day. After Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we had Read Aloud, then worked on math -- we played a game that introduced the concept of graphing. the kids rolled dice, and then recorded the results on a graph. We then compiled all of the results on a class graph, so that they could see how data can be easily recorded and interpreted.
After math, we worked on writing -- we practiced writing both upper case and lower case letters, and making them the proper height. After writing, we worked on counting by 2s, 5s, and 10 on the number chart.
After Choice Time, we had a bit of time to read a book, and then we went on our ways home.
Today (yesterday, actually), was a busy day. After Center Time and Afternoon Meeting, we had Read Aloud, then worked on math -- we played a game that introduced the concept of graphing. the kids rolled dice, and then recorded the results on a graph. We then compiled all of the results on a class graph, so that they could see how data can be easily recorded and interpreted.
After math, we worked on writing -- we practiced writing both upper case and lower case letters, and making them the proper height. After writing, we worked on counting by 2s, 5s, and 10 on the number chart.
After Choice Time, we had a bit of time to read a book, and then we went on our ways home.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Hello, and welcome back to school!
Today we had Center Time to begin the day, which consisted of independent reading at the kids' tables. Then we had Afternoon Meeting (it's good to get back into the routines of it all...). After morning meeting, we sang Happy Birthday to Joseph, and played out instruments alkong with it, really loudly. Joseph's dad also read three stories from one of Joseph's favorite books, Frog and Toad Are Friends. After that, we had Writer's Workshop. The kids wrote about their most fun thing from Winter Break - each kid made a page that will be part of a class book that I will compile, and have in our classroom library. we worked on phonics, reviewing the High Hat friends that we have already met, and the letter sounds that we have already learned.
When we finished that, it was time for us to head up to the computer lab for our math and reading practice there. After computers, we came back down to our classroom and met a new High Hat Friend - Gordon Goat, who, predictably enough, introduced us to the /g/ sound. After brainstorming a list of words that begin with the letter g, we ate the YUMMY cupcakes that Joseph brought for his birthday snack, had a short Choice Time, and then got packed and bundled up to go home!
Today we had Center Time to begin the day, which consisted of independent reading at the kids' tables. Then we had Afternoon Meeting (it's good to get back into the routines of it all...). After morning meeting, we sang Happy Birthday to Joseph, and played out instruments alkong with it, really loudly. Joseph's dad also read three stories from one of Joseph's favorite books, Frog and Toad Are Friends. After that, we had Writer's Workshop. The kids wrote about their most fun thing from Winter Break - each kid made a page that will be part of a class book that I will compile, and have in our classroom library. we worked on phonics, reviewing the High Hat friends that we have already met, and the letter sounds that we have already learned.
When we finished that, it was time for us to head up to the computer lab for our math and reading practice there. After computers, we came back down to our classroom and met a new High Hat Friend - Gordon Goat, who, predictably enough, introduced us to the /g/ sound. After brainstorming a list of words that begin with the letter g, we ate the YUMMY cupcakes that Joseph brought for his birthday snack, had a short Choice Time, and then got packed and bundled up to go home!
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