As we wrapped up our unit on nighttime and nocturnal animals, the students created their own puppet stages. Making up stories with their stick puppets was so entertaining to watch! Here are some "elf applications" completed by hopeful students. We did an experiment with candy canes. We watched how they were made and discussed which ingredients are used. We made predictions about which substance would cause them to "melt" the quickest: cold water, warm water, or vinegar. We also used them for measuring things in the classroom. As we studied holidays around the world, the students were very interested in some of the Hanukkah traditions. I asked our counselor, Mrs. Rothberg, to join us for a visit. She brought some of her special dreidels, and a "shoe" menorah. We got a little silly before saying goodbye to the gingerbread house! Time for Pajama Day! We started the day with a school singalong in the cafeteria. In the afternoon, we settled down with the Polar Express movie. Friday arrived, and we were ready for our Holiday Party and book exchange. Thanks to the PTO that provided our snack, and a fun "time capsule ornament" craft. Thank you to the parents and grandparents that came to help! We even tried to do the Mannequin Challenge! Well, desks have been cleaned out, and we are ready for a new year. See you in 2017!
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In this season of giving, we learned about the word gratitude and watched a short video. The family in the video puts bows on many things, recognizing that so much of what we take for granted is actually a gift. For homework this week, each student was to find a way to show gratitude for something at home, and place a bow on it. (video can be seen at: https://vimeo.com/194989301 The students then chose to write and deliver a bow to someone at Highlands. It was heartwarming to watch them deliver their notes. We also drew names in class, and everyone wrote a special note to a classmate. What a wonderful,
caring class we have! The students enjoyed reading their books about several nocturnal animals. They learned a lot of facts! The elves have been busy! We can't show you everything we worked on this week, but it was fun! We also worked hard on writing this week. I love how focused they are in this picture! One of the highlights of our week was the arrival of the Koski gingerbread house. This is a family tradition, and this is our 18th year to create one. We enjoy it for a little while, then deliver it to Texas Childrens Hospital for the children to enjoy for Christmas. Mr. Koski builds the frame, then it's decorating time! My daughter, Cami, brought it in and the students went a little crazy! They've been counting the different candies and recording their findings. Math is everywhere! Until next week, goodnight for now! We've been learning about nocturnal animals and some of their special attributes. For instance, when owls eat a mouse, they do not digest everything, but rather, "cough" up an owl pellet with fur and bones. We observed this real pellet. We read some great literature related to nighttime. After reading Goodnight, Owl, we wrote some speech bubbles after learning about dialogue (and using quotation marks). After reading, There's An Alligator Under My Bed, the students chose an animal of their own and wrote about how to get it out. We did a major nocturnal animal project this week. After reading books and brainstorming a list of animals, each student chose one. We did computer research in the lab and they wrote their reports with little assistance. The best part of the week was "creation hour" which allowed them to imagine, design and invent their animal model. What a great expression of self-directed learning! I think they are fabulous! Well done, young zoologists!
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AuthorI am a retired First Grade teacher in Texas. I have two children, two daughters-in-law, a grandson and granddaughter. Our beloved pup, Rocco, went to heaven this year. He was 15 years old. I've been married 37 years. I would love to hear from any former students! Archives
January 2021
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