Thursday, January 5, 2017

Happy New Year! It was fabulous to see the kids today and get back into a school swing of things.

We reviewed our sounds, letters and how to write words (say the word, say the sounds, name the letters, write the letters).

We also reviewed our school (classroom, recess, cafeteria, hallway) expectations. They really did well remembering the expectations and following them.

Science was fun with a substitute teacher. And then we talked about kindness. The kids were in groups of 3 (or 4) and came up with a quick skit to show some kindness. It was great to see them talking and creating.

During ELA I read a fairy tale about some trees, and as I told the story the kids acted out parts. I find that this keeps us all engaged and enjoying the story.

A big focus we will have this quarter is recognizing words that rhyme and then giving another word that rhymes with a word. So, they played a game called Quiz-Quiz-Trade to practice rhyming.

Once that was finished they got a different partner and read a little reader that goes along with our reading series. Finding partners is tricky. Today I handed out playing cards, they had to find their match and that was their partner. Totally random, and a fun way to pair up. What amazing readers!!!

Recess is different when we cannot go outside, but they are great about cleaning up one toy before playing with another.

In math we compared numbers to tell which one is more.

For reading intervention the kids played games. I love to use games and add a reading or math focus. Today the kids played Candy Land, but in order to move, they had to read words. Great skills: reading, taking turns, being kind and helpful.

After their specials (computer lab and music--where they earned another green note and then a sticker from Miss Plaggman) we discussed New Year's Eve and possible celebrations: staying up, having a party, eating food. We watched a very short version of the ball dropping in New York City and then it was time for a snack and dismissal. Earlier in the day I read a book about a squirrel who wanted to make a resolution. It is a complex idea, but the kids had fun thinking about resolutions. (Something that they want to improve or a way to help others.)

I'm very excited about all that is in store for the rest of the year!