Wacky Wednesday's Fun Friday

On Wednesday, we had a special fun Friday where the students got to play our games for the last half an hour.  They did so well with report card testing and the end of the book ERI testing, we had to have fun.  Two students spent most of their time building me extra cubes that I use when we are practicing segmenting.  Sometimes, I misplace them.  With helpers like this, I will be able to successfully teach!

This year is the first year of Free Orchards's Dual Language program.  We have a class full of Kindergartners learning half time in Spanish and half time in English.  One of the goals in our dual classroom is to have half of the students be native Spanish speakers and half of the students be native English speakers.  This way all students have the opportunity to shine in a language.  All year the  classroom has had a steady population with no families moving in or out.  Recently, two native Spanish speaking students moved from our area leaving openings for two native Spanish speaking students in the Dual Language classroom.  Two of my students, Victor and Vanessa, will be filling those spots and joining the program starting tomorrow.  It is always sad for me to lose a student, in any kind of move.  I will miss them in "our room," but I know they will accomplish great things and we will see them at recess!

This is the list my students brainstormed when ask to describe their friend Vanessa.

Sharks are Fish

Last week, we started learning about fish characteristics and how they relate to sharks.  This week we will continue with sharks before moving to mammal characteristics in relation to whales.  We will finish by painting ocean murals and presenting them in cooperative groups.  

Above Spencer and Ji-su are displaying their "mermaid purses."  They loved making the egg cases which are laid by some types of sharks.  The poem that goes with them will be practiced tomorrow!

Melanie is Molded Like Clay

When Mr. A visited us the first week back from vacation, he was teaching the students about being strong enough to have their own ideas, but relaxed enough to learn new.  Almost like a piece of clay, Mr. A showed how he could "mold" Melanie.  Mr. A will visit one last time on January 23rd.

Robots

     Before vacation, we read a story about a robot that created toys in a magical vat.  The students drew pictures of a robot they would want to own.  All of the robots were very creative.  Look for them to come home on Thursday!

     Kai's robot was designed with a television so he could watch shows wherever he goes!

Sebastian recreated the robot using his magical vat!