All Through the Classroom- Children are Stirring and Filled with Excitement

Morning Meetings

Our Morning Meetings are a time where we come together to share and discuss our thoughts, feelings, or anything we want to talk about.  The children do actively participate and have so much to share.

The activities this past week were about body language and affirmations.  We want to boost everyone's confidence and self esteem.  Therefore many wonderful discussions were generated.

Writing- Informational Pieces

Our writing piece for the 2nd trimester is Informational and we have already begun with brainstorming topics, researching and reading various sources and taking notes.  

We started the week with viewing a video and then brainstorming some topics that each child is interested in or wants to learn more about.  They got right into their chromebooks and began finding books and articles about their topic.  This first phase of writing includes reading and taking notes.  The children have chosen some great topics to research.

                                              Learning throughout the classrooms:

Mrs. Santilli is doing a wonderful job in her responsibilities as a student teacher.  She is preparing lessons, running the morning meetings, and collaborating with the team.  She conducted a great lesson on Friday in their Social Studies class.  

The children are actively engaged all around the room and are having some great discussions about the 3 branches of government.  The activities kept them on task and participating.

                                                                      Buddy the Elf

Buddy, out Elf, has been very busy in the classroom.  He has been watching the boys and girls throughout the days.  Some days we find letters that Santa has sent us, other days we see him hanging out, and on Friday we found him napping in the tissue box.  

We look forward to finding him each morning to see what he's been up to and what he has brought us.  We can't wait to see what he will do for the last 3 days before Holiday vacation.  

                                                                 Shout Outs

Giuliano and Unathi both accumulated over 500 points each on Class Dojo- they received a treat ($5 McDonald's gift card).  

Unathi also is our Student of the Month for December.

Congratulations to both of these students.

I would also like to shout out to all the parents who have donated for our gingerbread houses.

What's Coming Up?

This week we will be holding Spirit Week with lots of great fun and activities.  We hope to see the children dressed in holiday attire on each of the days.

Monday is plaid/flannel day 

Tuesday is Christmas sweaters and accessories day

Wednesday is Christmas pajama day

We are looking forward to all the excitement that this time of the year brings.

The children will also be participating in some fun starting on Monday- the 4th graders will be making gingerbread houses using graham crackers and so many decorations.

Much more to come.  Please check Dojo daily to see what is in store for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Can't wait to see what the children's ginger bread houses will look like.  

They will be bringing them home on Wednesday.
 

We've got this!!!!

Working Away in the Classroom

Our week was filled with more learning, collaborating, and sightings from Cupid.  The students are working through stations rather well.  They are helping one another, reading great stories and writing.  I love to see their faces in the morning when they are looking for where Cupid could be.  It is such a magical time of year and the children are full of excitement and awe.  

Cupid's Shenanigans:

Book Projects:

I was so impressed with the beautiful, well thought out dioramas that came in on Monday.  I can see that they children put in great effort and were prepared during presentations.

These pictures don't do the actual projecects justice, but I wanted you all to see what a fabulous job the children did.

 The projects continue:

Presentations went well and the children informed us of so many books that anyone woule enjoy reading.  

We are also reviewing what common and proper nouns are, with group work, watching a video and note taking, all skills that continue to thrive in 4th grade.

Our week end with Fun Friday.  The children worked diligently all week, so I wanted them to do some art projects and listen to holiday music.  They all seemed to have enjoyed themselves and appreciated the down time.  They were also able to redeem Dojo points for some fun prizes.  

Overall, we had a wonderful week and will continue with our discoveries, hands on activities and discussions will fill the room.  

Tomorrow we welcome our new principal, Mr. Pacitto.  I know the children will all make him feel part of our SOS family in no time at all.  

Upcoming events:

Spirit week will be the week of the 20th.  Check Class Dojo for more information.

Cupid always keeps an eye on us, no matter where he is in the room.