A long break

Happy MEA Break! Although we had a very short 2 day week, we were able to fit a lot in.

ABC Journals
We are almost done with the alphabet. We only have a few letters left (U-Z). 

In reading, the class is continuing to practice our reading routines. They are conscientious of what books they are "shopping" for on a daily basis. Everyone got their very own book boxes to store their books in and learned different ways to read a book. Readers can 1) read the words, 2) read the pictures, and 3) reread the book. Did you know that your child is already a READER because they can look at the pictures to tell the story? That is a huge reading strategy to help them understand their books. Also, while your child may not be ready to read words yet, we are practicing identifying letters in words. "I see an A, H, Z, and U."

To get the kids excited and motivated about becoming readers, I gave them each a mini book The Pout-Pout Fish Learns to Read as a little gift. Next week, I will start introducing basic sight words.

On Tuesday, we went up to the Science Room in the 5th grade pod and used engineering skills to make marble tracks. For the first half hour, the class was split into small teams and got to explore with the materials however they wanted. Then the second half was spent answering the question: How can you make the longest track without touching your marble? It was very intriguing to see their thought processes on why and how things work. Also, this lesson focused on cooperative skills and being able to work together.

In math, we made fun jack-o-lanterns using shapes. 'Tis the season after all!

A little bit about what I've been up to outside of the classroom...
Last Saturday, I ran the Night Nation Run 5K at Canterbury Park. I love running, although this run was more of a dance party. Definitely a fun time, plus glow sticks make everything cool! 

Ryan, me, Laura, and Ben

I am continuing to cheer on my Green Bay Packers who ahem...are still UNDEFEATED. Yay!

This is my "special" friend Ryan and me, all ready to cheer on our Pack! Oh and that's A-Rod, Ryan's polar bear pillow pet in the background. He's spent some time in our classroom when I was "bear-sitting" earlier this fall. 

It took me 6 years to finally turn over to the dark side. I now can't get enough of coffee/caffeine related drinks. Don't get me started on those pumpkin spice lattes... By the way, that view is in the backyard of our school. We are SO lucky!

Enjoy your long MEA break everyone. I will miss the kiddos, but look forward to being back together again next Tuesday!