Test Taking Strategies Song

The students are learning new test taking strategies on a weekly basis. Last week, the students learned a song to help them remember the new strategies thanks to Miss Perez and her students. The tune is to London Bridge. A copy of the song has been added inside your child’s green homework folder.

 

 

Around the World Once Again

This time of year is my most favorite for many reasons. This is the time of year that we can slow down just a bit, while still learning and creating. A few weeks ago, we began our non-fiction studies and learned about determining importance in non-fiction text with a focus on Holidays Around the World. With a "suitcase" in hand, we virtually toured several countries over three weeks and learned about the special holidays that occurred in each country. The students also completed crafts that reflected the different countries. 

At the end of this unit, we had a fabulous international feast with foods from around the world. Families graciously brought in ethnic dishes that were representative of their culture. We had the best turn out ever! The children even entertained their families with songs. I was very thankful that there was so much participation in this wonderful event.  I wish you all a very happy and peaceful winter holiday!

Season of Giving Project

Our class has elected to give back to others during this holiday season. Thus, the students have chosen to send contributions to the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS).  The JHS is in constant need of gently used clean bath towels, blankets without stuffing, and paper towels such as Bounty or Viva. Please send in your donations by Friday, December 9, 2011.    Thank you in advance for your support and assistance!

The First Step

Every month at Chets Creek Elementary, our principal, Mrs. Phillips, selects a book that will be shared amongst the entire school community. The books Mrs. Phillips has selected over the years have been filled with profound lessons and rich literature that extend across content. Both younger and older students are able to engage with the text at various levels. As a teacher, I enjoy her book of the month presentations and I am always eager to participate in her lessons. Mrs. Phillips models new and tried and true ways of teaching, which enrich my own practice.


This month's book of the month is Giant Steps to Change the World, by Spike and Tonya Lewis Lee. The book is filled with quotes and text about fulfilling your dreams and taking chances.

I began this lesson by activating the students' schema prior to reading the text. I shared with the students only the title of the text and asked them to draw a picture of what they thought the cover of the book might look like. Then the students wrote their predictions of what the book was about.

After sharing the text with the class, the students were asked to summarize what the text was about and share their summaries during our closing session. I was very proud of how the students expressed their understanding of what it meant to follow your dreams, take chances and not let anything get in your way of your goals and aspirations. One student said during our closing session, "The first step is the hard one and then you start running." So true! 

The video below was shared with my class as an example of how students can respond to literature using music.   

Kevin Henkes Celebration Day!

We had a wonderful time yesterday celebrating Mr. Kevin Henkes and his fun mouse characters. The students attended various stations centered around our Kevin Henkes theme. The morning began with a very excited group of students making mouse ears and playing Kevin Henkes’ Book Characters bingo. The next station was our Artistic Abode. Here, the children decorated purple purses, wallets, snazzy ties, and cool sunglasses. After that, we watched the video Chrysanthemum followed by Owen while munching on cheesy snacks. Lunch and game time came right after. The day ended with a visit to the Lightbulb Lab. The students were engaged with their own books filled with fun activities and writing projects.  The day was absolutely amazing and our little mice were ecstatic!  Kevin Henkes Celebration Day! on PhotoPeach