Upcoming Spring Break

Spring is upon us and the weather has been so nice lately.  We are loving that we get to go out and play for recess once again.  It's awfully hard to be stuck inside during winter for recess.  So we are very thankful for the time we have been able to spend outdoors.  We have even taken some of our science lessons outside.  Last week, we were learning about weather.  The students used thermometers to measure how hot or cold it was outside.  We went out daily last week to graph the weather and use our thermometers.  The students really enjoyed this activity and learned how to read a thermometer as well.  We also discussed the clouds and the type of clouds that bring good weather and stormy weather.

This week, we will continue learning how to determine importance when reading nonfiction material.  Nonfiction material is loaded with many facts.  As a reader, we have to decipher which facts are the most important and which facts are interesting details.  We will also review our other reading strategies as we read Jan Brett's The Easter Egg.  Students will be asked to make predictions, ask questions, and clarify the meaning of words.  In addition, students will be asked to sequence the events of the story and make a connection.  We love Jan Brett and I'm sure this book will be added to the students list of favorite books written by this beloved author.  In addition, we will also read another Little Old Lady book.  This one is called There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick.  We will read the book together as a class.  The students will be asked to sequence the evens in this story as well.  In science this week we are starting our unit on matter.  I just know the students are going to think this is the best unit yet.  I have a lot of fun experiments planned for this unit and I can't wait to share what's in store...with some pictures hopefully.  I'm sorry I haven't been the best at taking pictures the last several weeks.  :(

A huge thank you to all the parents that took time out of their busy schedules to come to student-led conferences.  I know the kiddies enjoyed showing "off" their classroom and the activities they are involved in during the day.   I hope you got a little insight as to what goes on in our classroom.  Our day is full of learning from the time we come in the door til the time we leave.  I am so proud of all the hard work your child has put in this year.  They (and you too), should be very proud of all their hard work.

I'm very sorry for the sporadic posts this month.  It seems I have been equally busy as the rest of you I'm sure.  Between birthday parties and traveling to see family, it's been difficult for me to sit down and write a post.   Please remember that their will be no school next week:  March 31-April 6 for spring break.  School will resume on April 7th.  Also, tomorrow night, March 24 from 6:30 to ? is a PTO meeting in the elementary cafeteria.  We need your ideas, so please come and add your input.  I can't believe how quickly this year has passed us by.  We still have tons of learning left and I'm excited at where we are head this next month.