The children will be doing a science lab on observing specimens and using a microscope. This is a very simple lab. My team and I set up all the microscopes that our school has(4). We found some pre-made slides and put those on the microscopes for the kiddos to view. We added a couple of other activites so that our groups are not so large. I made a powerpoint to teach the kids the expectations for the lab. I think it will be very helpful in eliminating any problems that could possibly arise. The kids LOVE to go to the lab. We have only been once this year, but they ask aLab 1 lmost everyday when we are going back. Hope all goes well.
Oliver Button is a Sissy
This story by Tomie de Paola is not one of his better know books but has great messages that children can relate to--being yourself, bullying, and teasing. These activities were spread out over several days.
Below the literature are the themes that we are studying in reading this six weeks. All of literature will revolve around relationships.
We had a staff development training on thinking maps before school started this year. This is a circle map that we made prior to reading the book. In the middle it says "Predictions." We did a picture walk and then I wrote down the kiddos predictions. After reading the book, we confirmed predictions that were true by placing a check mark nesxt to them.
Again we used a circle map to brainstorm ways to handle a bully.
On another day each child was given a sentence from the story. The sentences were cut apart and the words put in a baggie prior to the lesson. After modeling arranging the words into sentences on the document camera, each child worked on making their own sentences at their desk. A couple of students had more challenging sentences and we helped them as a class assemble theirs. After each child had their sentence together they drew an illustration to go along with it.
On yet another session, we took all of the students sentences and illustrations a sequenced them to retell Oliver Button is a Sissy.
Ready for Meet the Teacher!!!
I don't think that I could be any happier with the way my classroom turned out this year. The parents and kids all seemed to really like it when they came to meet me on Thursday night. It just seems so bright and happy. I hope that is how the kiddos will feel. Here are some pics. While I was uploading these I realized there are some details that I left out. Also, there are some boards that were intentionally left blank. That is so I have some space to post my anchor charts as we are learning new things.
These are cans that I got from the cafeteria. I spray painted them black. Then I arranged scrabble tiles on zebra fabric and took photos to them. This is where the kids will collect any papers that they need to collect to take home. I'm in love with them. If you come into my class, I will make you look at them!
I was inspired to create this from a photo I saw online. I saved the photo but I have no idea where I got it from. Then I found something similiar on reallygoodstuff.com
This year our curriculum is organized by units per six weeks. So everything in ELA-Reading, Science, and Social Studies can be ties into relationships. This area is designated for new learning involving relationships. Our first "featured literature" book is Oliver Button is a Sissy. We will be talking about the relationships that help him deal with being bullied. I will post more pics as we add things to the wall.
The blue tubs on the baskets are the kids book baskets. They are allowed to "shop" for books once a week. I train the kiddos to get their book basket anytime their work is complete.
We never just sit in room 39!!!!!
My mom sewed this awesome table skirt. I can hide all my junk behind my table and no one ever sees it.
