We have just finished another wonderful week.

Here are some of the highlights:

• "Cha, Cha, Slide"--Each morning the students participate in a warm-up dance or "aerobics." The warm-up gives us an opportunity to "shake out our sillies" and get ready for learning. This week, I introduced the class to a new warm up song, "The Cha, Cha, Slide," and they LOVE it!!!!!! During the song, there is a man who sings/calls out the steps/routine. It is so much fun!!!
• Christopher Columbus--The students enjoyed learning about Christopher Columbus and his many adventures. They also enjoyed re-enacting his voyage across the Atlantic Ocean (the playground in our case).
• The students loved listening to Bill Martin Jr.'s story, Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom. In this delightful book, the letters in the alphabet climb to the top of a coconut tree. After reading the book, the students began making their own coconut tree. So far, we have painted the trunk and the coconuts. One student suggested that when the other classes see our tree they are going to want to make one too!! We are, therefore, in the process of writing the directions for how to make a coconut tree. Using an interactive writing approach, the students and I are "sharing the pen," to compose the how-to piece. To briefly explain, I write the majority of the piece and the students take turns coming up and writing parts they know (mainly sounds, but also "the" from the word wall).
• Other highlights include:
  • French with Mr. Joey
  • Special Musical Guests--The students really enjoyed a visit from the Saint John String Quartet.
  • Phys-ed at RHS
  • After listening to The Plump and Perky Turkey, the children made cute turkeys with Henry's mom.

Thinking ahead: As part of next week's homework, your child will be asked to choose a country to learn about for our International Night celebration. Have a wonderful weekend and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

Angela