We're back on!

Hi again everyone.  After home computer gliches making it difficult to upload photos we are back in the land of blogging!

It was really great to see everyone again after the winter break and to hear all of the stories the children had to share.

We started our week back with a very funny book entitled: There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.  I think most of us know this story and the accompanying song.

The students embarked on their own book-making adventure but added a twist to their story lines.

The cover of their book reads: There was _____(student's name)___ who swallowed a spider. Holes were cut through the "belly" section of the book and the children added hungry characters such as brothers and sisters to the following pages who also ate the spider.  The end results were very clever and very funny!

Some of our students are visiting Cherie in the library four times per week.  They have selected a topic of study that they are fascinated about and are working on research projects.  With the help of some older students, they are creating video presentations.

In gym, the students are developing ball skills.  They are practicing rolling,

throwing,

and catching.

In Karen and Jen's Math group, the students are doing hands on activities and playing games that develop beginning addition skills.

In Wendy and Jenny's Math group, exploring numbers and number patterns to 100 was the focus during the first two weeks of January.

Now they are beginning to learn about addition strategies.

On Thursdays, our UBC teacher candidates come into our classrooms and become part of our community.  They are beginning to plan and teach lessons as well as participate in Calendar, Language Groups and Guided Reading.  Last Thursday, they read the book, Diary of a Spider.

Then the children created short book responses describing an activity they did yesterday and today and then predicted what they would do tomorrow.

These past few days have involved a lot of change and closure.  Firstly, our learning of spiders came to an end.  Students created spiders hats that illustrated their knowledge of the life cycle of spiders.

We brainstormed and discussed our ideas then sequenced them on a strip of paper.

Then we became spiders!  Eek!

Secondly, our beloved Rahel had her last "official" day with us.  She will be taking some much-deserved time to keep her feet elevated, to nap, and to prepare for the birth of her baby girl.

On Friday, the students offered advice to Rahel to ensure she takes care of her baby properly.  Here is the list. 

Finally, Rahel was presented with a beatutiful card made by some students in Div 1 and 2 and signed by everyone.

Once Baby is born, Rahel will be returning for visits.

Thanks for visiting and we'll see you next week!