Winter Wonderland...well sort of...

Everyone arrived with big smiles and stories of our first "big" snow. The early morning was spent spinning tales of what recess would be like, but by 10am their dreams began melting.
"Mr. Dahler, it's melting. We'll never make it in time." As we finished reading and were finishing snack I remembered what the first snow was like for me so I made an executive decision. At 10:05 we would "sneak" out to the football field where we could still see traces of the white stuff lingering still. As we gathered our coats and made our way outside you could feel the eagerness and excitement all around. The next ten minutes were filled with memories for the future. Some made snow angels, while others rolled down the hill chasing one another with laughter. We looked on with wonder remembering the joy snow can bring to six and seven year olds. Before long children noticed cold hands and falling temperatures so we headed back inside for math. But for those 10 minutes I was a child again...and all was at peace in the world once more.

Toby Turns Three...

What a day! I would have never believed that turning three could be so exhausting. The day started off pretty normal with hay, water, feed, and a bit of raw sweet potato. When the children arrived they petted my head alot...especially Bobby...I think he likes me! Then they made me all these cards and signs that said things like, "You're the best rabbit ever!" and "What a sweet boy!" Oh my gosh...I was so embarrassed! The fun part was when they let me spend the morning on the floor and while everyone worked, I got to play. I liked staying under the couch cause it's dark and quiet but sometimes I would come out and run around. I like to see all the smiles and hear all the humans laugh! The best part is when Mr. Dahler tries to catch me. He's sooo slow and I'm sooo fast! It takes him awhile, but then I let him catch me and put me on the counter. All the class is gone now...and it was a fun day...but I am pooped! It's time for yet another nap...

Our Gym Opens!

After many months our new Athletic Center opened its doors for the first time yesterday. It was amazing to see what has transpired after all the hard work and dedication that went into making this dream a reality. The students also got to meet our new Eagle Mascot. At the present he has no name and the school is having a contest to name him. If you have ideas you can submit them at the box located near the main office.

We created word searches using words from our word wall and then began working on our pattern books in writing. During French children are learning numbers and playing games that I no longer understand, but they appear to be understanding very well.

We also celebrated Jordan's birthday and her dad came in and told us a great story about slamming her finger in the car door when she was five. What an entertainer! He had all of us in great laughter before he finished! Thanks for stopping by. Our poem this week is about Video Games. We talked about the differences between a wild and tame game and then wrote about our favorites.

A parent mentioned that she had gotten a copy of the book we are reading this year together and is looking forward to getting started. We are reading Chapter Two this month and will be blogging about it next week so look for the post. Enjoy the cold...I just turned my heat on this week...I thought it was time! :)

Big Friends!

Today we got a chance to get together with our Big Friends in 6th grade. We walking over to the middle school and found them eagerly awaiting our arrival. For about 30 minutes students worked together on thinking of what to be thankful for. No matter what they do just spending time with an older friend is soooo coool!
During our morning work we took the time to watch a hawk which was in the playagound outside our windows. The hawk had eyed a nest in nearby trees and three crows were defending the nest by circling the area and diving at the hawk. It was a great, unplanned "teachable moment." After this excitement we introduced several new words to the word wall and then created our own Word Searches using at least six of the words we have up on our wall. We now have over 30 words and the class seems to enjoying the challenge. Word Rings are reviewed each morning with an activity each day to focus on. During math workshop we reviewed our homework from last week before learning a new math game called High Roller. You can find directions for the game on our website.
Ashley...where are you? We hope you feel better very soon. Your Big Friend wrote you a note so check your mailbox as soon as you can...