FYI

     It's just me...on a Saturday no less.  The raindrops continue to fall just enough to induce sleep as I attempt to finish my novel.  To wake me up I decided to check my email and came across this great article from the New York Times that may be of interest.  It seems that Recess remains the favorite class of children each year...and for good reason.  Perhaps those of us in the adult category need to reexamine taking up this class once again!  Enjoy the rain...and the nap!

ps  just click on FYI to take you to the article...

Let the Research begin...

For the parent auction we are working on painting and decorating a dresser in honor of Kevin Henkes. For the past several months we have been reading anything by this author. So for our auction project we decided to have children draw favorite characters from the book and create a work of art in honor of Mr. Henkes...and by george...I think they've done it! With the help of some very dedicated parents (YEAH! Sallie, Jennifer, Lisa, Garfield) we are on our way! Thanks to everyone for helping out!
During the day today we spilt the class in two as they made trips to the library to visit Mrs. Jester as they begin gathering information on their Famous American. They gathered books and materials that will assist them as they begin to think about writing their speeches. Later we read a short biography about Abraham Lincoln and practiced writing facts using the text as our guide. Math found us measuring and introducing the infamous tape measure. "This is so cool!" Bobby was overheard saying as he measured things all around the room. Parents, they aren't very expensive...they'd make wonderful stocking stuffers! Just a thought!

And the Famous American is...

Today was an important day in the life of all first graders at Summit. After much anticipation students learned their new identities for the next 8 weeks. For the past month we have been reading biographies and talking about the words "famous" and "Americans." In a somewhat formal ceremony each child sat in the stool as teachers revealed their new names to fanfare music to boot. They each received a bag of information as well as upcoming dates and a speech worksheet. We try and call them by their new names but it takes a few days for my memory to kick in. During math we reviewed math times by playing a concentration game with clocks and times. Anders brought in David Shannon's new book about toys which we read and enjoyed. At the present time they sit in a circle at the feet of their french teacher learning words that are beginning to make me hungry. We'll end the day by sharing the Famous Americans from the other classes. It's a great time for learning!