Curiosity and Discovery

This is one of my favorite quotes. There is great wisdom in it. I encourage my students to always be curious.

Recently I challenged them to write down a different wonder each day. Some wondered what their family members and pets did while they were at school, others wondered about Earth and space, and some wondered about their own lives.

In Social Studies, we're studying the World Map and learning the locations of the seven continents and five oceans. In an effort to make the world a bit of a smaller place and make some global connections, I held up a few items and asked my students where they thought they were made. Immediately one child stated that everything was made in China. Hmmmm, I WONDER if that's true.....

As they explored items in their desks, around the room and the clothes and shoes they wore, we did hear "China" but we also heard, Honduras, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada and wait for it...USA!

Tonight they will explore their homes for products. I can't wait to hear about the results!

 

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Aquarium Visit

FIELD TRIP

We had a great time at the New England Aquarium in Boston. There were amazing exhibits. The fish and sea mammals seemed to enjoy having their photos taken!

The touch tanks were amazing. We learned the proper way to touch a stingray and handle a starfish. The sharks were a bit shy, but some had the chance to pet them too.

During the IMAX film we learned the human impact on Humpback Whales from early whaling to current rescue and protection efforts.

This was surely a memorable day!

 

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Bring your favorite book day

Today was another inspiring day at Shaker Lane. In the spirit of National Read Across America Month, we all brought our favorite books to school. Many of us brought along a snuggly blanket too.

I brought a copy of The Poky Little Puppy. It was the first book I checked out with my new library card as a little kid. I didn't just check it out once. For as long as I can remember, every time my Nana brought me to the library, I renewed that book.

Mrs. Sturtz brought a copy of Alice in Wonderland given to her as a young girl by a special Uncle. It still bears the priceless inscription inside.

Books are very special gifts.

What's your favorite book?

 

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A visit from an author

 

Ms. Asselin explained the importance of adding descriptive details to give the reader a true picture of what a character is feeling. She asked for volunteers to help her demonstrate this.

She pointed out their expressions and body language as they tried the jelly beans she gave them. These were no ordinary jelly beans....

What a great lesson and what great sports our volunteers were!

We're authoring our own stories and poems in class. We're working on adding detail through imagery and by using our senses.

Stay tuned....

 

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The cat in the hat

March 2nd is Theodore Geisel's Birthday. Schools across the country honor this amazing author with Seussical Celebrations every year.

Here we are as Teacher 1 and Teacher 2 along with Thing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7......

During math we estimated the goldfish in our "bowls", sorted them by colors, them graphed the results.

Time was spent in the computer lab on Suessville.com!

We read many Dr. Seuss books throughout the day and look forward to sharing some with our Book Buddies on Wednesday.

"Read Across America" continues at Shaker Lane throughout the month of March with visits from authors and continued focus on reading and writing.

 

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