January 17th

Today Fin was introduced to our class and with him we are going to read some great stories and focus on how we all can be more socially responsible people.  Fin will be taking vacations with each of us and we will all have an opportunity to bring Fin home and write about our adventures with him.  Fin has his own special suitcase and writing supplies but feel free to add any photos that you'd like.
This morning we read the story "Don't Laugh At Me!"  by Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin, we had a great discussion how we are all different but really all the same and how name calling, staring or not even looking at someone can be very hurtful.   We did this cool thing with kiwis where we all choose a kiwi and we identified it from the outside but once they were peeled they were all the same on the inside!  We  then of course ate the kiwis.  We also made this bulletin board for our hallway!

We have started our space unit and have already learned some interesting facts.  In math we focused on place value and started several different stations where we are practicing hundreds, tens and ones and even thousands.    On Tuesday we ate the gingerbread house and train that we had made last week.  Noura has been helping out all this week again and we are all enjoying having her in the class. Unfortunately her last day is Monday.

Just a couple reminders to please sign up for the parent portal (we now have 1/2 the class signed up!) If you sign up please note you can still pay with cheque or cash, just put it in a envelope and send it in the planner.
Next Friday, Jan. 24th there is no school as it is a Professional Development Day.

I am currently taking my graduate program and thought you may be interested in viewing this video which two doctors discuss the importance of play for children.  http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/prescriptionforplay

It's about 12 minutes long.