100 Day & Valentine's Day

February 13th was a super fun day for Team 25.  We celebrated both Valentine's day and the 100th day of school.  For 100th day we watched a short video showing people from ages 1 to 100.  Next, the students went on a scavenger hunt around the classroom for 100 hearts.  They only managed to find 95 hearts but over the next few days, three more were found!  After that, they were challenged  to see how many times they could write their names in 100 seconds.  The students also did a short writing activity where they had to say what they would do if they were given $100.  Most students said they would buy toys or candy but Max said he would donate it to charity.  What a kind heart!  The highlight of our day was when I took pictures of the students using the "Aging Booth" app so that we could see what everyone would like when they are 100 years old!  Funny how you lose your teeth when you're 7 years old and then again when you are elderly!  We had a great day!

Outchie Stories

It has been extremely slippery outside.  I told the students about how my nephew Ty slipped on the ice at school and had to get 6 or 7 stitches on his eyebrow.  This sparked a 45 minute conversation about all the times we have ever gotten hurt.  I decided to turn this into a writing opportunity so the students began writing "Outchie Stories", i.e., telling about a time they got hurt.  These stories are going to be compiled into a class book and given to my nephew Ty so that he doesn't feel like he is the only one who has ever gotten hurt.  This provides the students with an authentic writing experience where they are writing for a specific audience (Ty).  Everyone was further motivated to tell their stories when they found out that they would each get to type their own story on the iPads and airdrop it to me.  Once I receive all of the students' stories along with a photo, they will be formed into a book on the App, "Book Creator".  We will be able to electronically send a copy of the book to Ty's classroom teacher, as well as keep our own copy, plus I will print a hard copy to have in our classroom library.  I'm SO proud of all the students for all the work they have put into this project!  Way to go Team 25!

Scaredy Diva Squirrel-Entry 3

After the conference was over, we were still able to spend the weekend in Florida.  I had no idea that Mrs. Shabaga had such great connections!  I was actually able to meet my heroes Chip and Dale! OMG!  However, panic immediately started to set in when Chip actually tried to TAKE A BITE OUT of me during our "meet and greet"!  Fortunately, I was whisked away for another photoshoot where I was surrounded by mini Chip and Dale Stuffies!  When Mrs. Shabaga's feet and ankles got sore, Miss Kirkland provided piggy back rides so she wouldn't have to walk.  What a great friend!