Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A Special Friends' Visit

It is not like me to waste an adult visitor! When our special friends descended upon Room 31 we put them to work kindergarten style!






Thank yous.... to Mrs. Schawb for the fabric, for Mrs. Lee for the prep and to Mrs. Heenen for sewing our ponchos! They are beautiful!


Of course we had to lure them in with a few songs. This is Ainsworth's kindergarten singing their favorite tunes from music class.

Shapes Go Three Dimensional

Leo! I need the sphere! --You've got a sphere Yoyo. Have you seen a rectangular prism? Just use the tetrahedron! (triangular pyramid)

Jonas compares two solids. Just wait until he finds out they have volume!


Mexico is integrated in all we do! This math center uses 2-D shapes to create Aztec murals.


How many ways can you make a hexagon? Three rhombus, two trapezoids, six triangles...can you mix the shapes to create a hexagon with more or less shapes?



A Teacher's Proudest Moment

(¿Dónde está México? It is under America. America is where I live!)

Countless Mexico books read aloud. Maps made. Films watched. Poncho painted. Spanish used. Pesos traded. Aztec temples built...

For all a teacher does and prepares to do, it is all worth it when a child CHOOSES to WRITE about the subject during his free time. It seems simple, but I had to hold back the tears.


(I like learning about Mexico!!)

RUN for the Arts







Olivia's Family Cutlure

Olivia taught us about honesty. Olivia has always been open and honest about herself, her life and her opinions. She is the perfect balance between frankness and sensitivity. When sharing about her run ins with the family law, she shared how, when and why she earns consequences for breaking family rules. The class joined in with their conflicts with family cultural expectations. Olivia made it clear, most of the time, it is not worth breaking the rules. Some of her friends in kindergarten did not agree. Hmmm. This discussion continued during writing, lunch and into the afternoon.

The Tree Lady Returns

Mrs. Reed brought her bag of goodies for scientific inspection.

Delilah investigates a seed pod.

Jonas wonders at the difference between a pinecone and a thing that looks a lot like it called a "fur"cone (dougfir that is).

Is it a broad leaf or a needle leaf?

Friday, April 10, 2009

A World of Shapes



We are beginning a new math unit on 2 and 3-d shapes and their properties. To kick off our unit the kids cooperatively created five murals using pattern block shapes and other media. These masterpieces were then titled and hung in the hallway.




Brooke's Family Culture

Brooke amazed the class with a full family tree. First we were shocked to learn what a 'family tree' really means, then to learn that Brooke knows so much about each member of her family. We also were fascinated by the diagram's legend... Thanks for the anticipatory set Brooke, we're introducing map making along with our Mexico unit!

Brooke explains what each symbol on her family tree signifies.

Welcome Rosy!

Rosy joined us on Monday! She was more then ready! She has made some great friends with student in and our of our class. Welcome Rosy!

Justin's Family Culture


Justin practiced his presentation, and it showed! Mr. Lee engaged the crowd by memorizing his presentation (WOW), remembered to stay to the side of his visuals and let his excitement shine through.
Justin read through his rules and responsibilities and gave the sign for a vote from the class. Thumbs up or down, do you have similar rules at home?



Kindergarten focused on the different foods we eat and the ways in which we practice our spiritual beliefs. Justin shared how his family gives thanks everyday. They also eat fish with the head still on; this was Justin's favorite part, and the class now wants to try it out!

Introducing....Rocky Road Milkshake Kindergarten

Rocky Road Milkshake Kindergarten has settled into the routines and procedures of kindergarten with ease. After our fierce primary campaigns, the final vote was up to Rocky (Road) and Milkshake. In a private vote the class chose Rocky 13:10, what a close race! After the votes were counted it was suggested that Rocky have a full name. Therefore, Rocky Road Milkshake was the most logical course of action, with Kindergarten added on for a surname.