A little bit of this, a little bit of that

As we do most days, we started our morning by playing together as a group at the carpet.  This is a great time for us to reconnect (especially on a Monday morning) and chat about the things that we want to chat about.  It gives us time to readjust to the classroom environment and its routines and expectations.  Today, the play was so positive.  I heard words like "do you want to play with us?" and "can I have a turn?" and "here you can use this one, I'm not using it."  We had a short interruption while we went to get our photos taken (I can't wait to see them!) and then we returned to continue this positive play.  Such a great way to start the week!

Then we moved to our tables to do a little bit of table work.  Each student was given a piece of paper to create their own birthday cake (which will be part of an "all about me" display soon).  The kids decorated their cakes and drew the appropriate number of candles for their age.  Again, I was so impressed with this group.  Their ability to follow directions and complete a task was fantastic!

Sometimes it's nice to read a story to your friend as she finishes her work!

Then, after recess, we went into the gym for the first time.  We practiced moving around the space in a safe way, looking where we are going, keeping our bodies under control and being mindful of others' personal space.  We also practiced listening to and following the signals in the gym.  Ask your child what it means when the whistle is blown in the gym.  Ask him/her why we have the "no screaming" rule in the gym.  

Oh, and I just had to take a photo of this…LOOK at this line up!  I told the class that I wanted to share it with the world!  Such super stars!

After gym, we came back and explored patterns.  We learned ways to name patters and started practicing (red, blue, red, blue can be named a, b, a, b).  I also showed that patterns can have three colours that repeat (yellow, orange, purple, yellow, orange, purple can be read a, b, c, a, b, c).  Some students were ready to start exploring some more complicated patterns, others continued to explore a, b patterns.  

Have a great afternoon in the sun!  We have just a couple more days to get all those forms in.  On Thursday, we will be having our Terry Fox Run.  We will be heading to Loutet Park (just behind the school) for the run.  I will need to have all of the "walking field trip" forms in before then so that we can take part.

Thanks!