Let's Go Fly a Kite!

Every Spring I bring my kite into school and I let the crew fly it with me.  This year I found a great kite making video on Pinterest and decided that we could do this and create our own kites. 

What joy to see the children running with their kites!  We were so glad for the sun and just the right amount of wind.  Enjoy!

Reading for Meaning with Debbie Miller!

I'd like to introduce you to Debbie Miller!
Author, Teacher, Mentor. In the world of elementary teachers, she is somewhat of a goddess!  We revere how she teaches us that little children can be deep thinkers of their reading.

On the left is one of her books that I have studied and worked from as I teach reading.  On the right is wonderful book that she taught from today during her visit to our room.

Today's lesson: Synthesizing!
It goes like this. As you read a book your thinking grows bigger and your thoughts about the story change.
Here Debbie is helping Chase learn to share his synthesizing by saying, "First I was thinking this....But now I am thinking this..."

After Debbie read this book and taught us how to synthesize the children were sent off to practice this in their own books. Some of them used sticky notes to mark their thinking.  Debbie stayed to confer and support our first attempts at this new reading tool.

What a gift Debbie is to the world!
Even more than what she knows about reading, it's her sweet spirit and tender heart that moves us all to tears.  And we are forever changed from her touch.
Thank you Debbie.  You've changed our lives!

Castlewood Canyon Voyage 2015

Every year when we walk up to the rock wall I can feel the children's hearts start beating a bit faster as they look up.
I can only imagine how big it looks to 6 and 7 year olds and certainly different than the climbing they have done inside!

But proudly each child was determined to do their personal best and they came away feeling empowered by the challenge.  We had a wonderful day playing together.

Spring Expedition: The Garden System

One of my students came up with the definition of the garden system.  I couldn't have explained it better myself! As we learn more about the system of the garden we are adding to this wall.  

Here is how our study is rolling out:

1.  Worms and how they help the soil.

• We began our study with a mystery piece...the kids thought they were just studying soil but soon discovered the soil had worms in it!

• We built a worm farm and have been keeping a journal as we observe them in this habitat.
• We conducted worm experiments and measured earthworms.

• We began a circle of learning, adding what we thought we knew about worms to what we now know about worms.

•  We read expert text about worms in small groups, practicing communicating, collaborating, critical thinking and creating. Then we presented our learning to the crew.

• Finally, we used pictures and words to explain what we know about the interdependency of worms and soil. The children have learned so much!

2.  Planting the garden

• With the help of Ms. Marla in kindergarten, we have begun planting peppers and tomatoes indoors.  We are journaling about the plants as they grow.  In May we will plant a salsa garden outdoors.  

3. Bees and how they help the garden

• We have begun studying bees and Mr. Leo helped us to begin understanding how the bees and garden depend on each other.  Honey bees are our friends!

Wow!  Expeditionary Learning is awesome!

Stay posted for more on bees and the garden.

Spring Indoor Climbing 2015

Wow...isn't always so amazing to see 6 and 7 year olds take on such amazing personal challenges?
Enjoy these photos of our climbing week.  I tried to get everyone in a picture! Thanks to all of our parents who were able to come and belay.