Read Aloud, Making predictions and Thinking Maps

Our Mystery Reader is always a highlight of Friday! Sofia's dad was loads of fun in room two today! What a treat for us all!


Speaking of reading, we finished up our Gold Medal books today and took a vote. The winner in room 2 is a great little story about a dancing hippo called "Hilda Must Be Dancing."



We also took some time today to make our predictions about Groundhog's Day. We can't wait to hear if he sees his shadow on Feb. 2 this year!









We have also been working on becoming experts at using our "Thinking Maps." We have done a lot of "Brain-Storm-ing" with our "Cirle Map," lots of "De-scrib-ing" with our "Bubble Map," we have been able to use our "Tree Map" when "Putting Things in Groups," and we visited our "Double Bubble Map" today for the first time to "Compare and Contrast." I am not just bragging, these kids are experts! Ask them to cheer about the maps for you and you'll see what I mean!

Kung Hei Fat Choy

This week we have talked a little about Chinese New Year. 2009 is The Year of the Ox.
We watched a small clip on our SMARTBoard about this "Spring festival."
We got festive and made our own ox banners, Chinese lanterns and dragons!
Ask your kiddo which color is very popular to wear when ushering in the Chinese New Year. (The color is Red).
Also ask what would be in the "hongbao," or red envelopes given to family and friends (especially the youngsters) as a symbol of luck and wealth. (They contain money).
I hope the year of the Ox will be a great one for us all!
Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Rain, Rain, Rainy Day!

Rainy days used to be my favorite as a kid!
Take a little peek at our rainy day together...


Georges' mom came in as our Mystery Reader.
She read "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," a classroom favorite!
What a treat for room 2!

Once recess finally rolled around, there were lots of wiggles to get out!


Puzzles,

unifix cubes,

and play food seemed to do the trick!

Have a happy and safe weekend and as my mom always used to say...
"try to walk between those raindrops."

Valentine Sticker Grams

This "lovely" day is quickly approaching, and Student Council will be selling Valentine Sticker grams for $1.00 each. They will be sold from 7:50-8:05 am next Wed. - Fri (January 28-30) on the blacktop. Just a reminder to students that when they are sending Valentine Grams they need to include the room number of the recipient as well as their name.

Our 1st day together

Here is a snapshot from our first day together!
What a crew!
The keiki of room 2 were more than welcoming to Pipsqueak and myself.




The Early Birds and I were able to watch President Ombama get sworn in and we talked a little about what a special day it was during our overlap time, as a whole class.

We met "Francie Fish" and "Elmer the Elephant" today.



Ask your kiddo to show you the ASL (American Sign Language) signs for the letters "F" and "E."

A special thanks to the moms who came in and kept us on track with our Earobics.
It was fun getting to know these little ladies and gents (and a few of their folks) and I know this is going to be a real adventure in learning!

Pipsqueak

Meet our class pet Pipsqueak!
Pipsqueak is a parakeet who lives in room 2.
He joined the ranks of Seacliff Elementary over two years ago and has been helping Mrs. Strickland “pip” along ever since! When he is not helping the students of room 2 by singing a little tune, he loves to listen to stories and upbeat music. Be sure to stop by and visit our feisty little feathered friend!
Disclaimer: He can be a bit of a "pipsqueak."