Math fun

Paper and pencil can only teach us so much.  I enjoy making learning fun by using things other than pencils.  For example we graphed, sorted and counted colored goldfish.  Then ate a few to finish off the lesson.

Then during the month of October I brought in a bunch of Halloween themed items so that we could sort, add, and share during whole group.  Everyone seems to enjoy learning a lot more when play is incorporated.

Guest readers

So a few months ago my parents and grandparents were in town to see my sisters dance performance.  My family decided that they would stop by and read to the Jellies.  We all enjoyed having guest readers.  One day we hope to be able to guest read in other classes.

Thanks mom, dad, Amber, grandma, and grandpa!!

-From the Jellies

Field trips

We started our year of with a simple trip to GTE.  A bank located right across the street from the school.  It was an adventure for everyone to walk to our field trip.  Once we were at GTE they had a cute little activity set up where the kids could use play money to buy items such as lollipops, Frisbee, and coloring books. 

Our next filed trip led us to Publix since we were learning about our community and all the people that help us.  We even got to go into the back of Publix to see where the delivery trucks come in.

 The library puts on a play once a year so we obviously had to go check that out.  The kids and I enjoyed watching the very hungry caterpillar come to life right before our eyes.

 Our most recent trip was to Great Explorations, a children's museum, where they are strongly encouraged to touch and play with everything.   I love learning through play so this is one of my most favorite trips.  The kids really enjoyed themselves as you can see!!

Last but not least we finished our trip to Great Explorations with a little tip to the park.  Where we had a picnic lunch and played on the playground.  I learned that I have lots of little monkeys in my class who love to climb and be upside down.

Pumpkin carving

They were scared at first, but then loved getting all the pulp out of the pumpkin.

Ta da all cleaned out!

Pumpkin carving makes us a little SILLY!!

New agreement about Friday book buddies

Hi,
So on Monday's the kids and I have a classroom meeting.  During this weeks meeting the kids wrote down that they wanted to bring in their own books to read on Friday's.  We all agreed this was reasonable, as long as during the week we showed respect to the classroom books and read independently. The number of personal books brought on Friday was also discussed.  We felt one or two per student was a good number.  The second Friday book buddy discussion was bringing a stuffed animal of small or medium size.  I said this was a good idea so we could practice reading to them, again if during the week we aren't following book buddy agreements as a class then both of these privileges will not happen. The students are well aware that their behaviors decide whether or not we bring personal books and or a stuffed animals on Friday.  Come each Thursday we will discuss how book buddies went and whether or not we get to follow through with this new agreement. 

If the students do bring in things such as a stuffed animal, books, or show and tell please make sure they also have a backpack to put their belongings in.
Please and Thank you!
-Ms.Kelsey

Pumpkin patch

We went and visited the Clearview United Methodist church pumpkin patch, which resulted in lots of learning fun! We found out that our pumpkins come from New Mexico and that before pumpkins turn orange they are green.  We also read a story, sang songs, and measured the pumpkins.  Finally at the end we bought baby pumpkins to take home.  

Problem solving

I am so proud of myself and the students today for a lovely lesson about problem solving.  I have noticed that problem solving mainly consists of "Ms.Kelsey Help Me".  I am one person and there are sixteen of them, so this solution is not always available.  So today I decided to ask them what problem solving meant to them, as well as some real life examples.  Their list was rather impressive! They said problem solving can be with math, injuries, solving mysteries, working it out, and finding solutions.
After our discussion they picked groups of four went to their tables to find paper, one tray of paint, q-tips, and straws.  The directions were simple, paint a picture.  Some looked at me waiting for paint brushes while others asked for a paint brush.  I again instructed them to paint a picture.  They quickly realized that they could use the q-tip and straw to paint.  They encouraged each other and provided ideas on different ways to use the supplies.  In the end they created beautiful master pieces.  So proud of them!!
I encourage you at home to practice problem solving with your child over anything and everything. See what solutions they come up with, you might be surprised (=

All about me bag

I sent home a brown paper bag and directions.  This is suppose to be a fun activity for the kids to think about what makes them unique.  Parents can help, but for the most part this assignment is for the kids.  I look forward to seeing what the kids bring in to describe themselves.

 As you can see we have been very busy!  We started out with practicing center rotations, but have acclimated enough where we do center work just like all the other classes. Getting use to a new routine has been tricky for all of us, but it is getting easier and easier everyday.

Parents if there is ever confusion about what your child is coming home and saying, please check the blog first.
For example, some of you might have heard from them say they need snack.  Let me clarify, everyday we go out around 10 for snack (one food item and a drink).  If your child doesn't have snack there is a box we refer to as the share box where they can get a snack.  However, we have been noticing more and more students using this box so some days snack maybe not be guaranteed.  To ensure your child does get a snack I have suggested to them they bring one with them.

Another message that might be getting mixed in translation is bringing a water bottle.  Recently using the pass to go get water has been super intriguing.  I would like to have them in class learning as much as possible and that either means, I close the passes more often or they bring a water bottle and get water in class.