...And We're Back!

Our classroom has been buzzing with excitement this week as we prepared to lead the whole school community meeting to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday (March 2nd is the real day)!

We made some festive hats:

We rehearsed our lines for the "Guess the Book" game: Look and listen HERE

We practiced reading The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, which we read to the kindergarteners during the community meeting:

But that's not all...

We also started a new writing unit!  We picked Donald Crews to be our mentor author, and are studying his books for crafts that we can try using in our own stories.

In math, we have incorporated quarters into our coin counting, and have started telling time to the nearest minute.

In science, we are building a variety of wheel and axle systems to see which designs will go the farthest.  Check out some video HERE!

Over February break, I had the opportunity to visit Opal, Rosie, and Dr. Laurita at Hope Elephants in Hope, ME.  I highly recommend a drive up the coast to visit this amazing organization (and maybe a hike up Bald Rock while you're at it!).  The work that is being done by Dr. Laurita and these retired circus animals is inspiring and heartwarming, not to mention extremely progressive.  The presentation is remarkably informative and child friendly, as a large number of schools field trip to this magical little spot.   Lessons on the importance of community, compassion, and determination will stay with you long after your visit with these brilliant elephants.  Check out the website http://hopeelephants.org/ and make sure to call to schedule your visit!