Describing Our Halloween Costumes with Buddies

We met up with our buddies to practice using adjectives which would describe our Halloween costumes without giving away what we are going to be. Wish there were more time to spend with these guys!

Insect Report Research

Using the PebbleGo website is an excellent tool for getting students excited about researching and writing their Insect Reports. We will be choosing our insects this week, and begin finding details about the life cycles, diet, habitats and fun facts.

Non Standard Unit Measuring in Math Workshop

As we wind down on our first unit of instruction for math, students have been working on choosing the correct tool for measuring, doing so with non standard units. We continue to graph, write and identify big numbers, and solve problems.

Praying Mantis Observations

We lucked out and received the chance to observe a praying mantis up close and personal. Watching this predator stalk its prey in the aquarium was awesome. Don't believe me? Just look at their faces!

Pumpkin Day - 10/16/14

We spent the day using pumpkins in all our literacy and math blocks at school. Children read to their pumpkins, created adjective pumpkins, compared, contrasted, measured, estimated and counted with the pumpkins. LOTS of fun!

Big Trikes and More Kuipers Fun

Duck Races and Tire Tower at Kuipers

More Pumpkin Farm Fun

Kuipers Farm Trip 10/15/14

We had so much fun at Kuipers Farm. There were so many new things to "do" there (verbs), and we enjoyed seeing all the interesting (adjectives) and different "things" (nouns). Bringing home our own pumpkins for a special Pumpkin Math Day was also a highlight of the soggy trip. Thanks to our chaperones for braving the weather with us!  Hayrides, goats, corn mazes, big trikes, slides, spider webs, and more!

So Long Painted Ladies! 10/9/14

We let our painted lady butterflies go on Thursday, allowing them to have a chance to start one more round of the life cycle by laying some eggs.  We learned how important it is to be gentle with their wings and not touch them as they're made of microscopic scales that are damaged forever if we try to catch or touch them. Allowing them to land on you is completely different, ticklish, and fun!

Thank You, Mr. Kone - Our Friend Retires 10/3

Mr. Kone spent his last official day in his valued role at Grace McWayne School. The halls were lined with cones, and we held an assembly in his honor. There isn't a finer example of a man who takes such pride in his work, and does so with a genuine smile on his face. He's a role model for us all.

Painted Lady Adults Arrive

Right before our eyes, the Painted Lady butterflies emerged from their chrysalises, shook off the meconium, and later took flight. SO cool to see them come out of their "sleeping bags" right before our eyes.