Welcome to the First
Full Edition
of the Cardinal's Blog!
Monday
The Cardinals attend their first Art class for this school year! Johanna, our art teacher, met us at the Art room door. The Cardinals walked in and after introducing themselves. Johanna told us to look out the window and tell her what we saw. Friends had lots to say about what they saw. Johanna then asked friends to look at the ceiling and call out what they saw.
After touring the art room, Johanna asked friends to sit on the rug so she could talk to us. She then asked, "Who has used markers, paint, chalk, paintbrushes or scissors before? Johanna told friends those are just some of the materials we will use in art class this year. Johanna then read the book, Press Here by Heve Tullet. The book was very interactive and all friends got a turn doing something with the book!! Our Cardinals were in constant giggles throughout the book!! As your Cardinal, how did you help with the book?
Today we worked with materials such as white paper, paintbrushes, paint and water as we created dots in whatever form our hearts desired! Friends did a great job creating their individual master pieces! Ask your Cardinal what did you do in art class?
The Cardinals each chose how they wanted to decorate their family's photo frame. Friends worked with paints, stickers, different color sequins, glitter, feathers and markers as they decided how to design their frames!!
Tuesday
Early this morning the Cardinals were off to have their pictures taken by professional photographers!! The Cardinals did a great job!! Yay Cardinals!!
Back inside, we had morning meeting before heading off to see Alicia, our Spanish teacher. This was our second time in Spanish class! Alicia again introduced herself and then went around the circle and asked each Cardinal to say their name. As friends said their name Alicia repeated each friend's name by saying hola (hello) and then the friend's name! Alicia continued by telling friends some of the things they will be learning in Spanish class this year! She then read the book, Our Class is a Family (Nuestra clase es una Familia) by Shannon Olsen.
Alicia told us that at the end of each Spanish class a Cardinal friend will get to squeeze la vaca (the cow)! The cow only speaks Spanish. The cow says Muchas Gracias! The Cardinals then replied De nada! Today it was Simone's turn to squeezed la vaca!
After our snack time, we had Group read aloud - this happens everyday or several times throughout our day. We read two books from our class book shelf called Giraffe Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. Before reading each book we asked friends to predict, "What do you think this book is going to be about?". While reading we also asked friends, "What do you think will happen next?", "Why do you think Gerald was sad?" or "What just happen in the story?". These are thought provoking ways of helping young children to make predictions, recall information, engage in conversation and to develop a love of books.
We also had a conversation about how Gerald was feeling?, Were the animals kind? How was the Princess kind and was the Prince nice? How our Cardinals should treat each other. What friends can say if something happens that they like or do not like and how to get help from a teacher. At the end of our read aloud each friend picked which book they liked most and said why they picked that book!! Ask your Cardinal which book they choose?
Wednesday
After our morning choice time, cleaning up, morning meeting and snack time. The Cardinals went to our first library class. Michelle and Ashanti, our lower school librarians introduced themselves to us and we did the same. Ashanti and Michelle went over the library rules with us such as using a quiet voice, how to pick a book, how to check a book out and how to take care of books. Ashanti then read us the book, Little Brown Bear Won't Take a Nap by Jane Dyer. Friends then got a chance to choose a book of their choice to bring back to our classroom. These books will live on the bookshelf in our classroom and we will return them in a week. Please note that EC students do not bring library books home that will start in Kindergarten!
Keisha, our Music teacher, met us at the music room door for our first Music class today. Keisha introduced herself by saying her name and her favorite color. Each Cardinal then did the same as they went around our circle, nice job Cardinals!! Keisha continued by playing her guitar and introducing the hello song. Friends echoed Keisha in singing Jambo which means hello in Swahili. We also sang hello in Spanish and French. We then continued singing Jambo to the trees, sun, friends, birds and the world! Keisha showed us the sign language signs for standing and sitting. The Cardinals then watched and did a great job following Keisha's directions! Friends also dance with scarves and egg shakers to the song Get Your Body Moving. Ask your Cardinal, what did you do in Music class?
Thursday
Early Morning Choice Time
In PE class with Tiffany, one of our gym teachers, the Cardinals introduced themselves again by saying their names. Tiffany then explained that today in class, we will have free choice of exploring with hula hoops, soft balls and balls of different sizes. Ask your Cardinal, "what did you do in Gym class?"
Outdoor Exploration and Large Motor Fun
Friday
We had our first lower school assembly in the auditorium early this morning! Andrea welcomed us and then we were led by 4th graders in singing our assembly hello song! The song consists of us standing and clapping our hands, dancing, patting our legs and stomping our feet to different parts of the song! After announcements, students were introduced to all the teachers in lower school by watching a short video of each grade band of teachers. We talked about what it means to be in community and how to treat others, all while still taking care of ourselves. Ask your Cardinal how it felt sitting in the big seats?
The Cardinals creating what they called "A book maze"
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