When you have apples...

Make applesauce!  Today we summed up our learning about story elements by reading about Johnny Appleseed and making applesauce. John Chapman was a great character to study and he lived in a very different setting than we do!  The class decided that they " didn't have Krogers" so Johnny planted apple seeds to help feed people. This helped us identify the problem and solution. 

Our rooms smelled extra yummy, and we had a sweet treat before we left for the weekend!  It was a great way to integrate learning (senses, cooking, writing, reading, and a little math). 

Be sure to ask your student about pips!

Thinking Hard

I love problem solving!  Today we were working on problem solving and WOW what a great start. Be sure to ask your kid about ump statements. After decided what we were looking for, we had to "figurer it out" (according to Kaila). We practiced acting it out and then drawing a picture to represent our thinking. 

It was great to see the EVERY student work hard!  

Friday Reading Circle!

My dad always said the best part of the weekend was 4pm on Friday, because he had everything ahead of him. The best part for me in Friday at 2:30. We take time to just stretch out and enjoy some story time. We are reading Ivy and Bean (some kids call it Ivy and Jelly Bean).   It's great to stretch out on the floor and settle in for a relaxing story. 

I know the kids love it as much as I do!  It's a great reward to the hard working week!  

Happy weekend, our middle son is in flight to Paris (for the next 6 weeks for work)... Bon jour until Monday!

Science Tools to Explore!

As we learn about scientist, today we had time to explore different tools.  Students went to stations and had fun trying everything out. 

We miss you Caden

Today was a sad day for our school family.  Sweet Caden had an accident last night and broke his arm in 2 places.  He was a real trooper, and is on the mends.  Please keep him in your thoughts.

We sent a video and made cards to cheer him up!

Wow! Has it only been 1 week?

I can't believe it has only been 1 week.  We are already doing things like we have been in school a month.  I am SO impressed with these kids (and already head over heals in love with each one)!  This week has been full of name games, learning excitement, and make connections.  Today I took some time to ask students to think about what their favorite part of the week was.  We really worked on giving small moments and using specific details.  This is what they had to say (some students chose to pass)...

Analiese -"When I looked at the class list on the door and saw my teacher's name"

Madison, Aiden, Timothy, Raymond, Eliana and Dylan - all loved the blue monster that fell from the art room ceiling.  HE even tried to eat Kaila's hair tie.  Be sure to ask about this one!

Nicole loved art.

Kaila enjoyed coming to meet the teacher.

Trinity "when we made a graph on the way we go home, there are more people riding in cars" (LOVE the math language more!)

Katherine - "playing the name game and being able to win!"

Ben "Getting the card in the mail that said I had Mrs. Johnson)

Holly "Meeting Mrs. Johnson"

Caden "the moment that I met Mrs. Johnson"

 Sarina "meeting Mrs. Johnson"

Nikolas "the very 1st time I started learning"

Bennett "the number of the day"

Ethan "the day I gave you the book as a present"

Joe "making a human number line"

Emerson " meeting new friends"

Enjoy the pictures I took from the week. It is going to be a GREAT year!

3, 2, 1...Blast OFF!

After a busy week of meetings and planning, it was great to meet all those smiling faces.  I love to see everyone fill our classroom, and bring it to life.  As my family spends a restuful Sunday, I'm ready for a new year of learning and growing.  I can't wait to see everyone in the morning!