Seasonal Fun in Room 102

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Enjoy the season!

Elf Kisses

December's Estimation Jar was filled with Elf Kisses. Students' estimates were used to create a frequency table. The monthy estimation activity helps reinforce math skills and provides a whole lot of fun while learning. 

Anden's estimation was right on - - 84 Elf Kisses!

Remarkable Reindeer Noses

For the past week we have been reading and studying poetry, paying lots of attention to rhyme scheme, rhythm, tone, mood, and figurative language.  We read one seasonal poem about Rudolph's nose changing colors.  After reading the poem, students were given the option to design a new nose for Rudolph.

The noses decorate our classroom door - I could not resist placing these noses front and center during the holidays. They are so clever and festive.

Mr. Koehn, student teacher in art,  "wow-ed" us with his creation of a reindeer nose. We think Rudolph has acquired another famous nose . . .

Thanks, Mr. Koehn, for joining our fun!

12.12.12

For those who like to play with numbers, one of the century's most significant dates is today, 12.12.12, is the last of the repeating dates to occur in our lifetimes.

Some very clever elves chose NMS as the place to celebrate the date. Students were treated to a candy cane and a 12.12.12 sticker. 

Planner Police

As students rotate between several classrooms, organization helps them experience success. Students need to maintain binders daily. This task will only feel like a mammoth chore if it is neglected over a period of time.

Helping students with organization is important. Organization skills are worthwhile life-long skills. The goal for organization is to eliminate tardiness, forgetfulness, and lack of preparedness.

The beginning of second semester is a good time to check over school supplies. Students may need to restock their supply of pencils, pens, and/or paper. 

You may monitor your child's progress by checking these folders.  

 Red = Language Arts

Green = Science

Blue = Math

Purple = Social Studies

Yellow = News and Notes 

The "planner police" make frequent visits to Room 102. Their job is to check students' planners and desks. Students are ticketed and encouraged to get organized before they get the incentive treat.

Today Room 102 celebrated a successful first semester.         

There were no tickets - - just cake and smiles.

A shout out to Third Grade Love for sharing the "ticketed" download.

A Bit of WhoVille in Room 102

The season just wouldn't be the same without at least one showing of the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  Room 102 chose to extend the lesson of the greedy ol' Grinch and provide a creative outlet for students to write.

A descriptive holiday was the topic of this assignment. Students used words and language to paint a detailed and complete picture of a holiday experience.

This writing project was our introduction to Google Docs. One of the best features of Google Docs is the collaboration feature. Students were taught how to share their documents online. Essays were checked online and suggestions for revisions were provided for students online. When students finally printed their work, they had been proofed.

He may be grouchy, but he made this writing project a whole lot of fun. 

If you'd like to learn more about Google Docs, click the icon.

'Tis the Season

The official kick-off to the holidays began in Room 102 with the arrival of a Santa bag packed with . . .  books!

Room 102 is using winter holiday picture books to practice the application of theme. 

A literary theme is not the same as the storyline or the subject. The overall message of the story is the theme and often it’s the idea that sticks with the reader long after the book is over. 

An anchor chart was created to assist student understanding of theme. 

In this mini unit, students will read narratives about familiar customs, symbols, and history of the winter holiday season plus read about celebrations in different cultures. They'll analyze and record themes in a reading journal.

Students were plenty eager to begin this unit. Books were in students' hands before I could place them on the library shelves. 

Excitement builds as students track their reading progress with an incentive punch card.

     Happy Reading!