Winter in choice time, New writing with Donald Crews, MLK, Donors Choose and more

This past week in class we did a lot of new explorations and learning in choice time centers. In the writing center students used books from the library to answer their own questions and to help them with their wonderings.

V.C uses the dinosaur book to help him with writing and his wondering

In the cooking center students worked on making their own play dough with out support. They also made snacks for the whole class, from filling in cups with different snacks to making a fun winter bear treat with graham crackers, marshmallows, peanut butter and chocolate chips. Students took ownership and created the snack all by themselves.

making bear treats

V making snack

figuring out how to put the snacks in the cups

This week we added in ice to our science center and students explored melted ice, ice with different colors, and also they added in wood to see what would happen with the water and the ice. 

Also in the science center some students took an interest in the fish in the science center and then decided to use books and pictures to make their own fish model and then labeled the fish too. 

J exploring with ice and wood

N, J and T make fish 

A , S, and J exploring with ice and used paints to make different colors.

Also in choice time students received new journals where they write about what they do during their choice time . Students are using the room and the resources available to really help them write and spell. 

C uses the picture to help him write in choice time

Since there was no school today, I used different color eggs to teach the students about MLK> We used a brown egg and a white egg, and then discussed what they noticed. I then asked the class if they thought the eggs would be the same or different onside. After I cracked the eggs to help them understand that no matter what someone looks like on the outside all people feel the same on the inside. We then made a book to show how we could be like MLK>

This week thanks to Donors Choose, students had the chance to play with new play ground equipment. We received new jump ropes and jumping toys. I also have received other materials and will bring them out later this week. 

Another new choice time center was added in this week and new materials. Students were able to add new winter stickers and also they used new games on the ipad for learning. 

This week we also started new writing. Students will be working with a text called Night at the Fair by Donald Crews. Students will use what he does as a writer to help them infuse it into their own writing. We started with reading the text and then we moved into looking at this pictures to help them understand and notice things about him as a writer.  Students also learned a new math game that they played with a friend and will take it home this week to teach you!

M and A play the game

On Friday I attended a workshop at another school and observed classrooms. One thing I am bringing back to try with my own students is sewing with the use of needles, yarn, and felt. Below is work form a pre-k class.