Student Treasures Books Arrived!

Whoa, whoa, whoa!  Student Treasures, where have you been all my life? Student Treasures is a free book making company. Students complete writing and illustrations, which gets turned into an awesome, hard-bound book. For primary, the class writes one class book and teachers get a copy for free and kids have the opportunity to purchase copies.  In upper grades this is usually done as an individual project - 20 distinct books, and each student gets a bound copy of their original documents and the opportunity to buy a copy of the book.  For primary - and for my first time - we chose to do a collaborative ABC book about our favorite classmate - our class pet, Willie! Have to say - it was a struggle at times because it was a collaborative endeavor. We all depended on each other to do our personal best - to be present at school - to FINISH illustrations and writing! We completed this task like 20 little BOSSES! Here's just a taste of our book...

 If you're around at Open House you can check it out and even pick up an order form to get your own copy! I will definitely treasure this Treasures book for years and years to come!

One Last Thing...

Willie made it back from the North Pole!

He looks like he's seen things...

Learning About Guinea Pigs

This week we read several books about guinea pigs and the students really learned a lot. 

We created circle maps noting what guinea pigs need in our journals and then the students got to writing. 

I just love seeing where my students are as far as sentence structure. We have some work to do. But, I also love seeing some of their stamina - many can write long! AND - look at those illustrations! LOVE!

Pets In The Classroom

PetsInTheClassroom.Org is an excellent resource for teachers who are willing and able to incorporate a pet into their classroom. The organization provides a grant to acquire a pet or a grant to help support the care of an existing Pets In the Classroom pet. 
Actually, Willie is the result of a grant from PetsInTheClassroom.Org and he has been such a special member of the class! He is beyond loved! 
Students have asked about him this summer, so I thought I'd post a few pictures showing how Willie has spent his summer, so far. Yep - he loves the water!
Oh - and Click here for more information about PetsInTheClassroom.Org.

A Little Willie for the Road!

Who is THE Favorite Member of My Class?

I know my students love me. But I am under no misapprehension - Willie is their all-time-absolute-favorite! You can see in their faces how loved Willie is... 

OMG!! Do I have a BEAUTIFUL class, or what!?

Willie!

Can you believe how much Willie has grown? I just love this little guy! I mean, look at those ears! 

He's become a bit spoiled as he's realized he has me wrapped around his little finger. Check out his new playground! 

He LOVES it - especially the tunnel! 

Thanks Donors Choose!

Willie!

Willie loves my students! He gets so excited when the bell rings and it's time to start the day! 

We love Willie, too!

Willie Says...

He can't wait for school tomorrow!

Willie Wants to Know...

Did you remember book orders are due tomorrow? Parents - you can also order online - there's a link under the Class Blog tab at the top!

Weekend Excitement

This is how Willie spent the weekend
 - watching football with Mr. Dixon and me. 

Drum Roll Please...

And he shall be named Willie 

for we read a book about a dog named Willie 

the day we voted on a name. 

Welcome to our new class pet!

Yet to be named (voting tomorrow) but completely adorable - welcome little piggie!!! 

Loved by the whole class already - even though he relieved himself upon introductions! 

Exciting News Coming....

All I'm going to say now is that I got a grant from this amazing organization...