We've been busy getting ready for fractions. We've had challenge problems in homework and have been doing lots of journal work during our math block every day. My students are getting to be masters!
So, it's been chilly, y'all! But, let's be real - it is still SoCal!
My kids are masters at utilizing their imaginations though - so writing about catching snowflakes on their tongues was a breeze for these smart cookies!
First, we brainstormed about how snowflakes look and feel and then made a process map to think about the sequence of events to actually catch a snowflake - AND - what that might feel like. Tree Maps and Flow Maps - oh my!
THEN, OMG, then... my kids created works of art like this that line our hallowed hallway...
On Friday we came in to find that Twinkle -- 2.0 - DON'T ASK :( -- had been busy making paper chains and causing general mayhem by taking over Willie's tunnel, hideaway and Yellow table's supplies! Oh that elf is mischievous!
There's no telling what's she's been up to this weekend!
So, this week. As adults, we had a lot of strong emotions about the election and you can be sure the kids did, too. While our classroom was not a political stage in any way, by the time school started the kids were well aware of the election results and were just feeling all the feels. We had them all. Kids were happy and pleased, scared, sad, mad, confused and bewildered. We dealt with this with some hugs, extra kindness and a chance to express their feelings through writing and illustrations. Their writing won't be put up in class or shared with other students - but I'm giving my class a huge shout out for pinpointing feelings and expressing them in a way that showed dignity, humor and imagination! The writing will go home on Monday ;)
