Getting to know our reading buddies

Every week we get together with a fourth grade class to have reading buddies. The big kids pair up with the little kids and read books to each other, as well as occasionally doing art projects or other activities together. This week we decided to get to know our buddies a little bit better by interviewing them! We'll print these pictures out and post them in the hallway, along with the interview questions. A few kids were gone so we'll meet again next week to finish. Reading buddies is a great way to build relationships across the school, and have leadership opportunities for the older students as well.

100th Day & Valentine's Day

The way the school calendar is set up means that the 100th Day of School and Valentine's Day almost always fall in the same week. So this week we had two parties in the span of three days! It was a lot of fun. Thanks to all the families who were able to help by volunteering, providing treats, or sending in Valentine's. The kids had a great time. Here are some pictures!

First we made 100th day crowns.

Then did some writing with the prompt "I wish I had 100..." I loved seeing their answers! Everything from 100 dollars to 100 cats.

Then we made a 100 day trail mix with 100 items (10 of each food).

For Valentine's Day, we decorated our treat bags.

And then opened our Valentines!

We also had a Valentine's party that involved a candy hearts science experiment, making friendship bracelets for each other, playing Valentines-themed Bingo, and making a craft. Plus eating more treats! It was sugar-filled, love-filled day.

Publishing our All About books, and more

This week we published our All About books, which turned out great! The publishing process includes choosing a favorite, editing it and making sure everything is complete and makes sense, and coloring the pictures. This time around we also added an About the Author page! After we published them, the kids read them to their reading partners. The completed books are currently hanging up in the classroom and will be sent home in a few weeks for you to see!

We've also done some fun projects and learning activities lately. We read the book The Story of Snow, a non-fiction book on how snow crystals are formed. We then used pattern block shapes to make snowflakes. I love how they turned out!

Last, we've been doing a lot of work with vowels and CVC words lately. CVC stands for consonant-vowel-consonant, and refers to three-letter words that follow that pattern, such as cat, pin, and hot. These words are the next step in learning to apply letter sounds to writing, and the kids are doing a great job with it. Below are pictures of various ways we've been practicing, including using letter cubes, magnetic letters, and paper and pencil.