Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Books For Bikes Winner!



     Congratulations!  One of our kiddos won a bike in the Mason's Books for Bikes campaign.  It was exciting to have someone from the Hatch Patch get a brand spankin' new bike.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Back from vacation......busy week!



Here are some scenes from our first week back from spring break.  We had a good week together.


Scenes from Show and Tell.
The kiddos got a chance to share something special with the class.
Then, during center time they wrote a piece about the item they brought to class.









Wow!

Check out the beautiful handwriting.  This guy has worked hard and really improved his letter-writing skills.





Those Tricky Teen Numbers

A number of the kids are still working on reading and writing teen numbers so I introduced Teen Tangle this week.  It is similar to Twister, but kids are placing body parts on teen numbers that are called out.   This was an engaging way to review those tricky teens.  You can easily make one at home.
All you need is a dollar store shower curtain and a Sharpie marker.    I have made a popcorn word version of this in the past, as well.





Word-making

After reading a warm-up book, the kids participated in a word-making activity with Mrs. Fisher.



ABC Patterns

The guys are busy creating ABC patterns during math center time.




BIG Thank you!


These guys took on a major project during inside recess.
On their own, they decided my whiteboard needed a thorough cleaning.
By the time they were done, it was sparkling clean.   Nice job, guys!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Chewonki on Monday!

On Monday, teachers from Chewonki came and presented to the kids about mammals vs. birds.
The kids were on their best behavior and were very engaged.  There were lots of things to touch.
They also brought a live bat and duck to share with the kids.  Here are a few snapshots I took to share with you.














Monday, April 2, 2012

Egg Drop Challenge!

     Today the kids were given a few materials and had to create something that would protect their raw egg when it was dropped from a ladder.  They were given time to plan, time to create and also time to reflect after the dropping.  I asked them to consider how they might change their design if we were to do it again.   Their brains got a good workout today!  Here are some scenes from the event.










Saturday, March 31, 2012

Budding Artists!

     The public library has K-12 student art work on display right now.  It is a feast for the eyes!
Congratulations to BMP, LF, LB, and AR.  Their pieces are "on loan" to the library right now.
Check these out!  Special thanks to art teacher, Mrs. G., for all of her hard work.








Saturday, March 24, 2012

Leprechaun Trap Building During Choice Time = Serious Fun!

     Here are some scenes from when the kids were building leprechaun traps. We didn't capture one. However, a mischievous little guy made some silly messes in our classroom, including walking barefoot on the morning message.  The kids enjoyed it, though, because he left them each one chocolate coin and one lucky keeper coin.  Who knew St. Pat's could be so much fun?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

YouTube.....Carefully Monitored Fun!

Because I have an interactive white board in the room, I use lots of YouTube clips related to whatever we are doing in class.  Here are some recent favorites that have cropped up.  I always preview every video and explain why to the kids.


Check these out!



Vowel Bat 




Pete the Cat:  Wheels on the Bus




Skip Counting with a Leprechaun

Sunday, March 4, 2012

I love this!

     
     Not long ago, the kids went to their special, and I was puttering around the room getting ready for math.
I looked over on the white board and saw this sweet message, "I like Hatch."
Now, I know we need to work on the word like and the ch diagraph. However, this authentic writing warmed my heart.

Treat Basket Time!

     During vacation, the kids had an opportunity to earn a choice from the treat basket by practicing their reading at home.  Practice at school and at home is critical for these emerging readers.
                                                      L takes her time choosing just the right prize.

Graphing Practice


Just before break, the kids practiced graphing.  Being able to graph items independently is one of the 2nd trimester math goals.