We have now gotten fully into the swing of things and everyone is doing a great job. Let me share with you a few things that happened during the past week.
First up, P.E., the kids are having a blast playing flag football. Mr. L. has started with some pass/catch practice and then the’ve played a game of Defenders vs. Running Backs. In this game, about 8 kids don colored vests, have a set of flags around their waist, and carry a football. The rest of the class has belts around their waist and they must run down the running backs, grab their flags, and add them to their own belts. It is quite a fun game to watch.
Next up, magnets! I think these kids would play with the magnets for the entire day if we let them, but they are certainly having a good time learning about them. Ask your student about the little cars we used this week (I forgot to take pictures of them, sorry).
We had great weather for Phenology this week. This is the best time of the year for phenology because there are so many changes happening in nature as we transition from summer to fall. On this particular day we noticed a haze in the air and a smell of smoke, it was amazing to realize that it was from wildfires in Canada that was impacting our air. We also spent some time with the kids discussing some of the unwanted behaviors we’ve been seeing. Please remind your student that they need to listen when teachers are talking and that they need to use kind words when speaking to each other. My number one rule in the classroom is “Be Kind” and we’ve notice a little lapse in that lately.
Everyone has a math partner and boy are they doing good work together. It’s been nice to see them working so well with one another.
Finally, recess. Oh my goodness, I was out on Monday and Tuesday so I was just a bit surprised at recess on Wednesday when a wedding broke out. This week two students got married at recess and if I am to understand correctly there are three more scheduled for next week. Basically it seems if you want to get married you can, and if you don’t then no problem. Everything seems very friendly and basically the whole class is coming together to celebrate, so I see no harm. Now if kids start missing a bunch of class when they take their honeymoons, then that will be a different story.
Finally, finally, if you would indulge me with a personal note. The reason I was out on Monday and Tuesday was so that we could drive our oldest son up to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to start college. It was a bittersweet time as we are obviously very proud and confident that he will do well, but saddened by his absence in our daily lives. Here’s a picture of Ben and I in his dorm room after we got it set up. (By the way, the unloading process by the students at U of MN was amazing. It probably took us 5-10 minutes to get everything unloaded and dropped off in the room, and we never touched a thing!). Go Gophers!
Have a nice long weekend!
~ Mrs. Steinbeck