Monster Sticker Roll Inspires Group Story

I've never been one of those teachers who use stickers. Maybe my students and I have been missing out on some colorful fun all these years. But I'm making up for it in an alternative way. I found a massive roll of stickers when I moved my classroom across the hall. In an overlooked corner of a cabinet left behind who knows how many years ago was this monster sticker roll. It was the perfect item to kick off a group story writing project. Students are encouraged to listen te each new episode of a story I'm writing and either add to it or make up their own. We'll see how it goes. Last year we worked on a similar project inspired by a Black Racer snake a captured in a bush near our classroom.

More Rainout Recess Action

Thomas M. and Carlos C. enjoyed racing the cars they built with the class Kinex gear construction set. Renown "boy" expert Michael Thompson addressing the faculty at an inaugural school professional day mentioned that boys needed things to build with beyond K and 1st grade. I'm sure the girls will enjoy this fun educational material as well.

Elephant Chess: World's Most Played Boardgame

Experienced standard chess players Aidan S. and Will H. ponder their next collective move against me as they get introduced to Xiang Qi (Elephant Chess) also known as Chinese Chess. Standard chess developed in India and was altered once it got to China to include a river, cannon, and elephants. Ask one of the students in my class the legendary origins of this game. These boys will be among the few American kids to play a game that billions of Chinese around the world know.

Chess to the Rescue on Rained Out Recesses

Those who know how to play have been teaching the rest. We're all chess players soon. I can only hope to win playing "speed chess." The legacy of Mr. T and his chess club lives on at Shorecrest.

First Science Investigations

How many ways can you light a bulb with just a battery and a wire? Alexis quickly figured out two.




And Thomas discovered several more.


Olivia's design for her first science notebook cover.....the wires spell out the words and create a circuit.

Reminders

Our math lessons began today. We did Unit 1, lesson 1. Tonight's math homework is to read together the Family Letter for Unit one. Parents are encouraged to remove the unit one homework (known as "study links") answer page. Students will have math study links homework Monday through Thursday. Once they complete each evening's homework, they check their answers with you as much as possible.

See you Tuesday for Back to School Night....which begins in the theater than an hour with me in the classroom. I'll give an overview of our lessons, procedures and answer questions.

Pizza & Ukelele Songs : Opening Day Fun

My wife Meredith helped launch the new school year in our class with fresh pizza and ukelele songs on Thursday. Friday she was back to tell the class about her life as a writer. Students took notes to be used later. She mentioned that writers are avid readers and keen observers. After speaking to them for 20 minutes, she stepped away. Students had to write a description of her from memory.