November and December Update

I have to start by apologizing for my lack of blogging. I am sorry that I have let the class blog slip away from me. I've been taking pictures and am excited to share with you some of the things we did in November and December.  We continue to work on reading, phonics, spelling, math and writing every day. The students are really starting to show a lot of progress in all subjects. The class practiced fluency, reading with expression and cooperation by rehearsing and performing Reader's Theaters. Each small group was assigned a script and spent a couple of days rehearsing. They learned how to read fluently and with expression and good pacing/rate. After performing for our class, the students went and did their plays for the first graders.  The students were very excited see their former teachers and show the younger kids what they are doing in second grade. We will do Reader's Theaters again soon.

The Pete's Pancake Shop group used some props for their play.

Another group performed their play for the rest of the class.

 We LOVE the new technology that was purchased with the Bond money.  We use the document cameras and microphone system every day. I love both things because they help to keep the children's attention. They also help to make learning fun.  In this picture, two students are reading their fable that they wrote and illustrated (We spent two weeks learning about and writing our own fables). They used the microphone when reading to the class.  You can see that the image of their paper is being projected on to the screen.



For homework, the students disguised a turkey so that it wouldn't be eaten on Thanksgiving.  In class, we wrote about our turkeys by giving them human characteristics. Everyone had fun giving their turkey a name, birthday, favorite food, hobbies and an age. The students ideas were cute and we had some good laughs at the turkeys descriptions.

Hannah and Adina (who joined our class on Halloween) working on their turkey descriptions.

 November can be a long stretch of school. The excitement from Halloween is weaning off and the students begin thinking of Christmas. We have been in school for many, many days and need a break. As a class, we brainstormed a list of 'Popcorn Behaviors.' These were behaviors that could earn them a ball in the jar. When the jar was full they would earn a popcorn party and to watch some video clips from the old TV show Fudge-a-Mania (from the Judy Blume Fudge series of books- which we happened to read). The whole class worked hard to earn the balls.  They finally filled the jar and enjoyed their popcorn party.  They loved watching my popcorn popper that allowed them to watch the kernels pop.  The students are currently earning balls towards another reward.  They have mentioned many ideas and I think that they have agreed on a pajama and hot chocolate celebration.  It will be happening soon too because they are very close to having the jar full!

 The students (and staff) at Zinser are VERY lucky to have such a creative and dedicated Family Council (PTA/PTO).  They provide so many experiences for the us (study trips, assemblies, materials, Multi-Age Day, just to name a few). One activity that began a few years ago by our Family Council was Santa's Workshop.  The students pre-select crafts to make for their immediate family members.  Family Council members plan the crafts, shop for the supplies and volunteer their time to make the 'workshop' fun and special for the students. Each class spends an hour in the gym making their crafts.  The students are so excited and proud to bring home what they have made. This idea replaces the traditional Santa's Secret Shop where students bring in money to buy cheap gifts for their family members. We are thankful for such an amazing and dedicated group of parents who do so many things to help our students.  I know that some of you read this blog and I want you to know how much you are appreciated! Thank you!





We finished December with an all school Holiday Sing-a-Long on Thursday and Multi-Age Day on Friday. The gym was packed with parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles for the first annual sing-a-long.  The music teacher and Spanish teacher had the words on a screen so we could all sing-a-long.   During the song "Frosty the Snowman," the teachers were asked to come up and sing. I am glad that I had my camera because I was able to capture this great shot. I was thinking of our blog when I took it. :-) (I might not be good about updating the blog, but I do think about it a lot. ;-)

Mulit-Age Day is another event sponsored by our Family Council.  Students in grades 1-5 are divided into groups.  They spend the day visiting classrooms and participating in activities related to a holiday theme (We have Multi-Age Day for Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day (which is usually a heart theme)).  The activities are educational and include math skills, writing, community service, art and physical movement. The students LOVE Multi-Age Day and so do the teachers! This special day takes the place of traditional classroom parties. It is a great way to spend what can usually be a hectic day.

In December we also had two students move out of our class.  We were sad to see Kiera move to Comstock Park and Marcus moved to Central Elementary. We wish them the best of luck at their new schools!

Thanks for reading my extra long blog! I promise that I will get back into the routine of blogging!