Planetarium

The students absolutely loved the planetarium! They definitely proved to a college professor that they knew way more than he thought any 5 or 6 year old would know about space. I loved getting to show off how smart they are! The planetarium offers shows for the public.  I know that they are free, you just have to make reservations. If you think it is something your child would like, check out their web page:
http://planetarium.wvu.edu/planetarium_shows/public_shows/schedule 
Also, be sure to check your child's red folders. There is an exciting letter inside (hint-Eastwood opening date!)

Solar System PBL

I have a solar system PBL planned for next week and would like to take the students to the WVU planetarium as part of the lesson. I have planned a trip there for next Thursday, February 28^th. PLEASE try to keep it a secret. I am basing the whole unit off of their love of The Magic School Bus and kind of want the trip to be like something Ms. Frizzle would take them on. I sent home a permission form. It is folded and stapled with a pink "please sign and return" sticker. I have quite a few students in my class that would be able to read the note and tell everyone in the class where we're going. I know it might be silly to keep it a secret, but imagine the look on their faces when they find out next week.

100th Day of School!

      Can you all believe that we have already been in school for 100 days?! It's definitely flown by! The students were so excited to day to see how far we've made it. I wanted to take some time today to give you just a quick update of some new things in our classroom and a reminder about our Valentine's Day party.

       First of all, I have started letting the students sign up for read aloud. They are amazing! The students took to the idea so well. We actually have a student on the calendar for every day in February! If they come home and tell you they are doing read aloud, this is why. I told them they needed to practice a lot at home and school too before reading their book. 

     Second of all, I don't know if your children have told you or not, but we have started doing something called story time yoga to calm ourselves down and get ready for the day. This is also something the students have taken to really well! It is called Cosmic Kids. You can find the episodes on Youtube. Check them out! The kids have even been randomly asking me throughout the day if we can do yoga.

     I have been reading a book about Responsive Classroom (this is something we will be using at Eastwood), and have decided I will probably start implementing "positive time out" in the classroom. You can read more about those things by scrolling over the underlined words and use the links. If you read about the positive time outs, leave a comment and let me know what you think about it. What are some things you do at home to help your child calm down and get back on track?

     Our book is almost complete, and it is amazing! The kids got to see it with illustrations today and each of them read the page they wrote. I was almost in tears. I cannot wait for them to share it with you!  Once I get the book turned in to the publisher, we will all discuss a publishing party. I'd love for you to hear them read it.

     Next Thursday, the 14th, is our Valentine's Day party. The party starts at 2:00. Make sure you stop by the office to sign in and get a pass before coming to the room.