Some of the things we having started exploring this week have been:
1. Finding good spots in our classroom to read!
"I liked Reader's Workshop this week" -B.S.
"I liked reading books" -H.C-R.
We began our exploration of reading by talking about the different book genres that our classroom library has to offer. Students first explored the various book bins in small groups. Then we began our Read to Self time where students choose 3-4 books, found a good spot and started reading!
2. We began to create our classroom alphabet, which will be used daily to help students with both their reading and writing.
3. We started our conversation around our Elwick School Beliefs. Specifically focusing on how we can Take Care of Ourselves. We are learning that in order to be a good friend and student we need to make sure that we take care of our self first.
4. The definite favourite this week has been the time after lunch when the students get to 'Explore Room 6'. During this time students had a chance to see all that the classroom has to offer, from building, to art, to dramatic play! Many essential skills occur during this time such as: students start to cooperate with one another on various tasks, as well begin to learn what all is in our classroom and how these objects can be used, manipulated and help each student dig deeper into their learning.
"I liked everything at school this week, especially explore room 6" -V.A.
"I liked explore room 6 and playing with lego"-S.B.
"I enjoyed doing art during explore room 6" -A.P.
5. Another favourite in the room this week has been the beginning of our journey with our Writer's Notebooks. These are personal journals that the students write in each day. Some days their thoughts come from something that happened at home, or a book we read. The possibilities are endless. Students are also given the choice to either write, draw or do both for each entry. I am very excited to see where these notebooks will take us!
"I liked writers notebook" -B.K.
"I enjoyed writing in my writers notebook" -M.P.
"I liked when we got to do writing" -C.E.
I am so pleased and excitied about this year after the first week! Keep checking in to see how our routines and classroom activities unfold in the coming months!
Until then...
Nicole
