Kindness and Justice Challenge

Our classroom has been taking time to talk about the words kindness and justice. The conversation started as we discussed Martin Luther King Jr. He was such a believer in these words, that our group decided to take part in the KJ Challenge. For this challenge, the students have pledged to act both kindly and justly. Our class is also taking the time to talk about just and kind acts that we see in our classroom. The Kindness and Justice Jar has been added to our classroom. Each day the students have the opportunity to recognize another member of our classroom who they see acting either kindly or justly. Along with the challenge, we are taking time as a class to talk about words such as caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility. Through these conversations, we are connecting these words to our classroom and school day!

We have started a new math unit! Our class is taking trips to Antarctica to study penguins. This unit is very hands on and incorporates many learning styles. On Friday, the students had a wonderful time using thermometers along with ice, warm water, and cold water to make different temperatures. The students were working in small groups using math, science, and social skills (to name a few) to reach different temperatures of the ocean waters in January.

I am sure many of the children have told you; Mrs. Eaton had her baby on January 13th. His name is Marcus Elon Eaton! The Eaton family is doing great and enjoying time with baby Marcus!

Teaming Up

Our class has spent this week having a chance to team up with both Second Grade classes. It has been great to see them working together and demonstrating teamwork and collaboration. In Readers' Workshop this week, the students have been able to spend some time reading with a student from Mrs. Rogers class. The students in both classes are able to take turns reading their "just right" books to each other. It is great to watch the connections being built and the students getting together and sharing their love of reading.

We started a new Geography study this week. Our class is teaming up with Ms. Kate's class to explore a computer program called Culture Grams. This program is letting the students explore different parts of the world and learn about other cultures. Each team has picked a country to focus and research. The students are working together to write down facts about what they are learning. The teamwork is great to watch in action!