Comprehension: Connections

On Tuesday, we went to DeGraaf Nature Center for a program on Homestead Holidays. We learned about how pioneers lived in the past and compared it to how we live today. We also learned how to make candles and made a sachet full of balsam and fir which should bring some Christmas-y scents into your home for years to come :) We truly enjoyed this field trip and liked walking the nature trail in small groups, too!

"OO"

This week one of our phonics blends was the double 'oo' as in book or boo!
We made glasses after writing as many 'oo' words as we could on the frames. Perfect Photo-Op!

This was also a good sequential, 3-step practice as each child had to cut, organize and paste their glasses together :)

Halloween Party!

 Dear families, we had a GREAT time at our Halloween Party and it was successful because of donations of time and items from you! Thank you!!

Mrs. Clark working on Pull-Apart Puzzles 

Mrs. Rosenberg working on adding coins with Pumpkin Math

Mrs. Rottschafer working on ghost suckers

Mrs. McCleery helping with the 5 Little Pumpkins Poem

Mr. Malaski helping with Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin

Brylee & Mom

Ethan & Mom

Riley & Mom

Christian & Mom 

Eva & Dad

Christy & Mom

Mrs. Boetsma helping to frost and decorate cookies

Welcome First Graders 2012-2013

Greetings Adams Families 2012 -2013! I am very excited to meet all of you at our Open House on August 29 from 4:30 - 6:00. I am looking forward to creating a community of learners in our Safari Room this year. Hop on and join our first grade learning safari!

Please check back here often for newsletters, videos, updates, etc., about our classroom!

Cheers!
Catie Richert

Inquiry Group iMovie!

Dear families,
Here are some clips put together from our time that your child worked collaboratively in an inquiry group. After they asked questions, researched, organized and synthesized their learning, they individually wrote a nonfiction report about their animal. Finally, they reconvened with their group and decided on a way to present their information as experts to the class, somehow incorporating technology. Many groups chose to do a podcast, while some groups chose to share a poster they created while I recorded it and one class even created a group nonfiction book that they read collaboratively while I recorded! This was an AWESOME and inspiring month of learning in the Safari Room where your child challenged and stretched how to read nonfiction and comprehend what they were reading to make true meaning. Awesome time to celebrate!

Christmas Party!

Greetings Families! I realize this post is LONG overdue, but please accept my apologies and enjoy the photos from our Christmas Party, courtesy of Mrs. Parks from Dec. 21st, 2001 :) We had a wonderful day with lovely parent volunteers and children full of holiday spirit!

Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Kemper helping Joey and Megan add coins to buy ornaments for their Christmas Trees.

Mrs. Kemper did a great job helping Safari kids add pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters :)



Mrs. Shoemaker, Mrs. Quick and Mrs. Machiele help Nate, Rey, Danae and Noah frost and decorate yummy Christmas Sugar Cookies!

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