Festival of Trees

11-29-12

As an extension on our unit "who we are" we went to the Festival of Trees. All of the proceeds from the Festival of Trees go to Primary Children's Hospital. Going to the festival was a great opportunity for the students to see an example of people being good citizens and giving to the community. The students were in awe at all the decorations and themed trees. They were able to read some of the stories about the people the trees were dedicated to. I felt that this was a very meaningful field trip, the kids seemed to really enjoy it! 

Ordinary and Historic Citizens

11-28-12

As part of our "Who We Are" unit we discussed the importance of being a good citizen. As an extension activity people from the community came in as ordinary and historic citizens and did a presentation on their role in the community/world. Each presenter took time to prepare and engage the students. The presenters came dressed and presented as a hair dresser, Anne Frank, City Council member, Amelia Earhart, mom, and a baker.

Thanksgiving

November 19-20, 2012

This week we did lots of thanksgiving activities. The students worked on turkey hats, Indian corn, and Pilgrim and Indian hats. We did two readers theatre's about Thanksgiving, the students wrote about the things they were thankful for and we discussed the first thanksgiving and the importance of giving thanks. To wrap everything up we had an incredible feast where the students chose whether or not they wanted to come as a Pilgrim or an Indian. They were then served by our volunteers and practiced good manners. We played Thanksgiving Bingo and sang Thanksgiving songs. It was a great day! Happy Thanksgiving! 

If Kids Were in Charge!

November 13, 2012

To continue on with our unit about choices we talked about the choices kids have control over and what things they wished they had control over. In small groups they had to create a class song or motto, or invent a new class holiday. The students carefully planned their songs and holidays by working together as a group to make a poster to present to the class. After everyone was done each group presented and then as a class we voted on one class holiday and one class song. The students loved voting and taking charge. We connected this experience to voting as adults and taking responsibility as a citizen. 

India Orphanage Project

October-November 2012

In class we are doing a unit on Who We Are and the choices we make. As part of this unit we are learning about being good citizens. As a class we have decided to do a project to make a difference in the world. We have a rare opportunity to have a mother of a student in our class that is from India. Last year she started an Orphanage in India. It has seven children, ranging in age from 0-14 years. Right now it is Diwali celebration time in India. Diwali is the biggest festival of India that is celebrated the same way as we do Christmas here.

The students decided that they wanted to give "Christmas" to the children in the orphanage. They made cards and collected toys, books, shoes, coats, and clothes from home. They brought all their donations in and helped clean, and organize everything.  The students were so excited and willing to give their things. They all worked hard to make cards that will bring happiness to the children in India. 

Our classroom rug was full of donations from each of the students. I was overwhelmed with how positively the students responded and how much they brought.We got a sponsor and all of the boxes have been picked up and will be shipped in the next couple weeks.This project was amazing, and filled the children with excitement. This project helped them see how wonderful making a difference is. Thank you for your help!