2013-2014
Here is an example of our monthly classroom newsletter.
My students did an amazing job forming the alphabet letters with their bodies. The students were in charge of telling them if they got it right, and offering advice to fix any problems. I love to see them up and moving, and taking charge of their learning!
This is our number line in the classroom. The students loved going outdoors to collect natural materials that they could build with. Armed with pinecones, rocks, leaves, twigs, and dirt, we explored count and numerals as we built our numbers. I believe that the children use the resources and take ownership of the room when they have taken part in creating them.
We take our learning outside the classroom whenever we get the chance. This is a glimpse from our nature walk to Crystal Lake. We explored the wildlife and plants, had a fall themed read-a-loud, and warmed up with some movement games. Students did tree bark rubbings, explored with magnifying glasses, and really got into imaginative play with the leaves. Exploring the beauty of the seasons brings such a fabulous opportunity to celebrate God's creations, and the stunning beauty around us!
I try to make the lessons kinetic in nature as often as I can. Five year olds learn best by doing, moving and exploring! In this lesson the children were learning how to label. They started by exploring the room, then came up with the fabulous idea to label their teacher.