ECO.: Becoming Squirrels!

In December 8th, we went outside for an ECO lesson where we focused on becoming squirrels.  We started the lesson with a sharing circle, where everyone shared a nature note and/or something that makes them feel thankful.  Next, we played a tag game where the squirrels were the prey being hunted by various predators, such as coyotes, owls, and foxes.  Then, we went into the woods to eat snack and listen to the Native American tale about How Chipmunk Got His Stripes.

For our main lesson, we had to think like squirrels to gather lots of food to fill our "cheek pouches" (Ziploc bags).  Students did a great job finding areas with lots of cones underneath coniferous trees.  Shouts of "jackpot" were frequently heard from our very busy squirrel students as they gathered their food.

In the afternoon, we weighed each bag to find out how much each person had collected and we graphed our results.  We learned that a second grade "squirrel" would need to collect and eat about 3.5 to 4 pounds of food a day.  When we added up our total collection of food from each of the "squirrels" in our class, it still only weighed 2 pounds and 7 ounces.  We gained a new respect for these busy squirrels and how hard they need to work to gather enough food to survive!

The next day, we worked on a new entry in our ECO journals, drawing and writing about squirrels.  We also read part of a book about squirrels to learn more information about them, especially what they eat, what types of nests they build, and how they prepare for the winter. 

Thank to Darci who joined us for this busy, hands-on lesson in the woods!  We appreciate your help!

Classroom News

Gifts for Giving

Tomorrow,Tuesday, December 19th, we will participate in Gifts for Giving.  Students will be making holiday gifts.  If possible, students should bring in a paper bag with handles, plastic or cloth bag, or a box to help them safely carry their gifts home.

Time with 5th/6th Grade Buddies

Tomorrow, we will also be spending lots of time with our 5th and 6th grade buddies.  Please remind your child to bring warm clothing, as we will go outside with our buddies, as well as going out for recess.

EMES Holiday Concert

On Friday, December 22nd, we will participate in the EMES Holiday Concert.  The concert will be in the gym at 2:00 pm.  Families and friends are welcome to join us for this special event!

Fancy Festive Dress Up Day!

On Friday, December 22nd, the Student Leadership Team has planned a special Fancy Festive Dress Up Day for students.  Students are encouraged to wear their fancy clothes to school that day.  They will look wonderful for our concert that afternoon!

Special Holiday Snack

A sign-up sheet for our special holiday snack time on Friday morning was sent home today. Please let me know by Wednesday morning if you would like to contribute a healthy snack, sweet treat, beverage, or paper goods for this snack time. Thanks!

Book Order

The Scholastic book order has arrived! I will be sending home books with students unless you have checked in with me about arranging a pick up time for holiday gift books.

Winter Concert!

EMES K-3 WINTER CONCERT

    

December 22nd, 2:00 pm

EMES Gym

Friends and Family Welcome!           

Classroom Information and Upcoming Events

Technology Integration:

During our last two Technology Integration times, we started working on keyboarding skills using Keyboarding without Tears.  Arlyn is working on setting up home accounts so students can access this program for extra practice.  If you have not already received it, you will get an email with this home account information.  Practicing from home is optional.  If you are not able to access the internet on your computer at home, but would like your child to have extra practice time, please let me know.

ECO:

It looks like the weather on Wednesday will be rainy, so we are rescheduling our ECO lesson for Friday (12/8).  Please help your child come prepared to spend the morning outside.  Students should have:

• A warm jacket or coat
• Snowpants or rainpants
• Gloves
• Hat
• Boots
• Layers

Important Dates to Remember:

Friday, December 15th:  Chex Mix Sale ($1.00 per bag)

Tuesday, December 19th: Gifts for Giving (snow date Dec. 20th)

Friday, December 22nd:  Fancy Festive Dress Up Day

Friday, December 22nd:  EMES Holiday Concert 2:00-3:00 pm

Families are welcome to join us for this special event!

December 23nd- January 1st:  Holiday Break

Tuesday, January 2nd:  School Resumes

Classroom News: Circus Edition

Next Thursday, November 16th at 6:00 pm, all EMES students will be participating in a Circus Performance in the U32 gym.  It would be great if students can show up at around 5:50 pm to meet up with our class to sit together.  (Please do not show up before 5:45, as the gym will not be open yet.)

For this event, students should wear dark colored pants and a solid color t-shirt (any color) without any writing or prints on it.  They should also wear their sneakers.

Please let me know as soon as possible if your child will not be able to participate in this event, so we can plan ahead for our groupings for our act in the performance.

The circus residency has been such an amazing learning opportunity for the kids and they are very excited to show you what they have learned!

Please let me know if you have any questions.  See you at the circus!

Making Unifix Cube Maps of our Classroom

After examining my Unifix cube classroom map and playing a "treasure hunt" game to find hidden wood chips, students worked in pairs to make their own Unifix cube map of our classroom.  They needed to decide which objects and furniture to include in their maps and how to represent them using the cubes.  Check out some of our maps and teamwork!

E.C.O.: Becoming Geese and Making Maps Outdoors!

On Wednesday morning, we went outside for E.C.O. (Educating Children Outdoors).  We started with a quick sharing circle about things that we are thankful for.  Then, we played a game where students became migrating geese.  In groups of five, they created a V-shaped formation and began to flap and honk as they "flew" across the playground field.  When they heard the chime, they needed to switch the leaders of their flock.  We gained a good appreciation for how hard it is for geese to fly such long distances!

Next, we worked in small groups to create maps of the ECO woods using natural objects, such as sticks, leaves, cones, and rocks.  Students worked together to construct their maps and then examine them to make sure that everything was in the correct location.  Once we finished, we had a "map museum" where each group presented their map to the other groups and answered questions about their work.  Ask your child about some of the places that they created on their maps.