This morning’s big work was driven by a desire to replace all of our dried and worn out markers with new ones! Friends tested the markers, replaced those that didn’t work and put the unusable ones in our “yucky marker” jar. Next, they went to the work bench to take the yucky markers apart.

Using pliers and screwdrivers, friends took off the ends of the marker and pulled out the inside of the marker. We use the colorful insides to make our watercolor paint! Friends really enjoy being involved in this real and important classroom work.

Today friends also gathered on the music rug for a group meeting. We’ve been seeing lots of friends coming to teachers for a wide range of issues and wanted to empower friends to try and solve problems on their own. Together we talked through some common issues (e.g. someone takes your toy, someone pushes you, someone didn’t clean up, etc.) and brainstormed words we can use to talk to our friends.

Friends had many great suggestions that we recorded on chart paper. For instance, if a friend takes your toy, Maddie thought you could say “please could you give it back to me” while Luke suggested, “no, it’s my truck”. These critical problem solving skills take lots of practice and are something we work on every day!

Kindergarten: Today our kindergarteners and some other friends worked together to construct a giant letter. They shared, “Look! We made a 3D L!” Love seeing literacy played out in other areas such as building!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wee Sprouts: Broccoli. Breakfast: Corn Chex and grapes. Lunch: Whole grain brown rice with shredded beef, carrots and bananas. Snack: Pistachios and wheat crackers.

Link to the photo album: WF 2/18/2016

Hope your Thursday is terrific! –Jessica