Colonial Trade Fair

This morning the Sparrows continued to work on their sea creatures.

The friend above is working on their Regal Blue Tang (aka Dory), and the friend below in working on their Whale Shark.

During morning meeting, we read a book about sharks, the different types and some of their qualities.

As for the question of the day today, True or False: Sharks float, the answer is true! 

Next week, the Sparrows will dive deeper into this fact.

After snack, the Sparrows headed over to the 4th grade Colonial Trade Fair. The 4th grade did a FANTASTIC job representing and explaining their jobs. Friends had the chance to explore the different stations in both 4th grade rooms and see and learn about what things were like during colonial times.

Friends had the chance to write with feather pens...

...sand wood...

...meet with the milliner...

...see some rabbits at the farmers...

...get a shave...

...and much more! One of the favorites was mashing herbs at the apothecary. 

Soon after our visit to the Colonial Trade Fair, the Sparrows came back to the classroom and geared up to play in the snow!

Later this afternoon, Taylor's mom, Peta, came into read us a story! Peta read Something Beautiful. The story discussed what different people found beautiful. From this story we learned that people find beauty in all things, and just because someone may not think something is beautiful, that another person may find beauty in it. After the story, friends shared what they find beautiful, and then had a chance to make a drawing of it.

Ask your Sparrow what they think is beautiful.

Self-identity Project

Yesterday, the Sparrows, along with the help of their 3rd grade buddies, completed a self-identity project hosted by Alicia. In Spanish, the Sparrows have been learning about self-identity and different characteristics that make us unique and who we are as individuals. 

Along the hallway outside of Alicia's office, and across from one of the kindergarten rooms, you may have noticed self-portraits of each student in lower school. Yesterday was the Sparrows turn to create themselves! Friends paired up with one another and walked downstairs to take part in the project. Alicia explained the project and friends got to work. Each Sparrow chose a foam colored person that they identified with. Then, over at the tables, friends picked the articles of clothing they would like to wear. The Sparrows' partners helped them trace and cutout vestidos, camisas, botas, pantalones, and more on colored paper of their choice. Some friends even chose to add accessories! Once all laid out, friends pasted their clothing onto the foam cutout! 

Lookout for the Sparrows to be added to the display soon!

Back in the classroom, friends continued to work on their sea creatures.

Ask your Sparrow what the chose to dress themselves in for their project!

The Sparrows meet The Friz

Reading the daily schedule and going over the calendar.

After friends did their morning jobs, we gathered back in a circle to read Magic School Bus On the Ocean Floor. 

The Sparrows loved reading about Ms. Frizzle and all her classroom shenanigans. The book gave great details and facts about the ocean and its creatures. The book touched on many ideas, such as tides, why the ocean is salty, what sand is made out of, how animals survive on the ocean floor, and much more. 

This was a long story, and we have to give the Sparrows a round of applause for sitting attentively and patiently the whole time! Well done, Sparrows!

After reading together, friends journaled on the topic of "What part of the ocean would you like to explore?" Friends took a journal paper, and their journals jars and found a spot in the classroom to do their independent work.

We turned the lights off, and turned on classical music. When friends completed their journals, they were able to get a book and read quietly until all friends were finished.

In between journals and choice, we had snack and outdoor play.

When we came back inside, friends entered into choice time.

Playing house

Building

Cooking in the kitchen

Today, friends began working on their individual sea creatures. Using all sort of materials, including recycled items, friends will create their animal of study. This gives friends a chance to use materials in an unconventional way and allows them to build their creative ability.

During choice, friends worked on their journal words.

Ask your Sparrow what they would like to explore in the ocean.