Happy Birthday, Colter!

Colter, Ms. Bennett's Shiloh Shepherd, came to school for his birthday.  He is now two years old.  Before the party, the class read a story together to Colter called, "A Bed Full of Cats."  They thought Colt would like that story because he likes cats. Then the kids got out their reading folders and showed Colter how to become good readers by practicing their books.  (Colter wants to learn how to read!)  Colter walked around and looked at their books as they were reading. 

After some work, it was time for the party.  The kids gave Colt a book of stories that they wrote for him for his gift.  Ms. Bennett read the book to Colter.  Colt loved all the stories about him in that book!  Some of the kids made Colter some cards and gave him some extra gifts as well.  After presents, it was time for the birthday cake.  Lucy, Cole, Landon, and Taya helped blow out the candles for Colter.  Then all the kids got to eat some cake - but not Colter.  No people food for him!  He just got to lick a little frosting from Ms. Bennett's finger. Everyone had a great time at Colter's birthday party!

    

A Narnia Movie Reunion

On Saturday morning, December 11^th, I had the privilege to gather at one of the Albert Lea theaters with approximately 160 of my students, former students, and their families.  Together we packed a theater to watch a private showing of the new Narnia movie, “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”  I have read the C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia books aloud to my students every year since beginning teaching.  I never tire of them, as each year they come alive in the minds of my first graders as we mutually enjoy the stories.  Sharing rich literature together like this also allows me to expose my young students to new vocabulary for us to experience and discuss. 

It was a real joy to share this time with not only my current first graders, but also many former students – some as old as seniors in high school – and their families.  Thank you to all who were able to attend.  For me, it was like having a family reunion with all of my favorite people there!

The countdown to the movie is on. Saturday's the special day!

Another great Reepicheep clip...

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Reepicheep!

Isn't Reepicheep funny?

Critter's & Company Comes to Sibley!

Teasing: Harassment in Disguise

Our class saw a presentation by Critters & Company on teasing. Critters and Company uses a unique medium of live animals and the art of story telling to share with the children about relationship building concepts.  Some of the animals that were in the presentation are pictured below.

Iguana

Porcupine



A porcupine has quills



Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Sorry is good... Change is better



"Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" is coming soon!

Saturday, December 11th is going to be a special day for our class.  (More information is coming soon.)  Here's a sneak preview!

Great Conferences!

Thank you, parents, for coming to our fall conferences this past week, and also for bringing your child with you.  I was so proud of all of my students for the way they presented their work on the SMART Board.  What a great bunch of students I have!

Please note the parent help link I have added to my web page.  (Scroll down and look on the right hand side.)  I will periodically add helpful links for parents here.  The first link I've added is a link to a page where one can print out the Fry Word flash cards.  As I mentioned at your child's conference, the Fry words are a list of the most commonly read words in the English language.  This link can give you some helpful materials to help your child practice these words at home.