It all began with a shoe on the wall... and just like that, Wacky Wednesday had begun in the Coconut Tree classroom! On Wednesday, the Coconut Trees wore their wackiest outfits, some sporting mismatched socks, backwards shirts, and inside-out clothing items. Upon entering the classroom, the students immediately noticed an array of wacky changes and events occurring around the room. The book area housed toys, a shoe was displayed on the wall, and the sign-in chart posed a VERY wacky question: What food do you like the best?- Worms? Garbage? or Grass? For reading groups, the Coconut Trees listened to "Wacky Wednesday" by Theo LeSieg and worked together to identify all of the wacky things the main character encountered throughout the story. At the end of the day, the students recalled all of the funny and wacky events from the day. The wacky changes caused them to be flexible and laugh hysterically! Do you notice anything WACKY about our daily schedule?
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On Thursday, February 15th, the Coconut Trees celebrated the 100th day of school! One hundred balloons filled the classroom, creating a magical space used to honor each child's personal accomplishments. Throughout the school day, the students celebrated their achievements in a variety of ways. The students participated in 100-themed activities such as building with 100 cups and making hats and decorating them with 100 things (e.g., stickers, drawings, shapes, letters). In addition, the students completed a silly worksheet targeting the number 100 (e.g., "If I had $100, I would buy 100 ice cream cones" and "I can do 100... dance moves!"). During goodbye meeting, laughter filled the room as teachers began sharing everyone's ideas! "I wish I had... 100 pickles" was a classroom favorite! At the end of the school day, the class reminisced about the first 100 days of school. The discussion highlighted the many adventures we have endured with one another (e.g., Apple Picking, birthday parties, letter puppet adventures, park trips, etc.)! Before the mid-winter break, the Coconut Trees were invited to attend the Sunflower's performance of P.D. Eastman's beloved story, "Are You My Mother?". At the beginning of the play, baby bird embarks on an eventful search for her mother. Throughout the play, baby birds asks a kitten, a hen, a dog, a bus, a horse, a plane, a boat, and a "SNORT" if they are his mother, but none of them are. The delightful tale of baby bird and her determination to find her mother sparked both curiosity and excitement as the students watched the adventure unfold! The woodland scenery, detailed costumes, and spectacular storyline captured the Coconut Trees' attention throughout the play! On Friday afternoon, the Gillen Brewer School celebrated VIP Day! The Coconut Trees welcomed their VIPS with an "All About Me and My VIP" book. The books provided each student with an opportunity to collect information while comparing and contrasting their physical characteristics, preferences, and feelings to that of their guest. A photo booth was set up to capture the happy moments before everyone began to explore the room and play! The students invited their VIPs to play in various areas of the classroom, taking out Legos, trains, magnets, letter puppets, and books. The Coconut Trees enjoyed spending time with their special guest! On Wednesday morning, the Coconut Trees participated in a special activity. Lily the dog, and her owner Nina, came to visit the class! The students welcomed the visitors with open arms. In order to gather information, the students asked Nina questions about Lily (e.g., "How old is Lily?", "What does Lily like to eat?", "Does Lily like to go on walks?" etc.). After answering each question, Nina provided each student with an opportunity to pet, brush, and walk Lily around the classroom! The Coconut Trees are looking forward to Nina and Lily's next visit! Over the past few weeks, the Coconut Trees have been working to complete daily tasks (e.g., self-help skills, routines, classroom activities) independently. In the beginning, the Coconut Tree's worked to define the term INDEPENDENT (i.e., doing something all by yourself). Next, the students brainstormed a list of things they could complete independently (e.g., clean up toys, unpack, eat lunch, get dressed). As the Coconut Trees continue to gain a better understanding of independence throughout the day, "Independent Work Time" has been built into our daily schedule. The students have demonstrated a strong sense of pride toward their independent accomplishments! This week, Gabby from Art Farm visited the Coconut Tree classroom! During her visit, Gabby introduced the students to three different species of turtles: Hank (a box turtle), Curly (a red eared slider turtle) and Boris (a tortoise). Before meeting the animals, the students were able to study old turtle shells. Gabby taught the students that some turtles live in the water and some live on land. The Coconut Trees enjoyed petting the turtles and observing the turtles walk around. A couple of weeks ago, Gabby from Art Farm came to Gillen Brewer to visit the Coconut classroom during science. Gabby introduced the group to three different animals: Taco (an ornate horned frog from South America), Leo (a northern leopard frog), and Humphrey (a poisonous toad). After observing and discussing the unique characteristics of each amphibian, the students learned that frogs and toads can be found all around the world. In addition, they learned that each species makes a rather unique sound to communicate. The Coconut Trees had a blast! Over the past few weeks, the Coconut Trees have been participating in a variety of winter-related activities in the classroom. Before the holiday break, the class read the book, "Ten on a Sled". The silly (and slippery) story tells the tale of a group of animals who go for a wild ride on Caribou's sled. But as they go faster and faster, Seal, Hare, Walrus, and the others all fall off...! The Coconut's enjoyed acting out the story! In addition, the students enjoyed listening to the whimsical tale of Sneezy the Snowman. Sneezy finds the winter season dreadfully cold. As he attempts to stay warm, he finds himself melting over and over again! Throughout the story, the children who rebuild him each time offer clothing to keep him warm! As the winter season continues, the Coconut Trees will continue to explore, study, and play in the snow! This week, the Coconuts had another visit from Gabby from Art Farm! Gabby introduced the Coconuts to three different kinds of birds: Bonnie (the dove), Pumpkin (the parrot), and Clementine (the chicken). After Gabby taught the students all birds have feathers and claws, they were given an opportunity to pet and hold the birds! The Coconuts were excited and curious to meet the birds! |
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