Mystery Reader Flies In!

Logan's aunt arrived this past week and surprised him as Mystery Reader. Mrs. Cruz discreetly arranged for her sister to fly in from Phoenix- she kept the secret from the whole family. It was wonderful to have her join us!

Winter/Spring Stars of the Week

We have had weeks celebrating our class Stars. Take a look at the pictures above to see their time celebrating lunch buddies, presenting posters, and posing as Dr. Seuss on Read Across America Day! Don't forget to watch the video of the Zanfardino Family's tribute song to their daughter (sung to the tune of Gilligan's Island). Thank you for making their week special!

Reading Detectives are on the Case!

Last week we started our Mystery unit during our guided reading centers. Students received their mystery book, their own case file, along with detective hat and badge. Over the next few weeks we will be investigating suspects, writing down clues, and having a lot of fun while learning about this genre.

Mrs. Ng was our January Mystery Reader!

Happy 2010!

Class C-1 started 2010 with a bang!

Our field trip to 826 Valencia on Thursday proved to be engaging and educational. The students' imaginations and writing skills were put to the test by Mr. Blue, 826 Valencia's discriminating editor. (Click on the video to see Mr. Blue's reactions to the students' stories.)Students brainstormed a class story filled with unique characters, a detailed storyline, and their own individual endings. Stop by the classroom to see our class book, "The Scientist and the Black Ice". Mrs. Marcus, our student teacher, was able to join us on our field trip! Many thanks to the family members who joined us: Beckie, Christina, Barbara, Melanie, Angelique, Retta, Rosanna, and Mike!

Mrs. Ng joined us on Friday as the first Mystery Reader of 2010! "She read the book How Full is Your Bucket?" which was an enjoyable book with a wonderful lesson about kindness. The students loved having her as a guest!

Mystery Readers- Mr. Hodge and Mr. Carroll

On Thursday, Mr. Hodge came in and read Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas". Luckily, I had just figured out how to use the video feature on my phone to record a bit of it. Hobie talked to the students about how Dr. Seuss' books are like music with a particular pentameter, a rhythm found in poetry. Take a look at the reading of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas".



Mr. Carroll came in on Friday and read Mo Willems' "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus". He was very excited to get to meet the students! He has heard all about the class and was finally able to meet them in person. Take a look at "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus".

Polar Express, Craft Day, and Winter Music Concert

First and second grade students had a ball during Craft Day! Students rotated through classrooms and created lots of fun crafts to take home and share with their family! Many thanks to Ami, Christina, Melanie, and Sonia for joining us for the morning!




On our last day of school, our classroom turned into The Polar Express train depot. Each students received a red boarding pass which I stamped as they boarded the train (aka their desk fashioned into a train seat). Students brought a special belonging and wore their pajamas since the Polar Express picks children up in the middle of the night. We enjoyed Gingerbread boys (Thank you to Cody's Grandma, Barbara), hot cocoa with mini marshmallows, and watched The Polar Express in 3-D!




















Students performed a variety of holiday songs for the Winter Music Concert on Wednesday, right after Craft Day. Thanks to the PTO, we have a wonderful music teacher who teaches the children twice a week. Students are using their song books, practicing their parts, and learning performance. Take a look at the video below to hear their singing!