Sing, sing, sing...don't forget to breathe!

Students finished up the final song from their musical this week.  We also discussed breathing. Pictured above, 3rd graders try an exercise where they check their air, with their hand. In taking a 'deep breathe' we make sure the stomach fills with air and doesn't 'suck in'. Shoulders down! For those who know Mrs. Becky, she taught me the exercise. It's a fun one! An imaginary string is pulled up and down to help students with their air and breathing. It's been great to see students' working so hard, and I'm proud of them for their effort.

P.E.

Our time in PE this week was spent playing cooperative games.  Most of our classes participated in "Through the Quicksand", a game where partners assisted each other in navigating their way through a series of obstacles.  One of our 4th grade classes is pictured below, in the heat of some Quicksand action.  Enjoy the sunshine this weekend CHA!

Penguin Power Point Presentations

For the past few weeks, the first grade students have been working diligently on their PowerPoint presentations on penguins.  Using the information from their reports completed in class, the first graders learned how to add text, pictures, and transitions to a four-slide presentation.  Next week, I should have the presentations loaded into a drop box so that you all can see their hard work!

Art Auction

These are a few examples of this year's art auction projects. They all turned out amazing!!!
We are very excited!!!

Another Fun Week in Technology

This week the Second Grade students who had Technology with me had fun creating whacky experiments using the Crazy Machines. The students had to either make something move or blow up and most managed both. I believe there are versions available in the Apple and Android app stores.

Third Grade students have been working on their 'Rocks and Minerals' PowerPoints. The purpose of this project is to showcase what they have learned in their science lessons with Mrs. Box. Last week they made a bare bones skeleton comprising the seven slides they will need, this week they added their fact sentences, and when we get back from break we will be adding images, transitions and animations.

Fourth Graders have been working on their Solar System Spreadsheets. Students are using the Kids Astronomy website to gather all sorts of data about the planets in our solar system. Last week they created a data table and this week they learned how to create charts. When we get back from break they will output their worksheets to a printer or PowerPoint so that we can share them with you.


 
 

Finally, Fifth Graders have been working on the Dream Houses they are designing using the 3D drawing program Sketchup. When we get back from break they will be downloading accessories form the 3D warehouse to complete their designs, and the final step will be to use Screen-O-Matic to create animated presentations so that they can share their designs with you.

Musical Season- go, go, go, not slow, slow, slow!

In music, it was another great week of rehearsals. It was fun to see students' excitement as they learn more about their assigned role in the cast list. I've enjoyed starting to team up with teachers of the various grades. Songs/choreography are going well. It's definitely GO time!! After break, it may be GOGOGO time!

Enjoy the break!

4th and 5th --Art Docent from Seattle Art Museum

                     

An Art docent came from Seattle Asian Art Museum and talked about 'Asian Art Yesterday and Today.'
4th and 5th grade students had a great time learning, creating art and playing game at the end.
Thank you CHAPTER for the great learning opportunity.

Music: The Story of the Orchestra

Students did a nice job with the second song from each musical this week. It is fun to see students do so well while singing on the move! I've really enjoyed starting moves/choreography with each grade. K-1 enjoyed learning about the orchestra and the Baroque/Classical time periods. Enjoy your weekend!

P.E.

With such frigid weather casting its spell on the greater Seattle area this week, it was only appropriate that the theme for P.E. this week was Fitness!  2nd-5th grade classes participated in a teambuilding exercise called Scooter Boats, in which students built a boat out of gymnastic mats and scooters.  Our K-1st grade classes took part in a beanbag collection game called Hungry Crabs, in which students had to crabwalk for the entire time.  Here we can see one of our Kindergarten classes playing a game of Hungry Crabs.  Have a great weekend CHA!