5th Grade 3D Drawing Videos

In their Tech lessons, the 5th Grade students used Sketchup, a 3D drawing program to create a model of their dream house. They then used Screen-o-Matic to create a walk through demo video of the house they made. I have uploaded some of their creations to our drop box so that you can have a look at them at home. You will need to copy and paste the link below in to your browser.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1983wy6godjx7n2/lkQzEzsASu

Typing Kudos!

Congratulations to Anna who this afternoon became the first Second Grader to complete Type to Learn 4 at CHA! Several students are following close behind so I am hoping to post news of their success before school is out. Well done Anna!

4th and 5th Art--Pinata

For the past few weeks, 4th and 5ht grade students put a lot of effort into their Pinatas and their creation turned out GREAT!!! 
The students learned about Cinco de Mayo in Spanish class and worked on the Pinatas in Art class.

PE

During this week of ITBS testing, our students were able to exhaust some of their pent-up energy by dancing in PE!  We took part in the "Cha Cha Slide" and the "Hamster Dance" just to name a couple.  Here's one of our Kindergarten classes showing off their fabulous dance moves.  Have a great weekend CHA!

Songmania in K-1 music

K-1 students have been enjoying a variety of folk songs and games, with the use of some great picture books and CDs. We also visited a tune called "My Aunt Came Back," a zany call and response song that tells the story of My Aunt who traveled all over the world and brought various items with her, that we add as movement/motions. Pictured right, 1st grade enjoys a round of "All Around the Village." Students enjoyed small percussion instruments and xylos to boot. Great job K-1!!

Overdue Library Books

As the end of the year approaches, please be on the lookout for overdue notices from the Library.  Many will be sent home on April 25 in Friday folders.  If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Duffina at lduffina@chestnuthillacademy.com.
Don't forget to look for books in lockers, under beds, and in cars.  When I remind most of the children that they have an overdue book, they usually know where it is.  A gentle reminder from home to bring it back to school is appreciated.  Thank you!

Se Vende Casa (House for Sale)

 For the past two weeks, third graders presented their "House for Sale" projects in class. They have worked really hard on their house in Spanish class and they all did a wonderful job in presenting their speeches!

Cascarones in Spanish class

CASCARONES!!!! Kindergarten and First graders had a GREAT time making Cascarones (Confetti filled eggs) in Spanish class.

Back in the Music Swing!

It was great to get back in the music classroom after musicals, DC, and Spring Break! It was also fun to hear stories of travel from students. In 1st-3rd grade, we made lists of student activities during the break, and used the words to create rhythm patterns on the board. Once secure with speech/vocalization, students transfer to sticks, drums, as well as xylos where students create their own melody. Enjoy the sun!

PE

This week, each class channeled their efforts towards either basketball or softball.  It was fantastic to see our students improve their ability to dribble and shoot the basketball.  It was equally fantastic to begin playing some softball games outside whenever Mother Nature allowed us the chance!  Enjoy the weekend CHA!

Working with Reference Materials

For the past few weeks, students have been working with dictionaries and atlases.  The older students have been using almanacs and encyclopedias as well. We've had scavenger hunts, quizzed one another, and taken assessments.  By far their favorite activity has been looking through the atlases to show their friends where they have been!

 

Nature Collage

 This week at art, Kindergarteners had a great time collecting nature items from the field and working on the Nature Collage project.

We found leaves, sticks, pine needles, acorns, flowers, rocks, and a few other nature items.
When we came back to the art class, we glue the items on a  paper and used our imagination to turn the items into something creative.

PE

This week in PE, our 3rd & 4th graders took part in our softball unit.  Some classes began playing a softball game, while others practiced their batting and fielding as a precursor to their own game!  The focus for our K-2 students was on cardiovascular fitness, as all of our classes played "Fire in the Forest", a tag-based game that features students identifying with animals.  Below is a picture from one of our Kindergarten games of "Fire in the Forest."  Have an awesome Spring Break CHA!

Birthday Books

If your child has had a recent birthday or will be celebrating one soon, why not think about donating a book to the CHA Library?  I have many students who love a certain book which is not already in our catalog, and they donate it to the Library.  We usually read it aloud, and then I catalog it for check out for others to read.  If you're interested in donating a book, please let me know, and I can give you a list of suggestions.  Thanks!