K-Aboriginal Dot Painting

This week at art class, Kindergarteners had a great time learning about Australian dreamtime painting and Aboriginal art. Next we talked about how we could make it our own. The students created their hand prints and filled the paper with patterns and symbols that will communicate something about themselves. They also had a great time mixing colors to discover new colors.

Music: Puttin' the "Soul" in Solfege

Students continue to prepare for the Festival of Peace and Light next week. It's great to see students continue to improve with their pitch, while using the solfege hand chart. I wanted to give a special shout this week, to the odd-numbered grades of 1, 3, and 5! First grade improved greatly with their South African song. 5th grade- awesome job on the xylophones.

Also, congratulations to the 3rd grade on a fantastic performance at Belle Square Mall. They sang so well, and were wonderful in representing CHA. BRAVO!!

CHA Joins the Hour of Code

More than 14 million people took part in this week's Hour of Code, including all our CHA students and a number of their parents by the sound of it! Organized by the Partovi brothers and sponsored by a wide range of tech companies as well as the President, the purpose was to show students that coding can be fun and rewarding. If you want to have a got at home you can find everything you need here http://mrsmorlidge.com/Technology.htm

P.E.

It's that time of year here at CHA: the weather is cooling down and the holiday season is in full force!  Our focus in P.E. this week has been on Movement and Space Awareness.  Some of our classes got to take part in Shoe Pass, a cohesive abdominal workout that blended sit-ups with shoes.  We also had some classes participate in an activity called Blizzard.  In Blizzard, partners assist each other in blindly finding their way across the gym through a myriad of obstacles scattered throughout the floor.  Here we can see one of our 3rd grade classes in the thick of the Blizzard action.  Have a fantastic weekend!

Sharing Folktales

One way to learn about a country's culture is to read and share folktales.  This week in Library, students have been hearing stories and facts about the countries they are studying for the Multicultural Fair. Kindergarten heard Possum Magic by Mem Fox.  First graders heard two tales from South Africa while second graders heard some animal stories from Brazil.  I found a book written from a Singapore author called The Elephant and the Tree for third grade.  In fourth grade, students heard and shared Greek myths.

Music: Sing, sing, sing!

Students had a really great week in music, as we continue to prepare for December performances. Be sure to check out the 3rd grade next Wednesday at Bellevue Square Mall. 11:00 AM. It will be exciting to hear them perform!

Enjoy your weekend!