4th Grade-theorysingmovexylo. Drum Circle!

4th graders started the week,
re-acclimating with music theory in the 5 minute theory books. They also spent time singing, moving, and clapping/patting rhythms. Then they transferred the parts to xylophones and drums. Today we made a drum circle, using a rhythmic chant from the Philippines. 3rd graders also continued with their music theory books and 2nd graders started in theirs. So, a lot of rhythm and music theory this week. It flew!

Self-portraits--3rd and 5th

 

CHA Artists put a lot of effort into their self-portraits. 

 I can't wait to hang them up on their lockers. 

They did such a great job!!!

Kindergarteners Practice Shelving and Checking Out Books

This week, Kindergarten students practiced using shelf markers and checking out books.  They learned that books have their own special place in the Library, and they're usually alphabetized by the author's last name.  They practiced in pairs and then individually. 

We will continue talking about proper book care this month. 

Don't forget that students may check out one book a week.  Ms. Conrad's check out day is Wednesday, Mrs. DeWitt's is Thursday, and Ms. Lundberg's day is Friday.  You can help your child remember to return their book outside their classroom in the proper basket on the correct day.

Welcome Back Artists!

Welcome back CHA Artists!!!
Hope you all had a great summer.

As we always do, we started working on our self-portraits last week. The students learned about drawing human faces using the right proportion.
They had a great time looking in the mirror and analyze their reflections.
It was great to hear a lot of students saying...
"This is the BEST self portrait I've ever made!!."

I can't wait to hang their self portraits up on their locker.

Welcome Back to School!

It has been a lot of fun this week, hearing stories from students and parents about their summer! Students did a great job getting back in the routine for music class. It was great to start working together again, while beginning with the end in mind.

One thing I enjoyed specifically was seeing students and classes already begin to improve with their singing, from the first to the second class. It helps paint a picture of the students' potential, which is really exciting. Pictured here, Mrs. Newell's first grade class finishes a session of singing, rhythm, and movement.

Welcome back!

CHA Library Ready for Check Out!

Many of the older students had the opportunity to check out books this week from Library. 
Students come to Library in their homerooms. 

Below are the days when homeroom classes will be able to check out books: 

• Mondays: James, Kim, Taylor
• Tuesdays: Blair
• Wednesdays: Setting, Conrad, Douglas, Box
• Thursdays:  Anderson, DeWitt, Newell
• Fridays:  Daffara, Lodwick, Lundberg, Jarvis, Banker

Books are due one week after they are checked out. Students check out one book at a time (unless additional books are needed for a school project).  If students need an additional week to read a book, they may bring the book back during check out so it can be renewed. 

We were able to acquire many new titles over the summer, and the students are anxious to start reading!

Welcome to our beautiful new Tech Lab!

We will be experiencing Technology in a whole new way this year. Over the summer we were able to upgrade the Tech Lab with brand new Dell OptiPlex 3011 All-in-One Computers thanks to the wonderful support and generosity of our amazing parent community. I can't wait to start the new year, it's going to be a good one!

K-4th PE

Hard to believe that we're approaching the finish line of this 2012-2013 school year already!  This week, all of our classes had free choice, where they were able to decide which games they wanted to play.  The popular choice seemed to be barrier ball with most of the classes.  Below is a shot from a 4th grade game of barrier ball.  Enjoy the sunny weekend as we ramp up for an exciting final week of school here at CHA!

More Keyboarding Kudos

Congratulations to our latest Type to Learn 3 Graduates! Aubrey becomes the first 2nd Grade Girl in CHA history to complete the program, and Rishi becomes to the first CHA student to finish the course in a funny wig! Well done both of you!
 

Middle School Music and the mysterious 'boboneedle'

 Middles School students discussed the tale...the legend...and the history of the mysterious 'Boboneedle.' OK, there's really no history or mystery- it's the silly rubber ball pictured left.

In the game, the person in the middle tries to locate the boboneedle, that's being passed around on the outside of the circle. It's a fun, and definitely high energy game, but it's also a good teamwork activity. It sure was fun watching them play this one!

Library Inventory

First, I would like to thank all of you who helped remind your children to turn in their library books on time.  ALL library books are due Friday, May 31 so I may do inventory.   I have been sending reminders home.  If books are not returned, you will be billed to replace them.  Please contact me (lduffina@chestnuthillacademy.com) if you know your book is lost.
Thanks again for all your help!  The students will be continuing to learn library skills and enjoying books in library time during the next few weeks.

Keyboarding Kudos

As we approach the end of the year CHA Students are working hard to earn a keyboarding certificate. Last week Aidan (5th Grade) and Johnny B (3rd Grade) finished Type to Learn 3, today Anagha (5th Grade) finished Type to Learn 4 and Max L became the first 2nd Grader in the history of CHA to complete Type to Learn 3. Well done everyone!

 

Capers on Cloud Nine!

The Kindergarten students have started playing a game, Reader Rabbit: Capers on Cloud Nine.  Although it is designed for first graders, they have had a wonderful time trying to figure out why there are umbrellas and raincoats falling from the sky.  Then they have to stop it from happening!  There are a variety of locations on the "map" where spelling, phonics, and math skills are reinforced.  

Visitante(Visitor) in Spanish class

During Cinco de Mayo week, Maria Oneto (Mom of Matias in 3rd grade) came to visit Mrs. Anderson's and Mrs. Setting's classes in the Spanish classroom. She shared with the students one of the children's books she has published in Spanish. She read them the book Liliana la Iguana and then they did some fun activities that related to the book! Students had a great time with Maria! Muchas gracias Maria!

Focus on Beebot

The past two weeks, first graders have been learning how Logo programming using Beebot.  Children have to maneuver Beebot through a variety of mazes.  Next week, students will begin using an actual Beebot move on a map and spell words!  Pictures to follow!

Reminder from the CHA Library

As the year winds down, I wanted to remind you that all CHA library books are due Friday, May 31.  Reminders have been going home all week.  If you have questions about a lost book, please contact me lduffina@chesnuthillacademy.com.  If books aren't returned, your account will be billed (or you may contact me to get a replacement.)  Thank you!

K-4th PE

What an excellent performance put on by our middle school band this afternoon!  The theme in PE this week was scooter-based, as some of our classes played a game of hockey on scooters, while others played another game called scooterball.  Both of these activities really called on our students to be cooperative team members.  There's nothing better than seeing teammates pass the ball freely and easily to one another while working towards one common goal: scoring a goal (in this instance).  Below is an action shot of our kindergartners during a riveting game of scooterball.  Have a sensational weekend!

3rd Grade Technology - Publisher

In Technology the students have been using Publisher to create an Illustrated Spanish English Dictionary. This helps them get to grips with publisher, and practice their vocab. They have also earned the privilege of choosing music for a class playlist, and to hear them all quietly singing along to 'Dynamite' while they did their typing practice was adorable.

2nd Grade Technology - PowerPoints

In their Technology lessons the 2nd Grade students are creating PowerPoint presentations that describe The Lifecycle of  a Butterfly which will, if things go according to plan, feature photos of the caterpillars they are 'growing' in their classrooms.

MS Tech - Kodu Programming

For the last couple of weeks our Middle School students have been working on building a Kodu video game. Kodu is a programming language from the Microsoft Fuse Research Labs designed as an introduction to coding for children. The students have been set the challenge of creating a two person game with a scoring mechanism and an objective; hopefully they will get them finished in time for other students to play them, which the rest of the school will love because it involves the use of xbox controllers!

4th Grade Lego Animations

The 4th Grade students have been busy working on their Lego animations. Having come up with a plot and created a backdrop, the next step was to take photos. The trick with stop motion animation is keeping the camera still while you make small movements with the Lego; it is fiddly work but they all had a good go. Next week we will be importing the photos into the stop motion editing software where they will add titles, voice overs, sound effects etc.

2nd grade music- small group performances

2nd grade reviewed form by creating their own group pieces. Pieces varied between ABA, ABC, and A A1 forms. Many groups started with body percussion, then transferring to instruments. It was great to see the creativity!

 Hats off to our 3rd graders for their Mother's Day performance of the Motown selection "How Sweet It Is". 4th graders have been performing for each other during recorder and guitar classes. It's great to hear them play and perform!

Cuatro Esquinas

Kindergarten has been learning the names of animals in Spanish and they enjoy playing "Cuatro Esquinas" (Four Corners) in class with the animals. Below is a short video of them playing!

Pinatas during Cinco de Mayo

1st grade hitting a pinata in Spanish class.

Cinco de Mayo

Students had a great time celebrating Cinco de Mayo this week. Cinco de Mayo took place on Sunday (May 5^th) this year and is celebrated because of Mexico’s victory over the French Army in the city of Puebla.  This week students enjoyed Chips and Salsa and watched as their classmates took a swing at a piñata donated by 4^th graders.

4th, MS--Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

 For the past few weeks, 4th grade and Middle school 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. 
 

K-4th PE

Another beautiful school week in the Northwest has come to a close!  Hopefully, the near future will grace us with even more.  All of our classes played Pin Down on the soccer field this week.  We got some fantastic exercise in, as students had to run 1-2 laps each time their bowling pin got knocked over.  The beads of sweat were out in full force!  Enjoy the weekend.

1st grade music- beginning interval notation.

First graders did some written work with the intervals "Mi-Sol-La." Students have sang the pattern so many times this year, but it was great to see them visualize and notate.

2nd graders did a written assessment with time signature and bar lines. Of course, they moved and sang as usual this week!

K-4th PE

This spectacular Spring weather refuses to leave us alone here at CHA!  This week, all of our classes played "China Gate" out on the soccer field, which is nearly identical to the game of "Capture the Flag."  It was fantastic seeing so many of our students with beads of sweat dripping down their hard-working faces.  Below is a shot from one of our 2nd grade games of China Gate.  Enjoy your weekend!

Practicing Dictionary Skills

Students have been practicing using a dictionary the past two weeks.  They have been learning about sections of the dictionary and guide words.  They have been using a variety of dictionaries:  picture, children, and intermediate. 

Middle School Pin Down!

Middle School students finally enjoyed a great day in the sun!  Anagha helps clean up after a rousing game of "Pin Down"!