Aug
31
2011
Mrs. Bucher
Today, during our project work time, many of the kiddos were making puppets and putting on puppet shows. Shaniyia, Emily, and Selam even started adding the audience (placing chairs in rows) so everyone could watch the shows! It was so fun to see their excitement grow and then to see everyone else so excited to watch the show was so fun!
Some of Miss Estridge’s friends came into the class too and watched, and everyone was thrilled for that. We added a curtain today because some were saying that they needed something to cover up their puppets until the show was ready. The kiddos are pretty creative with their puppets…we have some Miss Piggy puppets, some vampire puppets (with a mustache), some princesses. I am really excited to see where this puppet enthusiasm goes!
We had our first Birthday Cupcake Celebration today! Thanks to Madeline S. and Geneva’s families for coming in and baking cupcakes for our first month’s celebration! They did a great job, and all of the children LOVED the cupcakes.
Putting up the chairs so we have an audience!
Isaac and his vampire (with a mustache) puppet.
Aug
31
2011
Mrs. Argus
Test pilots.
Today we took our airplanes on a test flight. During our studio/explore time, everyone created an airplane. We then experimented with modifications for their flight- rudders, tails, wing cuts, and many more. We decided the best way to test our modifications was to fly the planes outside and try. It was interesting to see how the kids judged their airplane’s success or not. Some friends deemed their flight was only successful if it made a long distance. Some deemed a successful flight if it turned a particular way or spun in one direction. Everyone was looking to make their plane do something a little bit different which made the activity special and unique to each child. We discovered through our trial that many of the modifications we thought would be helpful were really not and actually made some of our planes do opposite of what we desired. Tomorow we will have more time to reflect on our test flights and think about what we can do differently to our planes to try again for a more desired effect.
Our class has also been working hard at literacy stations this week. Literacy stations is a time during reader’s workshop where the children are put into small groups and experience different reading and writing tasks to develop strength in literacy. The activities are differentiated and can me modified for each child’s needs so they are adequetly challenged and pushed to their fullest potential.
Hutton and Angela at Graph a Letter station.
Working hard during literacy stations.
Aug
30
2011
Mrs. Bucher
After last week when we acted out Little Quack, I thought it would be nice to give the children some opportunities to perform. This morning I placed a puppet stage in our room. When the children walked into the classroom, many of the students were asking what it was. I said, “I don’t know…what do you think it is?” Some said, “a puppet stage!” Some said, “a lemonade stand!” During our Free Choice time, some of the kiddos started making puppets and putting on a puppet show! Makayla said, “I need some (making motions for a marionette) to make my puppet move!”
Starting the show!
Emily's puppet she made today!
Some of the friends busy making puppets.
Aug
30
2011
Mrs. Clark
Today we celebrated all of the August Birthdays in the classroom. Our three friends; Max, Christina, and Nytaiya were all able to help bake cupcakes for the class. They had a little help from a few family members. Here are a few pictures from the day!
Aug
30
2011
Mrs. Argus
The IPS/Butler University Laboratory School was featured yesterday evening on WTHR’s Whats Cool in School. Check out the link to see our school in action.
http://www.wthr.com/story/15354399/ips-butler-join-forces-for-new-laboratory-school
