IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

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We’ve had a great first two days of school, packed full with experiences to get to know each other and our classroom better. We have written our first books of the year, explored some of our math materials, read some amazing books, and enjoyed free choice time (painting, sensory tables, blocks, and more)! Here are some pictures of our first two days!

Exploring the pattern blocks

Today during math workshop, the kids were put into groups and set out to explore several materials that we have in our classroom. I challenged them to find as many different ways as they could for their manipulative. I noticed that Aidan arranged 12 little plastic bears in two neat rows. Upon asking him what he created, he replied, “It’s a rectangle.” That caused Hutton some confusion because he looked at it and said, “No, I see eleven!” Aidan and I looked to Hutton for some explanation about how the 12 bears arranged in a rectangle could mean eleven, but he showed us he was right too- the two rows Aidan had so neatly and carefully formed together looked like a one and a one next to one another- eleven. We talked in a group about how each of us had been correct- we had all seen the material in different ways and gave the bears different uses.

Aidan's bear formation

How many kids will it take?

As I walked to see what some of the other groups were doing, I saw Monica and another friend were working on a very long creation that stretched from one end of the classroom to the other. It was huge! Monica exclaimed excitedly, “Its even taller than Mrs. Argus!” I asked Monica if she was absolutley positive that it was bigger than me. How could she be sure? We decided to have me lay down on the floor next  to the creation to see for sure who was taller. Monica was right- “Way taller than Mrs. Argus!” But the interest didn’t stop there. Cameron wondered, “How many people tall is it?” Children began laying next to our creation to see how many would reach the other end of the room. We decided it was about five children long. Some children wondered about building another long creation tomorrow and trying to extend the length. I wonder what other ways of non-standard measurement the kids will come up with.

Hello hello!  We have officially completed our first two days of school!  I cannot believe how quickly they have gone by.  The last two days have been filled with learning about each other, the school, and our classroom environment.  We have begun Writer’s Workshop where the children have really excelled in writing their own books.  Many of the children continued to work on their first book today so that is exciting to see how enthusiastic they are.   A special part of today was when some friends shared their books they had been working on to the entire class, and their friends were able to comment on their book.  I could see how much each friend who shared appreciated their new friends’ comments.

It is apparent that we have a class that really loves writing books and listening to books.  They cannot get enough of me reading aloud to them which of course is my pleasure to read to them!  We were reading Harold and the Purple Crayon today, and one friend asked, “What is a duke?” in response to part of the book.  Some other friends responded, “A dude!”  Another friend said, “Let’s duke it out!”  So, I wrote on a pad of paper for everyone to see the question, “What is a duke?”  We might explore this idea tomorrow, and we will see where it goes! 🙂

Please forgive me for not getting pictures up…I will catch up soon!

We had an exciting day in our classroom!  Today we did a little bit of everything.  We started Reader’s Workshop and Math Workshop.  The kids really enjoyed choosing their own books and exploring our materials.  Towards the end of the day we had Free Choice time where they got to explore the long awaited block area! Everyone was excited to play with the blocks and trains.  I am looking forward to tomorrow and all of the adventures we will have together.

Regan during Reader’s Workshop

"I made a lazer tag place" - Christian

Good evening families! I am sure by this time you have heard a lot of exciting stories and news about our first day from your child. We have had a very busy day here at the Lab School, including Reader’s and Writer’s Workshops, Math Workshop, some studio time and free exploration to learn about our room. One of the most exciting parts of the day was seeing the children thrive during work times. I love  how fearlessly the kids tried the new materials and activities I asked them to engage with and jumped right into our learning experience. I can’t wait to see where the year takes us.