IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

Journey and Monica work on some valentines.

Zek suggests we name the fish.

This morning, our friends noticed a new classmate swimming on one of our counters- a beautiful blue beta fish. The kids were so intrigued by our new friend and many visited with him throughout the day.  David asked, “What’s the fish’s name?” and Zek suggested we vote on a name. After listening to many suggestions, we narrowed it down to five choices and the name Harper won by a landslide. What a nice name for a fish! The kids also suggested we create agreements for Harper. Sascha came up with such a wonderful one- “Be kind to the fish. Say nice things to the him.” What a fabulous way to not only practice kindness to animals but also our friendship skills we have been working so hard on refining.

While we had a new pet in our room today, we did not forget our two class pets aquired last week by the help of our friend, Ruth. Two beautiful earth worms have also made their home in our classroom. During studio and explore, the kids enjoyed observing and handling the worms.

Ruth helps Tajanaye gently handle the worm.

The kids also enjoyed something new in our classroom- dress up. I have a variety of vintage dress up clothes that are brightly colored and fun to try on. We even have some funky hats too that accessorize the perfect outfit. The kids loved trying on the clothes and putting on shows with them. If you have any old clothes that you would like to donate and think might make fun dress up outfits, please let me know. I see this as something the kids will be enjoying for a while!

"We're going on a cruise!"

Hutton- you are fabulous looking!

Tags: creativity, curious, friendship, responsible

Hello hello!  Hope you all had a great weekend.  Today Mr. Nored began phasing into his teaching by taking over the teaching part of Math Workshop.  He did such a nice job of leading the friends with their math notebooks.  He will be leading Math Workshop from now until he phases out in April.  He has already worked so hard so I look forward to seeing him teach the various parts of the day.

While Mr. Nored worked with some friends with the notebooks, I played some math games with some friends.  One of those games we played was Time Bingo.  The point of the game is I roll the dice (numbers 1-12).  Whatever I roll, the children need to find that time on their board.  This was a very engaging game so I look forward to playing this more this week.

It was so sweet today because so many friends came in and said “Happy Valentine’s Day” and “I have something for you!”  I look forward to tomorrow when we celebrate each other by having our Friendship Party.

Cha'kyra's purse she made during free choice today! Thank you to Sydney and Shaniyia for helping her!

Shaniyia after she won Time Bingo!

Hello hello!  Today was such a wonderful day!  We got a lot accomplished, and the children were really doing a nice job of respecting, listening, and staying engaged in the various parts of the day.

One of those moments was after the children did independent reading during Reader’s Workshop, we did some partner reading, and let me tell you…I was SO proud of the children and what they were doing with their partners.  While working with one group at one moment, I looked around and noticed that every pair was so engaged with reading and/or listening to their partner read!  It was such a nice observation to see!

Next Thursday we will have our Parent Meeting at 6pm.  The goal for this meeting is for us to get some committees established for our Parent Group.  Hope you can make it!!

Madeline S. and Cha'kyra doing a beautiful job during the partner reading time!

Occasionally, I ask the children if they want to accept the challenge I have for them.  Today my challenge was “Can you go from the classroom to the cafeteria with a bean bag on your head?”  Oh man, did the children enjoy this or what?!?  They took this challenge very seriously and most of them arrived to the cafeteria with the beanbag still on their head!  It was fun because we were working on balance and control, and after we got to the cafeteria and friends started eating they said, “Can we do it again?”

Look at our friends keeping their balance!

Today we began our letter to the Mayor of Indianapolis, Mr. Greg Ballard.  The kids were very excited to start so a small group of friends helped me during our Free Choice Time.   This is only the beginning of the letter.  We will go through probably 2 different revisions before we send it off.  Here is a sneak peak of part of our letter:

Dear Mr. Ballard,

…We share the world with everyone.  The whole world should recycle.  Also, please do not cut down trees.  Because our air is not going to be healthy.  We can reuse paper, maybe scrap paper, to help people….

Love,

Mrs. Clark’s Class