Easter bunny

The Easter Bunny visited our classroom this week. Not only did he leave his footprints behind, but also hid some eggs. 

Inside each egg was a magnetic letter. The students opened them up and found the matching upper case letter on the board.

A Constable pays a visit

Yesterday, Constable Brad (Stonecrest’s School Resource Officer) came and told us a little about his job and different ways we can keep safe. He talked about stranger danger, calling 911, bicycle safety. He showed us the equipment he carries, and talked about his role. Of course, many of the kinders were excited to see his gun. He explained that he seldom uses it and he surprised some children by revealing that his most important tool was his voice, as he uses it to talk through situations.

Showing us his walkie talkie.

Yaki

Today, our special guest Yaki came to present his fun loving songs and dances to the children. They quickly become so engaged and are singing and dancing right along with him as he really encourages audience participation. 

Our theatrics continue

This week we had some special presenters from the board’s art department in collaboration with our First Nations teacher. They brought in a variety of gorgeous, realistic hand puppets that are animals native to Canada. They have now loaned this to us to enhance our theatre/puppet centre. The students couldn’t wait to play with them!

To encourage some literacy at our centre, we have taken photos of the students once they are in character. We then made a large “cast” poster, with their photos, and they write the character they are playing the role of. Not only do we have actors and actresses, and puppeteers ,but singers, drummers, and even an MC!

growing, GROWING,GROWING

Shortly after the new year, the blue group planted some amaryllis bulbs. Every day in class, certain students are very careful to ensure that they are watered and cared for. We have been watching the bulbs as they began to sprout, grow and now bloom.

The red plant created 7 beautiful blossoms...during the March break!

Native inspired artwork

After inviting our First Nations teacher (Ms. Butler), in to talk about our relationship with Mother Earth and the animals, I knew I wanted the students to create some artwork that was inspired by First Nations work. We decided to complete this as a project with our reading buddies. Today, the green group created the most beautiful pieces of art with their grade 4 buddies!

Musicians in training

Each week, both classes go to the music room for instructions. It is a great way to show the students all the instruments, what they do, what they are called, how they work and what they sound like! Maybe we have some budding musicians in our midst..hopefully they’ll join Stonecrest’s band when they are old enough.

Young Actors and Actresses and Performers

This week, we changed our dramatic arts centre from the dinosaur museum to the theatre. Many of the students were pretending to put on shows, so we capitalized on this idea. They seem to be having a blast play acting and using our puppet theatre, selling tickets, dressing in costume, applying theatre makeup, selling popcorn etc. The microphones are a big hit (as a result, our class is a little louder than normal!) 

Measuring

We are continuing our measurement unit. We have read a lot of books which compare big and little sizes. We also read a book by Leo Lionni called “Inch by Inch” where a little inchworm must measure various things for different birds, their legs, their beak, their wing, and finally the nightingales’ song! To compare sizes, students were asked to compare different length of straws and then arrange them shortest to longest. This was done as a group project.

We have also been working on making our own rulers.