Weeks 13 and 14

The past two weeks Mrs. P.'s class continued learning about this month's country and sport, Russia and gymnastics, by adding five new sight words to our ever-growing list: Russia, gymnastics, gymnast, stretch and balance. Since the start of the year, students have added thirty sight words to their vocabulary, and have done a fantastic job both recognizing and identifying what they mean. Teachers have been amazed by the progress our classroom Olympians have made, and encourage everyone to keep up the good work!

In physical education students continued their gymnastics unit, getting the opportunity to try out the very exercises they have been learning in the classroom in the gym! This week students had another try at the balance beam, and even got to try jumping from the vault on to a mat! In health class we began discussing the importance of feelings. We now know how to acknowledge them in ourselves and be mindful of them in others.

In SPOT group, Mrs. P.'s class made booklets about Russia, learning about various aspects of Russian culture to compare and contrast it with our own. We learned that Russian children, unlike ourselves, win medals after the 9th grade which advance them to either secondary or vocational schools. We also learned that instead of using the name "Santa," Russian children call Santa Clause "Father Frost." However, we also learned that Russian children have a lot in common with us. They attend school at the same time we do, enjoy the same types of activities and games, and go through similar seasons. To learn more, check out the website we looked at in SPOT group:

http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212302/russia.html

In art class students completed projects we've been working on for our families for the holiday. We can't give you TOO much information, but can tell you to look forward to a special surprise that's been made by the students themselves!

Next week we begin our countdown to the holiday! With only one week of school remaining, we hope that everyone continues to keep up the hard work before a much deserved vacation. Please remember to wear your holiday colors to school as we have plenty of fun planned for the week ahead. Happy holidays everyone!