Winter Story Writing Starting This Week- Do You Have Pics?

 

This coming week our class will be starting a story about something that has happened to us during the winter time. I thought that would give kids an opportunity to write about Christmas (the best present/worst present) or other winter holidays, sledding, skiing, staying in a cabin, going to Grandma's for the holidays with a long car ride, ice skating, etc. My story that I am writing takes place during the HUGE storm of 2008- you know the one where we got like over a foot of snow and city was virtually shut down? I am keeping it simple by writing about sledding with my family (my husband and daughter almost crashed in the creek!). Through this assignment they will learn how to slow down time in writing, build excitement at the climax, STOP to Describe further, etc.

I am going to bring in some pictures from that time period. I am wondering if you have pictures that you wouldn't mind sending in with your child for a few weeks of them doing winter activities that might spark their writing (it's okay if you aren't able)? It might be best to chat with them about a favorite winter weather memory where something exciting happens and then see if you have photos that go with that.

I want to get these pieces written and published before winter break. We will also make 3D snowflakes and have hot cocoa to celebrate when they are finished! :) Should be tons of learning and fun!

Painting our Salt and Flour Maps

Yesterday was a busy day with choir rehearsal for many students, a fun math lesson to build discourse and working with time skills set in an amusement park, and we finished it all off with painting our salt and flour maps!

Classroom Monsters Artwork!

Wish List for Items and Needed Help

Hi there,
I often get asked how parents can help when they can't be in the classroom volunteering as a math "mom," art discovery volunteer, or a weekly helper. 

Well, I have a need for a few things to help things run smoothly in our classroom.  Some ideas:
* 5 sets or markers- one for each table group
* a color print cartridge for an hp 5550 printer- color is important when I am creating visuals for the kids
* gold ink pens for revising- kids love to revise their writing when they can use a gold pen!  :)

I also need help getting the students' Classroom Monster drafts typed up.  This is a great job for someone who is a fast typer and wants to help our classroom but can't volunteer during the school day.  Kids LOVE to see their work typed and polished-looking!  You would need to meet with me for maybe 5 minutes toward the end of next week to hand off the papers and chat about formating.  You can send the typed stories to me attached in an email and I will print them at school.  Just send the drafts back with your child in your backpack.  Thanks for considering helping us out in this way!

Thank you to all the families that donated items for the Classroom Monsters artwork to go with our writing.  They turned out fabulously and such fun to complete on Halloween.  I will post pictures soon and of course when the writing is completed, you will see the finished project on display in the hallway!

Thank you to everyone!