What a "FUN"itel Week we had!

Riding the Funitel

The kindergarteners chattered excitedly as the gondola quickly shot up the mountainside and then they squealed with delight as they spotted the stuffed animals that were caught in the rock wiring as the gondola climbed through the sky. The views were breath-taking, the sun was shining, and anticipation was high for this "Fun"itel-filled adventure, and it definitely was a highlight for our week!

So much excitement!

Another thing the kids really enjoyed was our weekly hike up Shirley Canyon, complete with cranberry art in the snow, jumping into the snow and sliding down the drifts whenever they could. We made it back just in time for the Appreciation Circle, and the kids did the best clean-up of the classroom that has happened so far this year! That was definitely a proud moment :)

Snow and cranberry snacks

Art with our buddies

With our "big" book buddies (8th graders), we made snowflake-catching self-portraits. The 8th graders patiently helped with the tracing, cutting and gluing that was necessary for the projects, and the kindergarteners of course loved the extra help and attention. Porsha's mom and dad came in to read us books this week for her "Special Me" week, and the theme of kindness was woven throughout the activities they did with us, as well as through our art projects this week. The students learned about a legend of how the baker's dozen came to be through the baker Van Amsterdam and his St. Nick's Day cookies. They learned the power of giving more instead of being "stingy" and withholding from others when we have more than plenty to share.

Building a Community!

Finally, we look forward to next week, when we will complete our social studies unit on communities and community helpers. We will welcome a nurse to our class and she will share with us the importance of her job and how she is able to help in the community. We will also create a book about how we want to help and give back to our communities as we grow older. This week, the students made their own communities and then got to play with them for one of our Choice times.

Thank you to everyone who has helped out this week, whether through working with your child at home, coming in to volunteer with group work, or coming along on our field trip and hike this week. Have a wonderful weekend!

The view from up top

Community Group 1

More artwork!

We really enjoyed our hike!

Having snow much fun!

Learning about the menorah

What a beautiful, winter wonderland! The students enjoyed our hike even more with all the snow, squealing with glee over sliding down hills and plopping into drifts.

Making airplanes

This week, we got to enjoy hearing about Hanukkah from Abe and his mom, who came in to read a story for our class to educate us about the history of Hanukkah and the significance of the menorah. The students also learned how to play dreidel, and greatly enjoyed it! It was a favorite, and I'm sure will be making an appearance again in one of our math centers! We also celebrated Archer's birthday by making special dragon paper airplanes. The kinders loved it!

In social studies, we talked about the communities we live in, and next week, we will learn about the people that we need in our communities, such as firefighters, policemen, doctors, etc. The students loved playing community Bingo! On Thursday, we visited Tahoe Truckee High School to watch the Ririe Woodbury Dance group. We learned about how to make poses by pushing, pulling, and supporting. Members of the dance group also led the students in different dance moves, which they loved. It was a wonderful experience!

Playing dreidel

Next week, we welcome a new student to our class! I am excited to see how this group of learners will welcome a new member to our community. Enjoy the weekend!

Ririe Dance

Out on the hike!