Family Trees

The 6D students began sponge painting family apple trees this week to coincide with our "All About Me" unit during this month of September. Tomorrow I will read the students a wonderful book about families

before we add the apples in paint tomorrow.

While working, the students learned that sponge painting is a fine motor activity because you have to dab the paint from the sponge onto the paper in a repetitive rhythm, as opposed to that of moving a paintbrush across a page. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished trees soon!

Chopstick Fine Motor

On Friday afternoon the 6D students used chopsticks and tiny bear counters during their first fine motor activity.  The class learned that fine motor is a block of time in their schedules when they will be strengthening the muscles in their hands. 

The goal of the activity was to use the chopsticks provided (either with one or both hands) to pick up the tiny bear counters and then place them in a green cup provided.  They were not allowed to use their fingers to pick up the bear counters.  I sped up the version of this video- watch how efficient this student is at using chopsticks! I was quite impressed!

Purple Friday!

On Friday Calvert students wore purple and black in honor of the Ravens first game this weekend. 6D festively celebrated by posing with their class

and the entire grade,

before ending recess with a Ravens' cheer, led by Miss Clark, on the playground. (It went something like this: "Give me an R (R!); Give me an A (A!); Give me a V (V!); Give me an E (E!); Give me an N (N!); Give me an S (S!); What does that spell? (RAVENS!) GO RAVENS!)"

Afterwards, the students continued the celebration with cookies at snacktime.

GO RAVENS!

Mystery Messenger

This week the 6D and 6E students received a mysterious note in Mrs. Armstrong's mailbox from someone called the "Mystery Messenger".



The note encouraged the students to use the clue provided, and those found throughout the school, to visit different classrooms and meet new teachers.



It was exciting watching the students' comfort level increase as we toured new areas of the building.



The final clue led us out on the playground- just in time for recess!

Bravo to my students! I'm sure we will hear more from the Mystery Messenger as the year continues.

'Twas the Night Before Sixth Age

'Twas the night before 6th Age, when all through the town,

Mrs. Armstrong's students could be found sleeping sound.

6D was organized by their teacher with care,

In preparation for the fourteen who would soon be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of Calvert danced in their heads.

When sunlight crept in through their windows that morn,
The students' lives as Sixth-Agers at Calvert were born.

This day was filled with crayons, nametags, and time spent outdoors,
Meeting new teachers, going on a school tour.





The day that followed was equally as fine,
as the students practiced their manners and walked in straight lines.



A Birthday For Bear was read to one and to each
to which we later celebrated with a cupcake feast!


At the end of this week, upon saying farewell-
before the final dismissal bell-

The 6's all left with a red balloon,
As their teachers said, "See you soon!"

I am so excited for a wonderful year,
Filled with celebrations and lots of cheer.

6D: I can already tell this is going to be
An unforgettable 2011-2012 journey!

Congratulations to my new students on a wonderful first week together!
xoxo
Mrs. Armstrong

Back to School!

I am bursting with excitement for school to begin! T-four days!

I will post soon with some pictures of the room organized and in order for my 14 new students!
xoxo
Mrs. Armstrong

Au revoir!

Bon voyage!

France: here I come!

I'll be back just in time for a brand new school year...