Throwback Thursday!

The courtyard is one of my favorite places at Orchard School and I'm missing it a lot right now.  Typically at this time of year I take the children out to plant the sunflowers that will end up welcoming them back in the fall.  I'm almost certain the tulips are already up because the four brick walls of the school create  micro climate that pushes all the plantings just a little bit ahead. Mrs. Freeman is making sure we'll still have some sunflowers to greet us in September, but for now I thought it would be cool to remember some of the fun we had in the courtyard earlier this year.  Have a look back...

Look closely- you can see some sunflowers!

What a ZOOM!

  Many thanks to our fabulous Art teacher Mrs. A for leading us through a truly terrific cartooning art activity over Zoom yesterday.  I had a great time and only wish I had thought to take a screen shot when the children where holding up their white boards so I could have posted it here. One of today's activities on the grid is a link to a different kind of drawing activity led by Mrs. Antonioli. I hope you have a chance to check it out.  But before you do...

What A Little Sunshine Can Do

The weather this past weekend was gorgeous and although we're not finished with the cold yet (have you seen the forecast for this weekend?) many of us really took advantage of the sun.  Have a look at some "Over the weekend..." writing and drawing-

Keeping up with the journal is one of the best things Kindergarteners can do to "stay in great writing shape".  Hearing and independently writing sounds in words is a major Kindergarten goal!

Many of the children guessed yesterday's Mystery COMPOUND word in a snap.

If the sunshine can grow plants maybe it's working for writers and readers too!  Here's another great book review.  You don't have to take MY word for it!

So Much To Share!

What a change a few days makes!  I remember in Friday's video I gave some suggestions for things to do on a chilly, rainy day- one was checking out all the links to really incredible types of Japanese music that Mrs. Frostman put on our learning grid. The other was to send me photos of cooking or baking projects that you may have done.  Here's one I received-

Chocolate treats liven up a rainy day for sure!  And then, wouldn't you know it- a change in the weather and I received this-

I see two sisters, pretty happy after the ice cream truck!

I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a dedicated group of young learners (and their parents)- it's enabling us to move forward as a class. I like to think that the blog posts help us to stay connected. In that spirit, if you're looking for a good book to read, just ask a Kindergartener!

Or, if your looking for a cool new project, how about toilet paper cheese wax candles!  That's right.  Take a look-

Read Any Good Books Lately?

I am a huge fan of Lavar Burton and Reading Rainbow.  Do you remember the show?  In Room 28 we sometimes broke up Fridays (our "no special" day) or rainy days with a classic episode of Reading Rainbow.  At the end of each episode, Lavar says "if you liked that story, here are some other books you might want to check out.  But you don't have to take MY word for it..." And then children proceed to give book reviews! Here's one from a student in our class-

Now which Batman loving friend would have written that review?

Yesterday WAS a great day to get cozy with a book.  Let's see what another friend is reading-

Today is likely to be another indoor day so whether it's reading, writing, or circuit making!  I trust you are working harder to get smarter!

Learning More Every Day

Thursday already and I'm excited for today's Zoom.  Since there won't be a video from me on the blog today I thought I'd let other Orchard folks provide some content.  Click below to see Mr.T explain about Friday morning's FIRST EVER Virtual 
ALL SCHOOL Morning Meeting! 


Mr. T talks about Hat Day and ALL School Meeting

And now I'll turn to a classmate who supplied today's Mystery Picture.  Can you name this animal that Mason came across while out adventuring with his mom?  Send me your guess in an email and keep the book reviews coming as well, I'd love to post some soon.

"Here We Are, BACK Together..."

It was a fun Zoom meeting yesterday with Mrs. Frostman joining for a sing through of the Orchard School Song. (The title of this post is a little twist on the opening line of the song). With two meetings under my belt, I have some better ideas about timing and keeping kids engaged as well we lots of respect for the children who manage their mute button with skill!  Lets take a look at what some of you have been up to in the last few days.
The week off allowed for some excellent outdoor adventures


...and indoor fun too!  Tangrams are a great way to put some challenge into an inside day as are the signs below- one classmate's invention for a game of "Red Light Green Light".

It's fun to post your creative projects because I know you inspire each other. Now that we are back to the routine, many of you are doing an awesome job keeping up with journals.  I love reading your news and seeing your math work in action.