Happy Holidays!

Today was an exciting day! We celebrated the season with our Book Swap and a class holiday party. Each child chose a favorite book, inscribed it with their name and a special message, wrapped it, and brought it into school. Today we randomly exchanged packages. It was exciting to hear why children chose a book to give!

"I chose this book because it is REALLY GOOD!"

"I like this book because it is funny."

"I like when the boy goes in the boat."

"This is my favorite book because it is a Christmas story and Christmas is my favorite holiday."

"This book reminds me of my dad. This book reminds me of me. I hope you like it."

"I like this book because it is full of excitement."

After the book exchange, Ms. O'Brien and I told the children that we had a surprise for them. Our surprise, we said, was something for the whole class and it would become a part of our classroom after winter break. Then we played 20 questions, with the children asking "yes" or "no" questions of us. After the 20 questions, the kids were still unsure of what the surprise was! Mrs. O'Brien gave them each a snowflake with a clue embedded in the design. A FISH! Yes, after break we will have a classroom pet. Stay tuned . . . .

We hope you all have wonderful and restful winter breaks!! See you on Tuesday, January 5th!

Mexican Fiesta

What a fabulous culmination to the Third Grade study of Mexico! It was wonderful to celebrate all the work our students have done this semester. Second Graders enjoyed hearing about the topics that their older friends researched. Third Graders had a chance to be the experts on their chosen topic. Second graders also enjoyed watching the Third Graders perform their Mexican songs and dances in the Commons. Bravo Third Grade!

On Friday of next week we will have a special Holiday Snack to accompany our Book Swap. Please contact Doreen Patys if you would like to contribute a healthy snack, cups, plates, or napkins. Thank you!

Please join us at 1:30 on Friday in the Commons for the Winter Fest concert. See you then!

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Tuesday 12/15: Pizza Day

Friday 12/18: *Holiday Snack and Book Exchange

*Winterfest @1:30

Monday 12/21-Monday 1/4: Winter Break

Wrapping!

This morning the 2nd through 5th Grade Sally Borden School students came together to wrap the gifts for our Holiday Hope family. After wrapping along to some holiday music, students and teachers enjoyed some hot chocolate and treats. Thanks to all who so generously donated gifts for this project.

This week in our class . . .

*we spent much time writing and publishing stories. Students are practicing adding details to their writing, editing for punctuation, and creating strong visual images for their readers.

*we learned about Predicate Expanders, which answer questions about the action in our sentences. This week we focused on the "Where" Predicate Expander. Students learned how to diagram sentences and identify "starter" words in predicate expanders. They were challenged to include "where" expanders in their writing.

*Third Graders have been busy researching a Mexican topic of interest. Next week, on Friday December 14th, the children will share these projects with families before attending the Mexican Fiesta!! We ask that 3rd Grade parents join us in our homeroom at 11. We will then go down to the Commons at 11:30 for the Fiesta. Student Attire for the Mexian Fiesta: We ask that girls wear a long skirt and blouse, while boys should wear dark pants and a white shirt.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!