Popplet

 We've been working hard on analyzing characters in order to further understand stories that we are reading. The students have learned a lot about empathizing with characters, making predictions based on choices the characters make, looking at how other characters interact and view them, and the objects that the characters might use or have.  I've been very impressed with the deeper thinking that students have been using.

 Today I asked them to synthesize all that knowledge to do a character study. They chose one character that we've read in class, or that they have read in one of their individual books. They used the online organizer known as Popplet to describe their character and prove their thinking.  We will finish this activity next week, and I'll be sure to share some of their finished work.

Gingerbread Houses

 What fun we had today decorating our gingerbread house!  In true Mrs. West fashion, our house is crazy and loud. I love it. The kids had free reign to decorate as they wanted, and their personalities certainly show. The houses will be on display next week at DBS, and then given to a fundraiser in Norwich for the Family Place. The kids truly enjoyed this activity, and many talked about creating their own at home. I highly suggest making your own at home. What a great family activity for the holiday season.

Active Reading

The students have spent the last two days learning to actively participate in their reading. I'm trying to get them to understand that every time you open up a book you open up to a magical place or time. We practiced "becoming" the character, and sometimes that means acting out exactly how they are feeling, or what they are doing. Take a look at this funny video of my students actively reading!

Germs and Bacteria

This very short week, the students learned about being healthy. We had two Dartmouth Grad students come in and do a hand washing lab. The students tested the bacteria on their fingers: first with a finger as a test level, then with just washing with water, then washing with soap and water for various times throughout the class and finally a few students tested using antibacterial soap. For fun the students were also given swabs to test for bacteria in random locations around the room.

We let the bacteria grown for 48 hours before getting a chance to look at the petri dishes. The Dartmouth students brought in a high tech powerful microscope where the students could look closely at the colony of bacteria that were living on their hands. Most all of the students were totally grossed out by what they saw living on their hands and around the room. Check out some of the pictures below.

Unity Day

Today was Unity Day. It was one of the most phenomenal days of my teaching career. I am so blessed to work in a place where students are celebrated, where the community comes together as a whole, where the pride runneth over. Today was a day of celebration for a place where kids know and understand that bullying is not okay, where they stand up for one another, where they know to tell the teacher, where bulling actions are simply not accepted. Thank you to my students who try every day to model a bully free zone.

Here are a few pictures and even a video from today's assembly.

VINS Field Trip

 Thank you to all the parents who joined us today at VINS. The students had a great day learning about the adaptations of different animals and checking out the unique raptors. I am sure that they are tired out tonight after such a busy day. 

NECAP Testing

NECAPs!

Well today is the day! It is the day that we've all been waiting for. It is the day that students and teachers both anticipate with bated breath.The students have been really great practicing and getting ready. We've been reviewing third grade material, practicing responses to text, going over test taking skills. They are ready! I encourage you to talk to your child about how the test went today. Allow them a few extra minutes to play outside and run around as well. Three hours of testing takes a toll on them.  We will be testing again next Monday and Wednesday. Due to these days of testing, homework will be limited next week. Please make sure your child goes to bed early the night before and eats breakfast that morning. Thank you for all of your constant support.