Awesome First Day!

What a beautiful day!

Class began with an explanation of how our class works.  We talked about the positive and supportive atmosphere that we have, and how important it is to keep it!  I explained that each and every one of us has different strengths, weaknesses, and passions.  We are different ages, "grades", and sizes.We have different personalities.  We learn in different ways.  We all talked about how important it is to embrace these differences, and to support each other!  I am so very excited about this year, and thrilled with this brand new group of energetic, happy children!

I explained the reasons behind our independent study time.  It will be my goal to keep students on track with their parent-assigned material, help when they get "stuck" on a problem, and, most importantly, to instill in them a strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation.  This class period is silent, and each student will be working, individually, on material from home.  Please be sure to bring a book each day, as well (electronic readers are fine... but no games!)

Health/Ag- Today was an introductory day for us.  I explained how we will be integrating health concepts with agriculture topics, which I am VERY excited about!  We talked about the meaning of the word "health", and learned about different health domains: physical, social, and physical/emotional.  The class learned about the "Health Triangle", as an illustration of these domains.  But, we also discussed that some view health as a wheel, instead of a triangle.  I was so excited when students came up with other possible health domains, on their own.  Spiritual health, intellectual health, and occupational health were added to our wheel illustration.  At home, the students will be choosing which model they liked better, and explaining why. 

Spanish-  In Spanish class, Ms. Cindy began by allowing each student to choose a Spanish name to use for the year.  Then, she spoke to them using Spanish phrases, guiding them through washing their hands and preparing their snacks.  Ms. Cindy loves to teach Spanish by doing, and the students ate it up!  After snack, the class had some fun with a few games using Spanish words and phrases.  I think it is going to be an awesome, laid-back, super fun year of learning!

Art- Class began with Ms. Nancy's crayon rules!  She explained to the class why it is important to bear down, to fill the page with color (even if it is white, it must be colored white!), and not to worry if the crayon breaks!  The students worked on an introductory picture before moving on to a lesson in cave painting.  Ms. Nancy explained why cave paintings existed, and what the artists might have used for brushes or for color.  The kids took to the yard and mixed up some plaster of paris, which they will be using in next week's project.  For next week, they will be bringing in a "brush" from nature.  Some even asked if they could bring berries, or other natural items to be used as paint.  I can't wait to see what next week brings!

Social Studies- During our health lesson this morning, I explained that the kids would be learning to take notes this year.  Mr. Dennis kicked off the year with a lesson on World War II, including discussions that asked the question, "Why would societies elect for a dictatorship?"