Classroom TAKE-OVER!!

That's right! We have returned from Christmas Break ready to take charge of our learning. Students have spent the first half of the year learning their school, their classroom routines and responsibilities and expectations. They are ready to take charge! Students worked in groups to brain storm as many day to day responsibilities as they could think of. Each group presented their ideas to the rest of the class and we compiled one big list. We then determined which jobs on the list could be done by the students and which needed to be done by the teacher! Amazingly the students discovered MANY responsibilities they are completely capable of taking the lead. So we made a list of the most important jobs and students thought about which jobs they would like to be the leader of. Students completed job applications filling out important personal information like their strengths and things they are good at. Then they wrote to explain which job they would like the most and why they would be good at it! Man, these kids were quite convincing and gave Mrs. Halloran a tough job in deciding rolls and responsibilities! Students included in their application several other jobs they would consider and that helped to narrow it down- a little! After this process was complete, Responsibility Leaders were announced and students were excited and ready to take over the classroom- Mrs. Halloran told them she was ready to sit back and relax and watch them work work work :) The good news is that each week responsibility leaders get to be in charge of a different job. They look forward to getting their new jobs and getting to be IN CHARGE!! I love watching them take pride in their responsibilities and I also love that they are learning how important it is to all work together to get the jobs done and it takes a great team to have a great class!!

Buddy Class: Diorama Projects

We were so excited when our buddy class, Mrs. Donaldson's Third grade HAART Class, invited us to their classroom to see what they had been working on.  Their class came to see us earlier in the year to participate in our Invention Expo. Well, it was our turn to go visit them and see what they had been busy working on- their diorama projects. They invited us to join them to ask questions and explore their animal research. First graders proudly carried their clip boards around to the third graders to observe and ask questions about their projects. It is amazing to see these kids interact with each other and learn from one another! Great job third graders on your research and projects! We love our buddy class!!!!

Cousins!!!!

Brother & sister

Holiday Festivities

December was filled with lots and lots of exciting activities. From gingerbread houses, to a "Whoville Grinchmas", Harry Havery Christmas concert and First Grade Christmas Around the World. A highlight was our afternoon with our buddy class- Mrs. Donaldson's third grade HAART class. Our classes met at the picnic area. Students decorated Christmas Stockings with crayons, markers and lots of glitter! They also partnered up to put together tanagram puzzles. We filled our weeks before the Holidays with lots of traditions new and old. Sharing the gift of time with others making memories- what it's all about!

Jr Achievement Day

CTE First Graders were excited to participate in Jr. Achievement Day. Representatives from Wells Fargo came into each First Grade Class Room and led students in activities and discussions about community, civics, economics and entrepreneurship. Mrs. Halloran's class was thrilled to have Mr. Sanchez, the Branch Manager from the Wells Fargo in Bartow. He did a fantastic job educating the students and keeping them engaged. He was equally impressed with our class and their level of participation and ideas. Before leaving, each student received a certificate of completion and a special Wells Fargo stuffed horse- quite appropriate as we are the CTE Mustangs. Thank you Mr. Sanchez for such a great experience for these students, to Wells Fargo for the materials and the stuffed horses, and to the Jr. Achievement Organization and their efforts to raise awareness and prepare even young students for responsible citizenship!
To learn more about the Jr. Achievement program visit Jr. Achievement.org

Readers of the Carribean

Students and families joined in on a night of fun and learning together. Teachers presented "Readers of the Caribbean" which featured the main elements of reading. Students interacted with the "Pirate Leaders" in Pirate tryouts where they participated in different activities highlighting the fundamentals of reading :) Students came dressed in their pirate best and enjoyed pizza and prizes as well for the best dressed pirates!