Transforming our Classroom!

"Daddy seahorses give birth."

"Some animals are cannibals. When a bald eagle has one big baby and one small baby, the big one sometimes eats the small one. The mom eagle eats it, too."

"Predators hunt, and scavengers eat the leftovers."

"Some animals are filter feeders like basking and whale sharks.  They open their mouths and the krill swim in and then out through their gills."

"Bears scratch trees to mark their territory, and cats spray something that is not shi-shi."

Tomorrow the children will choose their methods and themes for transforming our classroom for Inquiry. They have come up with some great ideas such as murals, bulletin boards, posters, and hanging models of habitats, types of animals, nocturnal and diurnal animals, and animal needs.  Each child will name three preferences, and I will use these to choose groups.  Then the fun begins!

I wish to thank Mrs. Yoshikawa on behalf of all the Magic Stone families for being such a diligent, enthusiastic 'Ohana Representative.  She will also be handling our Scholastic book orders this year.  I will be sending out book order forms on Friday, September 21.  Please return them by Wednesday, September 26, and be sure to

doublecheck that you have made out your check for the correct amount.  

A special thank-you to Mrs. Ichinose, who came in today to help with setting up the children's portfolios and Inquiry research folders. Her invaluable help freed me to plan and prepare activities that enrich your children's learning.  Mahalo nui loa, Mrs. Ichinose!

A big mahalo to all the families who sent food for the Food Pantry.  If you did not participate this month, there will be another food drive on the thrid Thursday of October.

Your children enjoyed the play, the girls more than the boys, I think. It was about two children who lived near the sea. They creatively acted out the Hans Christen Anderson story with fishing floats, nets, shells, an old boat with a hole in the bottom, oars, sea chests, and pieces of sailcloth. I saw several children deeply involved in acting out their own dramas on the bus ride home.  We have decided we need to do more drama in class!

The children are enjoying playing the math games at home!  Please take every opportunity to play them with your child and to read and use the "Family Math" ideas.  Your involvement really makes a difference in their progress and confidence!