More Exciting Developments!

So, a few more fun things happened this week. Wednesday we started reading buddies! We've teamed up with Mlle Segreto's grade 5 class for weekly reading buddies. The grade 5 students will help us learn how to read successfully with a partner (helping us sit knee to knee and share a book), they will read to us now, help us practice our sounds, and listen to us read later. They may also become "computer buddies" later in the year. Here's what we look like:

Ask your child who their reading buddy is and what they read together today!

We've been working really well in our groups to complete our seasonal dioramas. Each group got to "shop" for their materials to build the 4 seasons on their board. I was very impressed with the creativity and teamwork I observed, and especially with how well the scientists cleaned up after these messy work periods!

Wednesday afternoon we went to a little party to celebrate the Toronto Star award. Thanks to the parents who came and helped with the cake. The kids were so excited, and it was really something I'll always remember.

It's almost Halloween!

Our class is all decorated and I'm excited for a great day next week. However, I do have a little message to share with you before you do any Halloween candy shopping...

As we do have several allergies in our class, I would prefer not to have food parties in Area 24 this year. This doesn't mean that we won't have lots of fun, it just means that we won't bring food to share with each other on special occasions (which is Dewson's everyday rule anyway). 

I know that on occasions like Halloween, Valentine's Day and birthdays, children sometimes like to bring a treat to pass out to their classmates, so I would like to warn you ahead of time that I will be very strict about this and will send anything that is brought in back home again to be given out under the supervision of parents. 

On Thursday, October 31st, we will have a Halloween-themed day. Students are welcome, but not required, to wear a costume to school. We will celebrate with stories, crafts, music and games, but again, not with food.

If your child would still like to bring a little something to give away, great non-food ideas are themed pencils, erasers, stickers and tiny toys or dress up items from the dollar store. We have 23 students in our class. Please don't feel obliged to send anything for the class - the children will receive a small treat from me. 

Thank you for your understanding!

Tamara