Mapping our world

My sweet group of First Graders have been working hard making maps of Oceania and learning how to work together - I think they did a pretty good job, don't you?

Our groups then had to present their projects to share on our blog ... here a couple of their presentations.

Here's what they said about this project -

'I loved making the compass. I remember Never Eat Soggy Weetbix'

'My favourite part was making the volcano for New Zealand' 

We learned alot! We are happy Kiwi's!

Everybody loves Hiwi!

One of my favorite motivational tools has always been my class toy.
It was an idea suggested to me when I was a student teacher, by an amazing associate I had. It is a class tradition I have always loved.
When I taught 8&9 year old's, I really thought they wouldn't be interested in another class toy but they started asking where my last one had gone - I had one when I had taught 5 year old's in the same school.

Depending on the age of the children you teach or the behavior needs, this can be a daily or a weekly incentive to encourage 'Star of week/day' behavior, this can also be combined with a trip to the treasure box, candy bucket, special seat etc.

When I came to the US I decided to give it a global spin, and hence came across a Kiwi that sings the Haka. There is a song about 'Hiwi the Kiwi' by the Minstrel, I play my students when I introduce him. I must say, my First Graders love him more than I ever expected!

Although he has recently lost his voice (over the winter break, he is 3 years old) they still ask 'Who's getting Hiwi?' or 'Is it Hiwi day?' His friend Pedro the Pukeko, has been a hit too.

Not only has it been a great behavior motivation tool, but it is a great way to improve writing and speaking skills for those reluctant sharers. Seeing the improvement in writing since the beginning of the year is something that can help the 'bad day blues' moments I have too.

I have had a Bear, Giraffe and Pukeko in the past but I think our Kiwi has been my favorite.
Every class needs their own Hiwi!

Elfcapades!

On Tuesday morning I was informed our Elf had arrived while I was out Monday! He was earlier than last year!

Monday

He rose the noise level on the first day!

Tuesday

When he came back on Tuesday, he had built a tree! Blocks are the favorite choosing activity in our class!

Wednesday

We had been sooo noisy on Tuesday he had to put in a report to Santa! The North Pole Elves sent us an email to say he needed some time out to sleep! We found him in the Christmas Tree outside the cafeteria (as did half the school!!)

He disappeared and then reappeared with our Global friends!

Thursday

Our Elf is very playful!

He started bringing us a daily treat and a kindness challenge, I found the idea here and I really liked how it encouraged the children to experience the joy of giving too!

I found the idea here -
http://www.teachingmaddeness.com/2013/12/elfcapades-elf-in-classroom-random-acts.html

 I love that there was a pre-made card for everyday.

Today he bought us Candy Canes and a Candy Cane decoration kit but we had to share the love!

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Friday he came bringing my birthday balloon...

The following Monday he rode in on a Kangaroo...

Then tried to hide among the Pukeko's

On Wednesday he ziplined in on a Candy Cane...

And we found him in the Candy bucket on Thursday...

He told us to write thank you letters to our Custodian Ms. Ray on stickies and left them in a trail for her to find

On Friday he was a lot harder to find here!

On Monday he got a bit sillier!

On Tuesday we found him in our tree

Wednesday - Do you want to build a snowman?

Thursday - he watched from my desk... we had to write thank yous for our Cafeteria Ladies (it made their days!)

On Friday it was our last day of school - he got all tangled up in lights for the occasion! I think I had more fun with this than the kids did and a great way for a global tie- in.

We had a lot of fun this holiday season!

Coming soon... The Adventures of the Elf...

Have you ever heard of the American tradition of the 'Elf on the Shelf'? I fell in love with this my first year in the South!

So basically there is this elf sent by Santa to help him keep an eye on children leading up to Christmas, when he is at his busiest! They report back to Santa nightly on whether you have been naughty or nice.  They have been instructed by Santa not to be seen to move and they lose their magic if they are touched. But this is a new elf, and he is still learning himself, so he gets up to mischief too.

I'm ready to fun some fun with my class! Check out all the fun ideas on Pinterest (I'm totally addicted!)

Check out the elf here:
http://www.elfontheshelf.com/content/about-us