Busy Friday

Friday was a busy one as we continued to get to know each other.  We were encouraged to try out new seats and tables today so we could mingle with different classmates.  We talked about IB and what it means to be 'internationally minded.'  We also worked with our LINKS teacher on the 8 key concepts of IB (form, function, causation, change, connection, perceptive, responsibility, reflective).  We read a story "A Fine, Fine School" about a principal who is so enamored with the children and teachers and all the wonderful learning that happens in his school that he starts to add more and more days to the calendar and before they know it, the kids are going to school everyday- even on Christmas!  This led into a discussion of how we can have a fine, fine classroom.  We shared why school is important to us, what our classroom should be like everyday, what are goals for the school year are, how we can achieve those goals, how Mrs. Porter can help us, and what we can do in our classroom to make sure our room runs smoothly.  Following that we worked in groups to collaborate on our class essential agreements (like rules).  We ran out of time to narrow down and finalize our list but it's leaning toward a lot of agreements toward responsibility, respect, encouragement, safety and doing our best.  We will agree on the final 4 during our morning meeting Monday.  We really enjoyed heading up to the big field for recess!  Thanks to Grayson for a mesh bag full of playground balls!  The nacho bar was enjoyed at lunch and we ended the day with a group project called "Save Fred".  We reviewed the Scientific Method and worked in teams of 3 to collaborate on a plan and hypothesis for saving our gummy worm, Fred, when his boat (a clear cup) capsized leaving his life preserver (a gummy lifesaver) trapped underneath.  The goal was to get Fred into the life preserver without using your hands (only paperclips)!  Our room was full of excitement as one by one groups saved Fred.  It was exciting to see them work together and help each other test their hypotheses.  Below you can see us busy at work helping Fred!

After saving Fred it was time to wrap up our day and head home.  We were reminded about our "Me Bags" due Monday as well as reminded to bring our Agenda/Planners Monday and any books we are reading at home that we would like to read during Reading Workshop.  Happy Weekend!