We're Fired!

OUR FIRST CERAMICS
Our pinch pots have been glazed and fired. The soft pastel colors have intensified with the heat. The students have not seen them yet, but will tomorrow morning. They have been asking about them twelve times a day and are eager to see the result of their creative work. We will most certainly be doing more ceramics, eventually making it a regular option for those interested. We'll be ordering plenty of clay this year.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY
A reprise of the "What's Missing? Game". We bagan by first asking each child to explore the classroom and bring something that fit in their hand. Second, we had each child "name" the object for continuity in our discussion. Sometimes it was obvious like a frog or dinosaur. Others required more descriptors like the "little red stacking table" or the "yellow necklace thingie" Everyone first played individually, then in groups of three and finally in pairs independently. It is so rewarding to see them adapting this game of perception and memory to a socially rewarding experience. The game continued into the afternoon session, with pairs of children practicing these skills independent of teacher guidance - the true test of learning.

TODAY'S STORY
George and Martha Encore, by James Marshall. This book contains five super short episodes between a couple of hippos who argue and complain from time to time, yet always bend over backwards to make one another happy. The simple stories compiled here are: The Dance Recital; The French Lesson; The Beach; The Disguise; and the encore, Tulips. One remarkable aspect of our copy is that it is missing the dust jacket with the title. In developing Concepts Of Print that precede reading and writing, we are learning various parts of a book: Front Cover, Back Cover, Spine and Title Page. We have learned from experience that if you can't find the title on one of the covers or if the book is on the shelf, you can always find the title on the spine!

After years of reading these wonderful stories, it just dawned on me that George and Martha are the names of America's first First Couple.

"I cannot tell a lie...George and Martha is a great read." ~ G.W.