Training for Battle

The time has come!  The teams have been selected!  The training is underway!  The Battle of the Books approaches! Since the beginning of school, our classes have been reading books from an approved list in order to earn a chance to compete in the battle. Well, after months of careful reading and small comprehension tests, we are officially prepared to battle.   After reading diligently for  months, 8 students have been selected to form two teams to represent our classes in battle.  We are currently reviewing all 15 books and assigning group members to read or reread certain texts.  We are quizzing team members and strengthening our trivia muscles.  The initial battle commences on May 26.  We eagerly await this opportunity to put our knowledge to the test.  Until then...the training continues!

Preparing for battle!

O2b Kids!

Our last field trip of the year was a blast!  We visited O2b Kids for a day filled with activities, laughter, and a variety of physical challenges.  Words cannot accurately describe the fun that was had, so just check out these photos!

Douglas Wood Visits Chets Creek

Last week, we were fortunate enough to get a visit from well known author, Douglas Wood.  As a book enthusiast, I am always eager to hear about what inspires authors to write the books I love.  Mr. Wood shared stories and songs with us, and even read a portion of his book, What Teachers Can't Do. We learned about Mr. Wood's struggle to learn to read and how his second grade teacher, Miss Little had a huge impact on his success.  That experience even inspired one of his books, Miss Little's Gift.  
Chets Creek has chosen has chosen a beautiful book by Mr. Wood as our May Book of the Month.  The Secret of Saying Thanks, is such a wonderfully written book; I can't wait to explore it as a class!  Did you enjoy Mr. Wood's visit?  Which of his books is your favorite?

Extravagant Art!

 Last week was Chets Creek's "Arts Extravaganza" celebration!  Each morning students enjoyed assemblies featuring storytellers, choral groups, bands, and even some Chets Creek student performers.  The week culminated with a night of crafts, student art displays, and a silent auction, all to raise money for our art program.  Check out our "Glorious Gardening" basket.  Thanks for all the donations that made this basket a success!  

 Here we are, picking the beautiful sunflowers we created earlier in the year.  

 Our student artwork on display outside the classroom.  The work of true artists!

Pucker Up! Mrs. Phillips Kisses a Pig!

Mrs. Phillips fooling us by kissing a stuffed pig!

Jasmine resting.

Anyone who ever thought nothing exciting can come from reading, realized they were mistaken, today!  In honor of students meeting their reading goal for the third nine weeks, Mrs. Phillips held a "Kiss a Pig Picnic!"  Students headed to an outdoor lunch where they devoured sweet, delicious popsicles and were witness to a loving smooch between Mrs. Phillips and her pig-friend for the day, Jasmine!  I feel that her squeals, were squeals of joy, for the accomplishments of the readers surrounding her.  We are all very proud of our readers' efforts and hope to see even more friends at the final celebration!

We're ready!

Popsicles are yummy!

"Do you really want me to kiss this pig?!?

Yuck!

The smooch!

The Joy of Gerbils!

 Thanks to a donation from one of our classmates, we have welcomed two new friends into our classroom.  These new friends differ from the norm; they have fur and long tails!  That's right, our new friends are two gerbils!  We are already delighted by their playful antics and sweet little faces.  Who knew watching little creatures run around on a wheel, never really getting anywhere, could be so entertaining!  Each homeroom was able to vote on a name for these new friends, and I am very pleased that both names derive from literary inspirations.  Meet Poppy and Obi!  Poppy, is taken from a recent read aloud of the same name, by Avi. Obi's name originates from the current Battle Book, Obi, Gerbil on the Loose, by Michael Delaney. Both books are beloved by readers, as are our new classroom duo!

Readers' Theater...and ACTION!

We just finished performing our skits to our classmates and the shows were terrific.  We really focused on reading with expression and fluency and our practice really paid off!  There were so many wonderful moments in the performances...it was so exciting to see the books come to life.  Hats off, to a group of truly talented readers and performers!