We've had a great first week of school. The students are getting to know each other and warmly welcoming friends who are new to Westchester. We are building our classroom community and figuring out how we will work together to help each other be our best. The students participated in two fun team building activities this week.. In the first activity, the teams had to build the tallest freestanding structure out of twenty spaghetti noodles, a yard of tape, and a yard of string. Their structure had to hold a marshmallow at the top. In the second activity, the teams had to use only four paperclips (no hands) to rescue a gummy worm named Fred by helping him put on his life preserver. After both activities we had important discussions about strategies for effective collaboration and teamwork. We will refer back to these activities and discussions throughout the year as students work together in groups. Students worked with a partner to go on a scavenger hunt to get to know our classroom space. An important step for students in developing independence is knowing how to navigate the classroom so they can find materials on their own, take ownership of our physical environment, and become self-sufficient in taking care of their needs throughout the day. Students will use an agenda this year to keep track of homework assignments. This is a great way to teach organization and responsibility. Students are responsible for copying their homework as a part of their daily morning check-in. They were ecstatic to get their agendas. Some even requested homework! A new school year holds a lot of promise. I am looking forward to watching this crew learn and grow, and I am so thankful that I can be a part of their third grade year.
2 Comments
Laura Simms
8/4/2016 06:10:13 pm
Thank you for this amazing summary of key events from their first week. The images are fantastic and it fills my heart to see Ronin so happy and engaged with his new classmates.
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Sarah Yoo
8/11/2016 04:36:18 pm
I'm glad you're reading and enjoying the blog. The kids are getting to know each other and everyone is making an effort to welcome our friends who are new to Westchester.
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AuthorMrs. Yoo teaches 3rd grade at Westchester Elementary School, home of the Wolves. Archives
February 2017
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