1. How do you feel after routine? 

2. Was it way or challenging? why?

3. Did u notice your mind wondering? How did u bring it back?

4. Did our classroom grow? 

5. When could you use a Technique outside of school?

Here you can see students doing the Big Happy Breath routine.

We started our STEM challenge by reading In Iggy Peck, Architect. In this story a young Iggy uses whatever materials he happens to have at his disposal to construct towers, bridges, and famous international landmarks. In the end, he is forced to use his talents to save the day during a field trip mishap by joining with his classmates to construct an elaborate suspension bridge. Despite the wondrous creative abilities of Iggy Peck, I love how this book teaches our kiddos to be resourceful.  Just like Iggy, our kids can use whatever materials they happen to have on hand to create great inventions and forms of architecture, whether it be recycled materials, LEGO, or even Dixie cups. After reading the story we discussed the meaning of STEM zeroing in on engineering. I challenged students to be an architect like Iggy and create three-dimensional structures using only fruit snacks and toothpicks. Students started by designing a blueprint of their structure then they made their own structures. Next, they worked as a team to put their structure together to make a team structure. One of our students, Cosmo, suggested that we try and “really work as a team” and put all of our team sculptures together to make one big structure. 

This simple activity allowed kiddos to use materials and learn how they work- the beginning stages of engineering. Additionally this STEM challenge allowed student to be critical thinkers, problem solve, collaborate, analyze, and use creativity and imagination. Students will be participating in many STEM challenges this year.  Kiddos had a blast! Take a look at how it went!

October 27th- Fall Festival 

October 31st- Halloween Parade

Students worked together in teams of four to create a structure out of tape, straws, marshmallows, sponges, coffee filters, cups and cotton balls. Not only were students super pumped to start designing and creating but they thought of amazing ways to protect their egg. Throughout the activity I asked them questions so they can explain the purpose of their structure. Kiddos were going nuts during the egg drop (in a good way) they were so excited to see if their structures worked. We had success with two structures! Click the links below to take a look at how it went! 😁https://photos.app.goo.gl/SJJfXZJWaEYoHSB4A

The, see, I, me, and, my

The rest of the month is as follows:

Oct. 9-12: to, is, like

Oct. 15-19: go it, we

Oct. 22-26: in, at, go

Oct. 29-Nov. 2: Review of all words

Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a holiday filled with wonderful and happy celebrations and traditions. In Mexico and all over the world, Día de los Muertos is both a time to remember those who have passed on and also a time to celebrate life. 

On Día de los Muertos, family members spend the day remembering their loved ones. Some people tell funny stories, while others decorate alters with beautiful flowers, or with the favorite foods of their loved ones. There is music and dancing as well as candlelight vigils and parades honoring those that have passed on. On Día de los Muertos, relatives make altars  in honor of family and friends that have passed away and are decorated with their pictures, personal objects or mementos and candles.  Their favorite food and drinks are also placed on the altar, along with a trail of marigold flowers. 

As our culminating project, I would like for students to collaborate in creating a classroom altar.  My goal is to create a space where students can bring in pictures, personal objects or mementos of their loved ones. This is optional, students do not have to partake in the activity. However, I do encourage teaching children of different holidays/traditions. Throughout the week, we will be doing different crafts during centers to add to our classroom alter. 

In preparing for this, I kindly ask that students bring in pictures, personal objects or mementos of a loved one. I promise to make sure they are well taken care of. Please send all items in a bag with your child's name on it no later than Wednesday, October 31st. If you would like to put a name on all mementos, that would also be great! All personal items will be sent home on monday November 5th.. 

Thank you for all of your support! 

Ms. Toro

You can encourage your child’s curiosity about the weather by becoming weather watchers yourselves! Anytime there are interesting clouds or weather conditions, invite your child to spend some time watching it with you.

PS: Weather is a topic we’ll return to throughout the year as the weather conditions change!

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N Kedzie Blvd