Friday, November 27, 2015

Nutty about Squirrels


We have some wonderful trees right outside our classroom windows and doors and over the past several weeks our students have been making observations about the changes with these trees. One of these trees happens to be a walnut tree and we have had a furry friend that has made some appearances in and around the area. This furry friend, a squirrel, inspired a classroom discussion about squirrels and a class request to learn more. Well, we have gone NUTTY about squirrels!
 
Voki:



 

Trees by art teacher, Ms. G:
 


 

Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
More Trees by art teacher, Ms. G:
 

Books:
 
 
Snacks: 







Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Travel Destination: Turkey!


What better place to travel in the month of November to celebrate Turkey Day in the country of Turkey!

Did you know that the name given to the bird we enjoy for Thanksgiving dinners was actually misnamed? When European explorers brought the turkey back from the New World to England, they were shipped via merchants from the Turkish area called “Turkey merchants.” The English called the birds “Turkey birds” and then “turkeys.” (http://nowiknow.com/how-turkey-got-its-name/)
 
Even though our traditional Thanksgiving dinner bird was misnamed, the country Turkey and its people have many wonderful traditions to celebrate of their own. We recently had a chance to visit the city of Istanbul, which is actually built on two continents, Europe and Asia. The food, the people, the sights and sounds we experienced left us wishing we had more time to stay!


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Pictures of Turkey:

 
 
 


Turkeys by Ms. G’s art class!  (she is so talented and I'm so fortunate to be able to post her students' art work!)

 
 

Turkeys in Disguise:

 


Turkish rugs (no two are the same!):
 
 

The Blue Mosque:



Turkey Flag:

 

Children’s Books:

 
Turkey Snacks: 
 
 
Turkey Pinterest Boards:


 
In other news…

I had the pleasure of attending a presentation and pinning ceremony to honor our area director, Dr. M!  While there, I had the honor of running into Dr. C who started her career here in Europe.  I am soooo proud to have worked with these two talented ladies!

 
 


 
 

Monday, November 9, 2015

Honor Our Troops and Families


Voki Message:

 
This week we honor the men and women who have fought and continue to fight to keep our country safe and free.  Whether it is a veteran or a current military member, we honor each and every one and keep them in our thoughts and prayers for the sacrifices they have made or make to keep the United States of America the great nation that it is.
As teachers, we are not considered military members, but we are a part of the military community and when tragedy strikes a military member or a member of a military family, it affects us all. Unfortunately, this week we lost a member of our military and school community. Our hearts go out to this child’s family.
  
Books:
 

 
Activities – Past, Present, and Pinterest Pins!


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 


Patriotic Snacks:
 
 
 



Product: