It Never Rains in Florida!

Today we studied seasons and weather in Social Studies and made a foldable! I don't do a ton of foldables but my class really loves them. I think they're into the little flaps, haha.

They had to draw a picture of the season and then write a little something about the weather during that season.

Part of what we learned today was that different parts of the country have different weather at the same time. We talked about how people from Illinois go to Florida during the winter because it's warmer there than it is here, and then I learned from my class that it NEVER rains in Florida! Isn't that interesting?

In other news, our little zinnias are coming up beautifully!

And while I was by the window taking this picture, I noticed our sweet kite glyphs that are making our room so cute!

This glyph is from the Great Glyphs Around the Year e-book from Scholastic. 

I got it during one of the dollar specials and it is pretty sweet. I especially loved this particular glyph because there was no gluing involved! We have been totally out of glue since before Christmas... yikes.

And I leave you with this which made me die laughing today! I hope you're enjoying the last day of April, because starting tomorrow......

Earthquakes and Books and Earthquake Books

Is anyone else Shaking Out tomorrow??

At 10:15 AM, think of me and the kids as we drop, cover, and hold on!

We practiced today and the kids are really worried that I won't be able to drop, cover, and hold on to my own desk in time to save myself. I told them I'd do it as soon as I knew they were safe!! :)

I picked up a book at the library today to add to our little drill-io.

It's a little text-heavy but they are really into science and weather so they might sit through it. I'll keep you posted! I also got a few easy readers about earthquakes in case the first graders want to read a book to themselves! They are finally independently picking books at their levels and actually attempting to read the real words! I love you, first graders.

Speaking of books, a few people wanted to know what book I was reading that I mentioned in my Currently yesterday! Here is the cover.

It is a memoir of this man's life growing up as a child of Mexican immigrants in east L.A. and also his gang situation. It is really interesting and very heart-breaking, as I said. One part so far that touched my heart was when he started first grade in an all English speaking classroom. He could tell his teacher didn't want him there and she didn't know what to do with him, so he played with blocks all year in the back and didn't know how to ask to go to the bathroom. It made me so sad.

It's easy to read and very engaging, so if you are interested in this type of book like I am, then I suggest you try it out! He uses a ton of Spanish words and there is a little glossary in the back, bless his heart.

And lastly, is anyone out there on Goodreads?

I am! And I love it. It helps me keep track of what I'm reading and what I've read! I put a little widget on my sidebar that shows my currently reading list. You should friend me if you are on Goodreads! It is the bomb dot com.

And lastly! Thank you to everyone who gave me some advice about my name-calling meanie problem! It did not get better today, as one of the kids couldn't find his shoes... which ended up being in the garbage! Ahhhhh! People, I am only 25 and you are going to give me an ulcer or something! One girl said, "We should have a rule - don't take your shoes off. That way they won't end up in the garbage." I said, "I really feel like people shouldn't be afraid of their shoes being thrown away!!!!!!!!!" Ay yi yi. But starting tomorrow, I am taking steps to correct this! Wish me luck. :)