What a fun day! On second thought...What a fun WEEK!

Hello!

I hope you are staying warm! After a very short walk with Murray (our beagle pup), we are now cuddled under a blanket. I think we may be staying here all night! BRR!

In any case, we had an awesome day at Somerset. First, we had some very talented first graders perform a play for us! These students worked all quarter on a project about the solar system. They researched, wrote, and directed a reader's theatre performance! It was so fun to watch these students truly shine. Take a look!

 Mrs. Lawson explaining the project. In this play, students acted as planets in our solar system. The event was a contest show to see which planet is "the best!"

Way to go, Nico!

Madeline was a contestant with poise!

The students utilized the balcony for a little theatrics, such as this magically appearing "results envelope." Cute!

Great performance, first grade friends!

WAIT! That's not all...

We were also fortunate to have a special visitor come to our room this afternoon! Kerry Appleton (Ava's mother), recently returned from a trip to Haiti! There, she helped set up and organize a clinic in the Port-au-Prince area. She and her friends were able to provide medical care to many in need while they were there. What a great experience, and she was kind enough to share this experience with us! Take a look:

She brought photos and artifacts to share from her trip. Here, she is holding a pair of sandals made by hand in Haiti! What is even cooler? These sandals are hand made from recycled tires! In an area with little job opportunities, this company provides for many in the community. Check out their website at http://www.rebuildglobally.org/.

She also brought samples of food for students to taste! She brought rice, banana, mango, and plantain- foods you would typically see in Haiti. The students were brave and most tasted everything!

Thanks for sharing, Kerry! We had a blast!

Overall, I would say that we had a great week at Somerset. Look below for some more fun photos from the week!

Our first grade engineers constructed TOPS!

The also created a device to make their tops spin faster. Then, they tested their device and top!

Technology math center:

Students learned a new game: Shaker Addition Top-It!

Students completed Junior Achievement! We had our last lesson on Tuesday. Students learned how we need to work in order to get what we need and want. Students participated in a game of charades: students acted out a profession and, if they did well (which they all did, of course!), they got paid for their work. Then, they could each choose a "need" and "want" to purchase with their earnings! Good life lesson, if you ask me!

We love to move and groove! Knowing this information (as well as how awesome we are), Mrs. Westman asked if we could be a test group for a new movement program: Adventure to Fitness! For 5 minutes a day, we take part in an interactive adventure to "wake up our brains" and get us ready for learning. This week, we explored the Arctic! It is a blast!

On Wednesday, our friend Katie visited as our Mystery Reader. She read "A Sick Day for Amos," by Philip Stead. It was an adorable book with a wonderful message. Thanks for sharing, Katie!

That's all, folks!

:-) Mrs. Brignac