Fun Activity Filled Day!

My first math lesson went well!  The kids really enjoyed using the chex (as 100s), pretzel sticks (as 10s), and cheerios (as 1s) in order to understand regrouping in subtraction.  Honestly, it helped me understand it better too! ;) With that being said, because I HATE math, I know this will be the topic I have to work especially hard on when planning and teaching it.  But on the positive side, I completely understand the children who hate math and become extremely frustrated, so I feel like I'm really able to relate to them.

As far as our marble jar is concerned, we actually earned a few marbles today!  I gave the kids a goal to earn 3 marbles when coming back from lunch and they helped keep each other accountable in the hallways to earn those marbles - and that they did!  During our actual lunch break, 2 of our boys earned the privilege to eat with the teachers.  However, they decided to sit by themselves in the classroom.  I guess we weren't 'cool' enough for them ;)  But I guess 20-30 yr. old women will never be cool enough to 8 yr old boys.  I still liked the fact they were excited to be in there with us though :)

In science today we reviewed the different types of clouds.  We used shaving cream to create our own clouds on our desks!  I missed the majority of the activity because I was helping a child find a change of pants after sliding down a sopping wet slide unknowingly (ohh, the things we learn in life!), but it seemed like such cute and helpful activity!  After we made the clouds, we filled in a chart that described the clouds and the characteristics each one has. We then checked our answers by watching a video about the clouds.  The kids also have homework throughout the week to look at the clouds each day and report about them - I love this!  They actually really seem to be into it too :)

Our 'cumulous' clouds!  The shaving cream was old so it deflated pretty quickly, but it still helped demonstrate the point :)

'Stratus' cloud turned into a design...this was as we were getting ready to clean up though, so we were forgiving of the extra designs ;)

And lastly, today was a SUPER WILD day when it came to behavior.  I think some of our kids are getting a little bit too comfortable, so hopefully tomorrow will be better.  God bless Jen because tomorrow is a full on learning expedition (AKA field trip day).  Hopefully it will go safely and smoothly :)  Unfortunately, I have class all day.  I also hope that goes safely and smoothly...wish me luck and pray for me! ;)