An Afternoon of Writing, Baking and Diwali

Reading and Writing on our classroom "porch"

There is no doubt about it - we have been so fortunate with the kindest weather this October. We have been playing outside, reading under the Willowwind Tree, going for walks, exploring the garden, and even reading and writing on our "Classroom Porch." As we prepare to say hello to November, we have a great deal to be thankful for in all of our 51 days of school.

Measuring the Gluten Free Oats

Last Friday sums up all of the reasons that I so adore working with your children at Willowwind. It was a crisp Autumn day at the end of week full of runny noses, achy heads and scratchy throats - we had made it to the end (most of us anyway). After a morning full of Spelling Tests and practicing the art of regrouping with triple digit subtraction, students enjoyed working alongside their Partner Families for Prairie Animal Pumpkin Designs (pictures to be posted later). Then as we rolled into the afternoon - all the sounds and smells came together to form a fabulous Friday afternoon. While Chef Gaby and Mr. Max (our Practicum Student) worked with small groups in the Project Room baking gluten free, dairy free Apple Crisp for our Halloween K-6 Costume Parade on Monday, the rest of the Racerunner Friends worked in the classroom. There was a lot of reading going on as some were working in Literature Circles on Chapters 1-4 of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, others read in partners Lilacs, Lilies and Ladybugs, and a few had time for Halloween Books in the Library. Meanwhile, I was working with individual students as they edited their Short Story Fantasies. Jared played his Halloween Music as we worked quietly and Erika popped open the Classroom Door, grabbed a clipboard and headed to the "the porch" to finish her Final Draft. Addy, Nolan, and Muriel followed suit - enjoying the warm sunshine and crisp afternoon air.

Diwali Celebrations with the Racerunner Family

We ended our day with Dr. Laroia visiting our classroom and working with Himani to tell us the story of Diwali. My favorite part of their presentation is explaining to the students that they are Himani's family because she spends so very much time with them each day. So it is only appropriate that she invite them to join in Diwali - The Festival of Lights - with her. Students made Diva Lamps, colored brightly patterned designs and enjoyed a small sweet treat and balloons all in recognition of Diwali. Thank-you Archana for a wonderful Diwali celebration with the Racerunner Family!

On Monday we will enjoy the K-2 Apple Crisp as we Parade for the Preschool Friends, read with our Buddies, decorate Sugar Skulls and guess our Prairie Animal Pumpkins. Thank-you to all of the families who contributed (or offered to contribute) supplies for our Apple Crisp. It was a wonderful opportunity for Chef Gaby to engage the children in a baking activity that contributes to our community celebrations.