Tools Not Toys

We are fortunate to have many tools in our classroom to help us focus and do our job. Fidget tools have been introduced at carpet time where students select a tool that they can use to keep their hands busy while listening and participating in class. We have discussed and modeled proper use of these tools. The kids are encouraged to try different ones to determine if they are helpful. It is interesting to see the students identify which tools enable them to focus better. If the tools are being played with, we are reminded that they are not toys and perhaps that tool is not a good fit. We have rockers, sit cushions and a hokki stool that are used throughout the day as well. These tools are very popular as they allow the kids to have some movement while seated. The standing desk, counter areas, pillows, carpets and tables allow us to move around to find a spot that is comfortable and productive. I love the independence students are showing as they explore the different areas of our room.

Here are our thoughts:
I use Blueberry. It is heavy on my legs. -Stacey
I like the rockers because it helps me focus. -Blake
I like the fidget tools because they help me listen. -Brody
Tools help to keep your hands from touching people. -Adria
I use the rocker chair. -Dominic
The tools move around in my hands. -Lily
I like to twist the tools in my hands. -Charlotte
I like tools because they help me move my hands at carpet time. The chairs help me too. -Ben
I like the rockers because you can move around at your seat. -Chase
I like using the tools because it helps my hands move around. -Theo
I like using the tools during calendar stuff. - Brooke
I like using the tools because they stretch my hands. -Arianna
I use the tools at carpet time. -Ava
I like the fidget tools. They help me listen. -Tyson
The tools help my hands. -Marshall
The tools keep us calm. -Desi
The tools help us listen. -Andrew
I like rocking at my table. -Jack
I like the the twisting tool because it helps my hands move a lot and it helps me listen. -Bianca


Way to go everyone! Our classroom needs to work for all learners. We get a lot done when we are focused and comfortable in our space. Together we are working on making our learning environment a great place to be.
-Mrs. T:)

Great Events at BHS

The week has been busy. It was so nice to see the families at our Open House and BBQ on Wednesday. We asked our Room 2 guests to write what their hopes were for their child this year. The comments warmed my heart. We will keep these rocks in a special place. The students toured their families around our classroom. A highlight for many was our WOW Wall. It is displaying work we are proud of. After the students selected what they wanted to put on the wall, we all looked at the display and said, "WOW!" If you were unable to attend last night, there is a handout that went home in your child's agenda so you will have the information that was shared.

Today we had our Terry Fox Run. We gathered in the gym and Mrs. Gale shared a story that her students had written and illustrated. This gave us a better idea about who Terry Fox was. We also watched a video about this amazing man's life. It is so wonderful that Terry's dream of raising money for cancer research continues to be supported by so many. Thank you for contributing to a great cause.

Here are our thoughts:
I liked the Terry Fox run because we ran and I liked running. -Charlotte
The barbecue was great. I loved it. -Brooke
I liked the Terry Fox run because we donate money to help people. Bianca
I liked the barbecue. I liked my hot dog and playing on the play structure. -Brody

Beautiful day to be outside getting exercise. 

I liked the Terry Fox run. We had a grade 5 helper run with us. I liked running with Jack. -Ben
I liked the Terry Fox run because I liked running with Andrew. -Tyson
The Terry Fox run was fun because I like running. -Ava

Our WOW Wall

I liked the Terry Fox run because I did a lot of running and laps. -Blake
I liked watching the video about Terry Fox. He had a bad leg. -Arianna
I liked the Terry Fox run because I ran with my friend. -Desi
The WOW Wall has beautiful work on it. -Adria
I liked running with Ben. -Jack
I liked running in the Terry Fox run. I run fast. -Stacey
I ran fast. -Dominic
I liked running the Terry Fox run with my brother and my mom. My brother is three. -Theo
The Terry Fox run was very fun. I did lots of laps. I felt great. -Chase
I liked stretching before we ran. -Lily
It was fun running with Tyson in the Terry Fox run. -Andrew

The first day of fall has brought us gorgeous weather. The changing leaves are so pretty all around us. I hope you are able to take time to enjoy the delights of this beautiful season.

Practice your smile for picture day on Monday!
-Mrs. T :)

Five Full Days!

Meeting our Big Buddies in grade 4 and enjoying a Smile Cookie. 

Dot Day!

Book Sorting.

Sorting objects.

It was our first 5 day week in grade1! We continue to review expectations to be safe, responsible and respectful in all areas of our school and playground. We are settling in to the new routines in grade 1. As we are getting used to our classroom environment, students have come up with classroom jobs that will give everyone responsibility each day. These jobs may change throughout the year as we see fit. It is wonderful to see the kids getting involved in  helping our classroom run smoothly.

We read the book, The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. This book is one of my favourites. The students "made their mark" by creating Kandinsky circles. We also coloured a dot and used the Quiver app to bring our dots to life. We've been sorting objects in math and that led nicely into sorting our classroom library books. This is such a huge job that requires us all to work together. By having the students involved, they know what books we have in our classroom and where to find them. It's a fantastic process.

Here are our thoughts:
I liked making the Kandinsky circles. They were fun. -Bianca
I enjoyed reading because it is fun. -Tyson
I liked using pastels for art. -Ava
I played in the sandbox at recess. -Desi.
I like my teacher because she shows kindness to us and we show kindness to her. -Brooke
I liked making the Kandinsky circles. I worked hard. -Jack
I liked the Kandinsky circles because they were fun to make. -Blake
I liked making the circles. I liked all the colours. -Theo
It was fun doing sorting. We sorted books for our class library. - Marshall
I loved using the pastels. -Ben
I liked colouring with the pastels and colouring the dots and stuff. -Arianna
I liked seeing the dots come to life. It was cool. -Charlotte
I enjoyed my class job. I am super straightener. -Brody
I like my teacher because she is kind and does good stuff. -Adria
I liked seeing the dots move around. We had fun all these days. -Chase
I like being Lamp Lady. I turn off all the lights. -Lily
I liked doing the Kandinsky circles. -Andrew
I liked making the circles. They are pretty. -Stacey
I liked colouring the circles. -Dominic

Thanks to those families who have signed up for Remind. It is a great way to get notifications about our classroom and school activities. Request to follow us on Instagram: @mrstresoorsclass.

We were lucky to have the rain hold off today so we could be outside to get some fresh air and exercise. Enjoy the weekend everyone! Fingers crossed that the sunshine will be out!
- Mrs. T :)

Challenge: Get yourselves in order by height. 

All lined up and set for our first choir class!

First Days of Grade One!

The start of the year is super exciting for many of us. I know for some kids it can also be an anxious time. Things are different from Kindergarten and now we are at school all day . . . every day. This three day week was longer for some than others, but we all made it through with smiles on our faces by Friday at 3:55! Way to go everyone!

Here are our thoughts:
I like being on the bus. -Theo
I like playing outside at recess. -Stacey
I like riding the bus. -Blake
I like my teacher. -Brody
I like playing with my friends at recess. -Adria
I love school. -Bianca
I like my class. -Dominic
I like snack time. -Lily
I like playing in the sand box. - Desi
I like digging the hole under the sand box. -Jack
I like calendar. -Charlotte
I like snack time because I get to eat chips. -Ben
I like my new school and my new bus and my new friends. -Chase
I like singing O'Canada. -Brooke
I like eating lunch with my friends. -Arianna
I like snack time. -Ava
I like playing soccer at recess. -Tyson
I like picking books for my book bin. -Andrew
I like playing on the slide. -Marshall

Thanks for all the support we have received from our families in making the first few days go smoothly. Get lots of rest this weekend because next week we get to be together for 5 days! I can't wait to hear all about your weekend on Monday. We hope you enjoy the video showing some highlights of our week.
-Mrs. T :)

Welcome to Room 2!

It has been a couple months since our last post. The summer has flown by. My days were filled with new adventures as well as some rest and relaxation. . . a perfect mix.

I went to school in August to get things back in shape and I am very excited to be starting a new school year. I can't wait to meet all the Room 2 kids and to see many familiar faces on Wednesday. After all these years, I still get jitters about the first day of school. Have a good sleep! See you in the morning.
-Mrs. T :)