Sometimes you just need to Hulk Out

I brought out the Hulk gloves and they were a hit!

Sticks and Stones

     Our first read aloud this year has been Abby Cooper's debut novel Sticks and Stones. We are so close to the home stretch. I know the kids wanted me to keep reading today to finish. Today, we clapped and cheered.  I also cried (tears of joy) while students identified the "heart of the story" (which matches what we are doing in writing as we write our narratives).  

    Our character, Elyse, can't wait to see her picture on the poster for this  year's Explorer Leader.  She has been longing to see all of the compliments that her peers would write on the poster, which in turn, would fulfill her need for acceptance- or so she thought! 

   Students made their own "poster" today and using a wax-resist, "tattooed" our own words of "self-love" demonstrating that we too have the power to change our mind-set.

Here are some examples of completed posters. It was a great day and a much needed break from our fast paced world.

It is a great read! I hope you consider picking up a copy for yourself!

If you were stranded on an island...

Teamwork Scenario...
Students were presented with the following question. If you were with a group of people stranded on an island and only five people were going to be helicoptered out... which five would you choose to go and which five would you choose to stay and why? 

 Students were tasked with coming to a consensus as a group. They had to plan, discuss, support and agree with the final decision.

Students presented their group's selections and had to justify their choices. Students considered so many layers! I was so impressed!