Last Day, Last Post

Well, we made it through the last day of school - also known as the hardest day of Mme Katie's year.  There were tears, warm hugs, and thoughtful cards and gifts.  It has been such an incredible year in our classroom.  I've been so amazed by this group of little learners.  It is hard to say goodbye to such kind, empathetic, helpful and keen students. Really, this year has been perfect.  It has been my pleasure to spend this time with you all.  Good luck in Grade 1 and enjoy your summer!

     

Butterfly Release

Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful butterflies.  We put wishes on their wings and opened their cage.  Some flew right away and sailed away until we couldn't see them anymore.  Others stayed in their cage until we gently encouraged them to leave.  It was bittersweet for the kindergartners, who loved them and took such good care of them.

We surrounded the butterfly garden in our courtyard and let our little critters go.

Making Paper

We made paper last week.  It is a messy and fun project that takes a couple of days and many steps:

We shredded and ripped up recycled paper scraps to make them small enough. 

We added water and stirred, stirred, stirred.  The soaking paper had to be left overnight.

With our hands, we ripped up the paper even more before putting small amounts 

into the blender and pushing the button (with supervision) to make our pulp.

We poured the pulp onto screens, sprinkled in our butterfly garden seeds, 

and squished all of the water out with a rolling pin. We had to set them out 

in the sun so that they would dry.

Peek at Our Week

The Grade 1s came into our classroom to explain their Winnipeg Humane Society donation project.  Over the course of the week, they collected lots of toys and newspapers to give to the WHS.

We did a science experiment to determine which objects rolled (rouler) and which objects slid (glisser) down our ramp.

I ordered the kids real shark teeth and they FINALLY arrived.  Better late than never.  Everyone got to pick a tooth belonging to the shark that they liked the most. There were six types to choose from.

 

We have our first chrysalis!  On Thursday we arrived to find that one of our plump little caterpillars had formed a chrysalis.  By Friday we had fifteen!  Now we wait about a week before our butterflies start to emerge.

 We performed at the Volunteer Tea.  Our song was 'Don't Worry, Be Happy!".  We were a hit.  Here we are at the final run-through.