December Book Reports and Holiday Fun!

I just realized that my last two posts didn't show up due to the up north internet!  But that's okay because I can recap.  I've been enjoying the break in a winter wonderland at the cottage with family and friends.  I couldn't possibly ask for anything more!  I hope you have been enjoying your break too!

My hope is that students are reading, reading, and then doing some more reading over break!  A good book can take you anywhere you wish to go in the world without having to leave your seat!

 

Speaking of reading, our December Book Reports were impressive!  I loved seeing the students beam as they presented their posters to the class and the class loved learning all the interesting facts in return.  These book reports set the stage for our new unit of focus when we return from break, nonfiction reading matters.
Here are just a few:

 

During the week leading up to break, we worked on a Persuasive Writing Project to wrap up our unit. Santa's New Suit began with a story in which Santa's suit gets shrunk right before Christmas.  Mrs. Claus and her assistant, Elvin the Elf, enlist the help of our students to design and create a new suit for Santa.  They also had to perfect a letter to Mrs. Claus and the elf, persuading them to choose their suit as Santa's new suit.  I was blown away by their creativity!  It is so important that as we get into more serious topics in the classroom that we don't lose our ability to be creative, and this writing activity truly captured it!  

Plus it helped to put us in the spirit :)

 

Lastly, we celebrated the day before break by celebrating our Sugar Cone Trees!  I was a little nervous about the mess since this was the first time doing it in the classroom.  They turned out great and the mess was [well] worth it!

 [Yes, they tasted even better than they look!]
I can't believe it is 2014! Enjoy the rest of your break and if you are interested in a fun little New Year's activity with your family check this {cute} idea out!

We will be making our goals for the New Year when we return.
I can't wait to see you then!