Thursday, October 28, 2010

Jump in the Lake

As budding environmentalists, and conscious citizens, our students learned about the importance of not wasting food. As an incentive for getting their food waste down to less than a pound the last day of Nature's Classroom, Ms. Britney and Mr. K agreed to jump in the Lake in Ivoryton as a goal. Congratulations! (Mr. K and Ms. Britney may still be shivering from the experience.)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Multicultural Meal

A group of grade 4/5 students guided by the culinary genius of Ms. Shelley, Ms. Pam, Ms. Gloria Rich, Ms. Lauren, and Ms. Maria created and served an incredible multicultural meal. The students planned the menu, followed the recipes, and decorated the venue for their culminating event. Bon appetit.

Nature's Classroom


Our 4th and 5th grade students spent the week at Nature's classroom in Ivoryton. They spent time getting to know each other and learning about nature and conservation. Great appreciation to all the staff and parents who made this incredible week possible.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

What did you notice? What did you wonder?

Our amazing partnership with Connecticut College Literacy Cohort continues. The group observed lessons in many classrooms focusing on literacy components. Students then reflected on what they noticed and wondered in classrooms. The distinction between observable behaviors and interpretation was a point of discussion as future educators continue to hone their skills. Observers shared many salient points including: Many lessons were presented multimodally, repetition was present, students were engaged, and they wondered how assessment helped to determine the lessons' objectives. We will convene again on October 26th with a focus on the emergent reader.


Funga Alafia- Welcomes and Blessings










Ms. Leah's Grade 1 students and Ms. Kate Fioravanti's middle school students from ISAAC collaborated to performa at both school's all school celebrations. They sang Funga Alafia, a traditional song from Western Africa (Nigeria) sung in the Yoruba language and means "welcomes and blessings.


Funga Alafia, a West African Welcome Song

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.
Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.
Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

With my thoughts, I welcome you.
With my words, I welcome you.
With my heart I welcome you.
See, I have nothing up my sleeve.

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.
Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.