Thursday, October 30, 2014

We Need Your Help!

Our auction project needs your help!

The concept is this:


The background is a 30" x 40" canvas painted gray.  The bikes are made out of scrapbook paper.   The outside of the wheels will be made out of small, round, black map pins and the spokes will be done by the kids weaving around the map pins with embroidery floss.  The words in the spaces between the bike are "bicycle" in the nine languages represented by the families in our class.  (Obviously there are a few that need special characters.)  They will be paper as well.

Now for the help...

We made the bike frames, seats, etc. last week and they need to be laid out, leaving room for the words, and affixed to the canvas.  We also have bits and pieces for handlebars, pedals, etc.  (We have double sided scrapbook tape to affix the paper).  This is the first big priority.  Can you help?  Here's what it looks like so far...


The next step in the process is to put all the many map pins in place where the wheels will be.  (I envision a cardboard stencil with two wheels cut out.  I can help with that.)  There is foam core behind the canvas, so the pins ought to stick well.

After the pins are in, we'll need volunteers to come work with students to weave the floss around the pins to make it look like spokes.

Whew!  All this needs to happen in the next week-ish, as the auction is the 14th.  Ideally someone can get working early next week.  If you can help, please email me.  You can take the canvas home (although it's huge) or we can find a space for you to work here.  I hope all this makes sense.  It should be a pretty neat project and hopefully a big money-maker once we get it finished.  I just need your help to make it all happen!  Please let me know if you're willing to help!

(As a side note, if you're interested in helping cover some of the materials cost, please feel free to send in a little money.  Even $5 or $10 is helpful.  Thanks.)

Friday, October 17, 2014

What Do I Do That Bugs Others...

October's Character Strength is Courtesy.  Today we did a fascinating exercise; admitting the things we do that bug other people.  We then discussed courtesy as not doing those things!  They were very honest, so see if you recognize any of these....



As a side note, we are running low on snacks.  Next time you're at the store, please think of us.  We'd love some healthy, nut-free snacks.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Something Strange at the Pumpkin Patch

Not sure what happened at Chapman last night, but there's something strange about the pumpkins we made yesterday...


(Note:  This is a great reminder to return your field trip permission forms!)

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Auction Ideas

It's time to start thinking about the Chapman Auction!  Invitations will go home tomorrow (Friday), and the event is coming up quickly!  (November 14th)  We need a classroom project to donate to the event.  The ideal project is both clearly done by kindergartners, but also something folks will want to pay good money for and take home!  This year's theme is "Kentucky Derby Gala," but the art doesn't necessarily have to fit the theme.

Are you someone who has ideas for projects?

Are you someone who is not an idea person, but can help make it happen?

Are you someone who has no time during school, but can help track down supplies?

Please let me know if you would like to help out with this.  (If you're an idea person, the sooner the better!)

Friday, September 26, 2014

Great app resource

Do you use an ipad or other tablet?  If, so you might want to know about a resource for free and discounted apps.  I follow http://www.smartappsforkids.com/ (for ipads or iphones) and http://www.smartappsforandroid.com/ (for other tablets or phones).  Both website post regularly telling about apps that are free or discounted.  Not all of their apps are good ones and not all are applicable to kindergarten age students.  However, I have been able to download some great apps for free or at a way-reduced cost because of these resources.  If you'd like recommendations for specific app titles, just ask!

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Library Books!

Your child likely brought home a library book today!  They checked books out last week, but our librarian Cynthia asked that they keep them at school for the week.  Today they got to check a book out and earned the privilege of bringing it home.  Your child's library book is due back to school each Thursday.  Thanks for helping them remember to bring it back!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Ni Hao

Have you heard a few words of Mandarin from your kindergartner?  Teacher Tracy has been helping us learn some animal names (dog, cat, fish, bird, panda, elephant and duck).  This week we've also been learning the numbers in Mandarin (as of yesterday we've learned up to 6).  Since the English writing of Chinese words can be tricky to know how to pronounce, here are the numbers in English with the Chinese character and a phonetic pronunciation.  Hopefully this will help you practice with your child!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2r2YGKkNM8nRHd4M3BMS3JhcUU/edit?usp=sharing