Kindergarten in the Computer Lab

Mrs. Lewicki's K students are learning how to log in to our computers with their own usernames and passwords. Students first learned all the parts of a computer (mouse, monitor, computer, keyboard) then learned how to click & double click. I now take a rotating group of Mrs. Lewicki's K students to the Computer Lab where we practice logging in and logging off. Students are also able to discover all the great educational ELA & math practice 'games' on abcya.com and IXL math.

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

This week during Kindergarten library we read the book Snowballs by Lois Ehlert, where snow-people are made with found objects collected by children. The Kindergarten classes created their own version of a snow-person with found objects from school. We used colorful buttons, wiggly eyes, paperclips, mosaic paper and yarn to create our own snow-people. We also practiced noticing special shapes, such as circles, squares, rectangles and triangles. If you visit school be sure to check out the bulletin boards by the library to find your child's very creative snow-person!

1st Grade Author of the Month

The First grade Author of the Month for January is Cynthia Rylant. While studying an Author of the Month, students learn all about the author from biography books or the author's website, they also read the author's books that are in the library and get to make their own author book. The Author of the Month for December was Jan Brett, and student's re-created Jan Brett's book called Gingerbread Baby. This month students will re-create the book When I Was Young in the Mountains.

'December Holidays' Tree

During the month of December, 5th grade library students worked in pairs to research a country of their choice. Students learned what holidays or festivals are celebrated in their county during the month of December. Each pair made an iMovie about their country's celebrations and also decorated a library holiday tree. The silver spider webs are from the Ukraine, the hearts are from the Netherlands, and poinsettias from Mexico, the Jewish stars from Israel. Great job 5th graders!

Close Reads and Endangered Animals

After doing a close read (choosing a passage or story and analyzing in detail) about National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore and his efforts to save endangered animals, students use the iPad and encyclopedia to do research.

Kindergarten 'Power Up' in the Library

Mrs. Lewicki's Kindergarten class has library 'Power Up' time every day of the week to enhance ELA and technology skills. These K kids are learning the different parts of a computer, how to effectively use the mouse (right click vs. left click) and using hand-eye coordination to maneuver educational websites such as abcya.com. We aren't always on the computer though, below you will see pictures of students using puppets to practice the letter sound 'M'.

Fall Bookfair

Our recent bookfair, themed 'Reading Oasis' was a big hit thanks to all our wonderful parent volunteers. The scholastic bookfair promotes reading and Riverside kids love to browse the store.