Will You Follow Me?

Today it is official - I am now a second grade teacher. Yep, I have taken the plunge and am filling in the last piece of my puzzle, having taught first and third. This is a very emotional post for me - you, my faithful followers, have been a great source of support for me throughout this last year. I hope that you will follow the link below to my new blog and continue the journey with me as I move into uncharted waters. Thank you for spending time with me and I hope to stay connected to you in the months and years to come.

Fondly,

Pam Ciway

http://2cistheplacetobee.blogspot.com

The 2009-2010 School Year "Floats" Away....

Today the kids presented their Batavia floats to the class. They did an outstanding job on every part of the project - their smiles clearly indicate they are satisfied with the results of their hard work! Check out the slideshow below for all the presentation pics.:)

Ah, to be a kid again....

Friday was our last Art Appreciation lesson of the school year. Once again, Mrs. B. came in and did a spectacular job engaging the kids in the lesson of the month. As I watched the kids work with the clay to create sculptures I went back in my own memory to the days when my daughters played with clay, designing wonderfully creative creatures and other figures. I wish kids had more time to do these types of things because the enjoyment on their faces was clear. Thanks, Mrs. B. for giving the kids this opportunity.

Public Works Field Trip

Last week 3C went to our town's public works facility. The kids learned about sign making, electricity, the water works system and other fascinating aspects of what it takes to keep a town functioning properly. A big thanks to the men and women of the public works for giving up their time and talents to teach our kids. Thanks, everyone - you are all the best!

Be sure to check out the new slideshow at the bottom of the blog for many more pictures of our experience.:)

The Last Student Teacher of 2009-2010

Sadly, 3C enjoyed the last Student Teacher of the year this past week. T had a fantastic time and especially enjoyed the reading of his favorite book. The kids were enthralled by the creative reading talents of Mrs. Clark. You can tell by T's face that she did a particularly good job! T's favorite job this week was pulling name sticks to assign jobs and positions in the line. Nice job, T!

A Possible Career Choice?

This past week 3C enjoyed the hard work of our last female Student Teacher of the Week. I think N has the makings of a possible future educator! She kept the class on task and busy all week! Good job, N!

Earth Day Wishes

In honor of Earth Day, 3C helped our planet by cleaning up the playground during lunch recess. We also expressed our hopes artistically through the creation of Earth Day postage stamps. Check out the Earth Day Wishes slide show below.

Happy Student Teacher of the Week

Last week A was my Student Teacher and chose a familar favorite to read to the class. There is something about a "add on" book that makes reading aloud extra fun! The kids were an excellent audience and A chose a great partner to read with him - the first time a Student Teacher chose to partner-read with a classmate. Great idea, A!

What a find!

Last week 3C was given the opportunity to take a very close look at a giant hornet's nest which was one of three discovered by A's grandfather. After carefully spraying the nest to ensure our safety, we were able to listen and learn about these amazing creatures. Thanks, A (and Grandpa!)

Float Building Time

It is float building time in 3C! In this week's Friday Folder you will find a volunteer sign-up letter for this wonderful project. Please consider coming in to help - it is a lot of fun and many hands make much lighter work!
Also, we are starting the building on April 28th, so if you have not sent in a shoebox yet, please do so. If you cannot, don't worry - I am sure we will have extras!

Check out the Power Point Presentations

Check out the Power Point presentations on Zeus and Saturn & Jupiter - just click on the link over on the left side of the blog. Once you are there, simply click the download button, open the document and enjoy!

Check Out the Reading Presentations Slide Show!

Yesterday several groups of 3C students presented reading projects they have been working on for the last few weeks. These students reached their third quarter reading goals very early in the quarter and were given the option of researching a topic to teach to the class. Their families were invited to join in the fun and everyone did a fantastic job - presenters and audience alike. Bravo!

Happy Student Teacher, B!

B did a wonderful job reading an old favorite to the class. Those can be the best because they bring back such happy memories. I had a great time with you this week, B! Hope you enjoyed it too!

Here We Go!

Welcome to the fourth quarter. It is hard to believe that we are getting so close to the end of the year - it feels like it just began! Let's take care of each other, appreciating the last few weeks we will be officially 3C. Let's go!

"To the world you may be just one person,

but to one person you may be the world."

Anonymous

Finally!

Well, here they are - Red Velvet cupcakes - the very first result using my brand new, professional grade Kitchenaid stand mixer. Mr. Ciway bought me the red monster for Christmas and sadly, due to my very busy schedule, I was not able to use it until this week. The exciting part is that I am NOT (emphasize NOT) a baker! I like to cook, but baking skills have eluded me. Not bad for my first project (including the first time I have ever made frosting from scratch or piped frosting from a bag!)

The Final Student Teacher of the Third Quarter

My last Student Teacher during the month of March picked a really funny, witty book to read to the class entitled 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to do Anymore. What an appropriate choice for a guy who is funny and very witty! Great job, A - I had a wonderful time sharing last week with you.

Check out the Electrifyin' New Slide Show Below!

Fan Favorite

This week's Student Teacher must have a certain something about him - he received many multi-page letters from his peers. I think I see teaching in C's future... (he sure looks the scholarly type, doesn't he?)

Fun Student Teacher

S and I had a great time together this week. S did a fantastic job - the kids really enjoyed her leadership. :) (By the way, happy birthday, Mrs. L!)

The Smells and Tastes of Summer....

Imagine my delight when I arrived home tonight to find Mr. Ciway in a "summer" state of mind - the grill heating, the chiminea blazing and a fresh bag of Campfire marshmallows awaiting my metal prong - life does not get better than that on a March day that is teasingly reminiscent of summer!

What an Inspiration...

This past Monday 3C had the distinct pleasure of a visit from Rianna's grandfather, Captain Norwood. I had the privilege of meeting him and his wife several years ago when Rianna's sister, Emma, was one of my students. Captain Norwood has lived a remarkable life - he is such an inspiration to all of us. His message to the students of 3C was clear:

Opportunity + Preparation = Success!

Thanks, Captain Norwood!

Magnetism

Check out the new slideshow below!

Ahh, tulips!

There is something about a tulip that makes you dream of spring... This lovely bouquet is a gift from my daughter Connie. Every Wednesday night while her husband is working she and my grandpuppy Milton come over for dinner and a chance to catch up. Last night Connie came bearing gifts of tulips and cream puffs - what a great way to end the day! Lovely daughter, lovely tulips and lovely (?) adorable Milton! What a combo!

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

Check out the new slideshow feature at the bottom of the blog!

Such Fun!

You did a great job performing all of the Student Teacher responsibilities this past week, D! Hope you had a memorable time.:) I did!