Day 138: Ahh, Italia!

Wednesday, April 6 began our school's International Days.  Every year, we study a country as a school-wide effort for three to four days.  We have speakers, singers/dancers, food tastings, cultural trivia, and the school is turned into a mini version of the country of focus.  Over the past few years, we have studied China, Switzerland, Ireland, and Mexico. 

This year, we journeyed to Italy.  We learned about the country, listened to the Italian national anthem in the morning, made venetian masks, listened to (and sang along with) a group of Italian singers, enjoyed a presentation on the culture of Italy, and had a tasting at lunch, complete with an accordion player and tablecloths in the cafeteria.  The students tasted fresh mozzarella, Italian bread with olive oil, garlic bread with bruschetta, and pizzelles.

Some of the masks my students made for the occasion.

The PTA does a wonderful job of setting things up.  All of the halls are decorated according to theme, and the artwork displayed is done by the students of that particular hallway.  The students make giant (read: adult-sized) pictures of things that represent the country we are studying.  This year, the kindergarten hall way displayed pasta bowls, the first and second grade hall was gelato cones and pizza, the third grade hall was an olive tree orchard, the fourth grade hall was churches/cathedrals, and the fifth grade hallway was full of gondolas. All of the hallways had words related to the theme suspended from the ceiling. 

One of the signs on the first/second-grade hallway.  Other signs said "Delicious" and "Sweet."

In the specials hallway, there was a scene from Italy, complete with mosaics created by the children.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (outside our school library)!

The Coliseum.

A bridge into another part of Italy.



Some of the mosaics done by the students.  The entire specials hallway is decorated with them. All kinds of materials were used: noodles, beans, paper, buttons, foam shapes, tile, sequins, pasta, cereal, rocks, and string.

Ciao, Italia!

Day 54: Scholastic

I just want to say that I love the Scholastic Book Fair.  Every year, my school's PTA puts one on during American Education Week, and another during our annual May Fair in the spring. 

I like going through and seeing all of the shelves full of new books; the possibilities waiting to be explored and put into use.  My husband will tell you, if we are anywhere near a place that sells books (Borders, Barnes and Noble, library book sales, flea markets, etc.), the best thing is just to leave me there and come back later.  And bring something to haul off my finds.

My wallet caved to some books today after I "perused" for a bit while my students were in special.  I bought several for my children (one each to read now, and several more for Christmas--shh, don't tell!).  I also bought one for myself, titled Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 by Rafe Esquith.  Looks interesting; I can't wait to read it!

Aside from the book fairs, I rely on Scholastic book orders (as you remember from Day 16).  I use the points accumulated from the student book orders to order books for my class library.  I also like the fact that Scholastic gives teacher coupons and will send free books if your order totals a certain amount each month.  I am guilty of buying a few items to help my class reach that dollar threshold just so I can get the points and the free books.  (Don't seem so shocked; I know some of you do it, too!  Wink, wink!)  Really, it's one of the few ways I can get books without going broke.  Teachers spend enough of their own money as it is.

I am always looking for good deals on books for my class and for myself.  I would love to hear of any sites or stores that have good deals in your area.  Leave a note in the comment box with your favorite link or store and I'll list them in a Reader Resource post.  In the meantime, happy reading!

Day 31: Dads and Doughnuts

My school's PTA sponsors a program each fall called Dads and Doughnuts.  It's a day set aside where dads, grandpas, uncles, etc. can come in before school with their children and socialize with other male figures while enjoying doughnuts, juice, and coffee.  (Actually, because of our large student population, we have to split the program over two mornings, with last names beginning with A-M one day and N-Z the next.)  It's a pretty cool thing to see all of these dads and other male figures hanging out with their children.

For the children who may not have a male figure in their lives, moms, aunts, and grandmas are allowed to attend if they so choose.  It's not uncommon to see several women mixed in the crowd.  And still, there are a few families where both parents come in, and that's okay, too.

The PTA also does something in the spring called Moms and Muffins, which follows the same format.  The kids really enjoy both programs, and the parents enjoy the extra time looking at the student work hanging in the halls and informally talking with the teachers. 

Today was the first day.  Tomorrow is the other. 

I think I'll try a treat with sprinkles.