Our Classroom

Specialty Street

SPARKLER

Of the

Week

Barley S. BEAR

Homepage

Kiddo Lane

Parent Place

Daily Info. Drive

Ms. Groegler
Court

Sparkler of the Week

Each week, beginning after Back to School Night, each student will have an opportunity to be the 'Sparkler.'

To be the 'Sparkler,' the kiddos need to have worked at home to create something about the MOST *SPARKLING* time/things about them. This may have been a special event, memorable birthday, family vacation, special hobby or interest, and so on. The possibilities are endless! By 'create' something, I want to give the students an opportunity to use their imagination and make something original to share with us. They may write about an event, include pictures, create a collage, bring something in, etc. The possibilities are endless! Prior to the 'Sparkler's' week, I will provide posterboard for each student, if they would like to use that to share with the class and then hang for the remainder of the week.

Classmates have an opportunity to discuss this experience/special talent(s) with the Sparkler and make personal connections, both during Morning Meeting when the 'Sparkler' is sharing, and also in a letter that each student will write to that special person.

This will be a wonderful part of our classroom. Not only does a child get their special week, but we get to learn about one another, work on our writing skills, and make personal connections with the experiences of our classmates.

A schedule has already been provided to you in the Back to School Night packet. I will contact you approximately a week in advance, just as a reminder. I guarantee though, you child won't have forgotten!

Barley S. Bear		Barley S. Bear is our traveling class bear. Barley will begin visiting homes at the end of September. Each day a child's name will be picked to take Barley for the day. That child gets to care for Barley and sit with it each time we come to the rug. At the end of the day, Barley's luggage goes along for an exciting night visit. To capture the memories, Barley comes with 'diary in paw' to write down the events and happenings of the voyage. This is an experience that helps to build responsibility in each child. They should also be the one to write for Barley in the diary, although adult assistance is always encouraged, especially at the beginning of the year! Along the way, Barley tends to pick up items for the bag--please note you are not required to send Barley with any clothes or accessories, only if you and your child wish. When Barley is returned the following day, the host/hostess reads Barley's diary and classmates have an opportunity to ask and discuss the details of Barley's stay. Barley has special 'Weekend Washing Visits.' At Back-to-School Night, you will receive the weekend washing paper which you may sign indicating that you and your family would be willing to launder Barley on the weekend. I take these visits in the order the papers are signed and returned. Please note that this is a special favor you and your family are doing for Barley and I, thus, this is an extra turn and does not count for your child's weekly visit. Barley is not very fussy when it comes to washing--just put the bear in a pillowcase and wash on a gentle cycle. (Barley is fragile!) On a warmer day, Barley enjoys sitting in the sun to air dry, otherwise a low dryer setting will be fine! At the end of the year, students always tell me that Barley was one of their favorite parts of the year. This 'fun' activity is able to teach us so many things!

Birthdays are very special because they only come around once a year! With that said, we would love to celebrate with your child on (or around) their special day. I will contact you in advance to set up a date that is convenient. July and August birthdays will be celebrated in January and February, respectively.

I know you are familiar with the District's Wellness Program which helps to ensure children are practicing healthy eating habits. As a result, on your child's special day, you may decide to send in a non-food treat for each student (pencil, stickers, etc.). Some former students (and parents) have gotten quite creative. I'm always open to new ideas, so feel free to contact me if there is something you're considering. Your child may also have a 'Guest Reader' come to help join our celebration. The Guest Reader may be a parent, guardian, relative, sibling, or person of importance in the child's life.

We look forward to celebrating with your child and wishing them a "Happy Birthday!"

Click on the Apple
to Return to the Top