Spring is here???

The first though fourth grades are getting as confused as we are about this Wisconsin weather. One day we can go out to run and play, and the next day there is snow on the ground. Thankfully today was a super morning for the children to go out and run.
The first and second graders have been working on their throwing and catching all week, with a special focus on catching. The children used their hands, a velcro gripper (worn on their non-dominant hand like a baseball glove), and cones to catch all types of balls.
The third and fourth graders had a busy week with team building, the start of our floor hockey unit, and health. The third graders finished labeling their skeletons in our second lesson on the skeletal system. Then they had fun trying to touch their carpals to their scapula, their tibia to their clavicle, and so on.
The fourth graders had their "big talk" this week for our human growth and development unit. We answered all of the great questions they wrote on note cards after our visit to the Children's Health Education Center. I led the girls group and the girls were absolutely wonderful, asking so many questions. They even asked questions after we told them it was time to return to their classrooms. We could have been there for many more hours if the day wasn't ending. I hope you continue the conversations at home with your children. Good reports from the boys group too, although not quite as many questions.
In JK this week we again worked on our good throwing form, especially stepping with the opposite foot. Another continuing focus is jumping a self-turned short jump rope. Some of the children have been able to get one or two in a row in combination with their rope turning. The Pk'er have also been trying to jump their own rope. We have new ropes this year for our extra little PK and JK buddies so they aren't trying to use a rope that is too long. We talk about how it is okay if you can't jump yet, but by the time they are in first grade they will be "so super awesome!"