Our Happy Place

Today, I asked the class to consider what their 'Happy Place' was and why.  As we entered a new space in Glenridge, called the Maker Space, students were greeted by Mrs. Slodounik.  She prompted them to think of our space as a city and gave each student the task of creating a place that would contribute to the happiness of our city.
   This project proved to be individual as well as collaborative.  I appreciated the insight into student's reasoning for creations.  Some creations included (along with some student reasonings):
-2 movie theaters for entertainment-one student created an outdoor screen and another one was an indoor creation.  One student said "You can't be happy without a movie!"
-3 types of parks- one water park complete with water slides, one community park because "we need a calm place to go for peace," and a playground because "playing makes everyone happy"!
-A governor's house that Batman also shares because "you need people to help keep the city a happy place!"
-a variety of homes because "everyone wants to live in a happy city"!
-a museum with history (and mummies!)
-a professional lacrosse field
-2 hospitals and an ambulance because "safety is important and we need a place to help those in need"!
-a research facility with solar panels on the roof
-a light tower because our city should be next to a large body of water (Mrs. Schuh agrees!)
-a tower with offices
-2 schools because "we need to learn to stay happy!"

Best Year of Reading Ever

Our afternoons are filled with students talking to each other about what they are reading! It has been a great week of book shares and I can't wait to hear even more next week! 

What do you look like when you feel successful?

I posed this question today and the first answer I recieved was 'smiling!' Look at these beautiful smiles!!! 

An Amazing First Day of School!

   We had a fabulous first day of Third Grade!  I was greeted with smiles, hugs, and photo ops! (I LOVE photo ops, so please send me a copy!)  What more could you ask for? 

   As we entered the classroom, I looked at a room full of eager, positive, beautiful children.  They were excited to participate, explore, and just get started!  My favorite part of the day was an activity we did to learn about our classroom.  I assigned small groups to explore nooks around the room, predict what we would be using various things for, and shared how to use our resources.  Students presented their findings to each other and listened so respectfully.  This activity symbolizes that our classroom is as much mine as it is the students'.  They realize they can help each other with the resources given, and most importantly, when you work as a team, you are stronger (and have more fun!).  

Happy Summer!

I'm glad I was your teacher,

I've come to love you so.

I can't believe the end is here,

I'm sad to see you go.

You'll always be a Schuh Star

And I'll cherish you dearly.

You light up my life,

I mean that sincerely.

Remember all the fun we had

In all the things we did,

But most of all remember

You're a very special kid.

Love, Mrs. Schuh

We won the daily total trophy!

Pennies for Patients

We had a lovely morning counting coins and working together to celebrate our week's total of $200!!! The class is so excited and I am in awe of their commitment to this cause!  As a teacher, I couldn't be more excited about the authentic experience this project lends to counting money!  However, witnessing the positivity and community building this project provides is the benefit I appreciate even more!  Keep up the hard work Schuh Stars!