Happy Holidays!!!! from TWE

Happy Winter Break from TWE! Wishing you peace, joy and happiness!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Young Authors by Mrs. Henderson

Writing Workshop is a process writing structure used at TWE. Our students are involved in this process from their Kindergarten experience all of the way through to 5th grade. Teachers provide mini-lessons followed by individual and small group writing activities that include brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing and publishing (sharing) their writing. It is a favorite time of many students. We are proud to be developing young authors and celebrate their success.

During Writing Workshop, Mrs. Jhawer confers with a student regarding his student created nonfiction book while other students share their writing masterpiece with one another.

                                     

 

Eating Shapes in Kinder by Susan Boiarsky and Laura Patrick

 

 

 

 

 

It is always more exciting to study any subject when it applies to our everyday life! Food makes most learning more meaningful. Kindergarten recently sorted fun 3D shapes (Tootsie roll-cylinder, Hershey kiss-cone, pretzel-cylinder, caramel-cube, & Whoppers-sphere). I am thinking a few shapes made it into some mouths!!!!!! Here are some pics from Mrs. Spath's class:

 

 

The Many Faces of Reading by Susan Boiarsky and Rhonda Henderson

READING IS INTERACTIVE. The reader interacts with the text in many different ways. As I read a book, I often imagine the story like a movie in my head. We teach students to do this also. Readers also listen to stories being read, interact by discussing a story, think critically about the text, and try to write their own stories in the style of the author they have been reading.

 

 

Ms. Boiarsky was out and about recently and found these examples of the different faces of reading in Ms. Morgan's class.

 

 

 

Students listen and share their thoughts regarding the interactive read aloud delivered by Ms. Morgan. The book, Two Bobbies is a heartfelt book about two animals that survived Hurricane Katrina. 

Students use the thinking strategies shared in the read aloud as they partner read together.

A Little Drama in 4th grade by Susan Boiarsky

Recently students in Ms. Scheiffer's 4th grade Language Arts classrooms created a “Tableau” using a folktale or a book. Think of a tableau as a scene or freeze frame of a story. Students created their scene in groups and the class predicted which story was displayed. This is reading coming alive through creative thinking for these students.

Anansi and the Spider

 Honey, Honey, Lion by Jan Brett



 

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears

Makanda Mahluna

Holiday School Store by Rhonda Henderson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Heart-warming, adorable, FUN! These are words all used to describe our TWE Holiday School Store last week. The volunteers were so impressed with the generous hearts and the exemplary behavior or our young shoppers. They searched for just the perfect gift for each family member, friend and pet on their lists. Thanks to PTA for providing this opportunity each year for our students to participate in the joy of giving!!!!! And.......thanks to Elves Missie Duda and Andrea Lee for bringing smiles to all of our faces each year!!!!

3 Reasons to Read with Your Elementary Schooler Every Night shared by Mrs. Triolo

 

Mrs. Triolo shared this article. Mrs. Triolo has taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade and is the parent of a Kindergartener and 4th grader. She has notice that as our children get older, it is hard to "fit" reading together into our routines, but it is just as important as it was when they were younger. She shared the article below. This article tells us why it is important to continue to read together!

 

 

3 Reasons to Read with Your Elementary Schooler Every Night

 

By Amy Mascott

As published on www.scholastic.com

on May 13, 2013

The task may seem small, but the payoff is big.

 

For many families, it's the same daily, after-dinner routine: play and relax, then bath, books, and bedtime.

Some people mix it up by adding a good-night song (or two) in there, but we never added that gem into our schedule.  Unfailingly, though, bath, books, and bed are the norm for many families of young children, which is a wonderful way of introducing books and literacy to young ones.

However, once kids walk through the big doors of elementary school, it seems like that pattern of bath-books-bed comes to a screeching halt.  Sure, kids are still (thankfully) jumping in the bath or shower, but then usually straight to bed to read on their own afterward.

It is still so important that parents read with children, even as children enter those exciting elementary-school years.

Here are three reasons to read with your elementary schooler every night:

 

1.     Time together. The number one reason for reading each night is quality time together. Period. Life gets nuts when kids go to elementary school. Between homework, lessons, classes, and meetings, it's a crazy time. But carving out that small amount of time—even if it's 10-15 minutes, which is just enough time to read one chapter of a book—is totally worth scheduling into your day.  I'm betting payoffs for this small, scheduled “date” with your child will be big in the long-term.

2.     Listening to fluent reading. If you choose to do the reading, which I strongly suggest you do, then this time together allows your child to listen to what fluent reading should sound like.  You don't need to go crazy with voices and sounds—just read naturally and normally.  The more your younger readers hear what fluent reading should sound like, the better!  It reminds them how their reading should sound.

3.     Talking about texts.  It doesn't need to be an in-depth discussion about characters, plotline, or style, but you may be surprised at how your conversations evolve after you read together for some time.  You can begin by just “thinking aloud”—every few pages, share your thoughts about the text out loud, kind of like a built-in commentary.  Your child will hear how you think about and process text as you read, and soon it will become habitual for him or her to do the same.   Over time, incorporate questions or thought-provoking statements and involve your child.

Are you convinced? I hope so!  Tonight, grab two books, and ask your child to choose one. Start reading, and you'll be glad you did. It will all help to develop relationships, critical thinking, and better reading comprehension!

If you are looking for great books to read with your child, check this list out http://www.buzzfeed.com/candacelowry/books-parents-should-read-to-their-kids-before-they-grow?utm_term=45hoham&sub=3429631_3702894#30eymwm
 

 

2nd grade SCIENCE - Matter is Everywhere! by the 2nd grade team

 

In Science, we have been learning about matter.   We discovered  that even air has matter.    We've discussed how to describe matter by weighing different objects and playing "I spy."

Next, we took objects and added heat to them to see if they would change.  We did a fun ice cube experiment to see what tool would melt the ice cube the fastest.  Most students said the hair dryer would melt the ice cube the fastest, but it was actually the hot water that worked the quickest!   We predicted what would happen if we added heat to it.    Many students said it would turn into a liquid.  The Ivory soap didn't melt, but grew out like a volcano! 

Then, we added heat to popcorn kernels.  We put the kernels into an air popper and watched how the kernels changed colors and then blossomed out like a flower.   Finally, we were able to eat the results of our experiment !

As these changes took place, we noticed  what physical properties changed.   We noticed that the size, shape, and weight were the most common properties that changed. 

 

2nd Grade Teachers in Action

A 2nd grade teacher's day is full of variety! It is the spice of a teacher's life.

Mrs. Triolo gets ready to use the Smartboard for math activity.

 

 Ms. Williams works with a small group in math.

Mrs. Crawford gets caught by the camera as she gives directions for a

class activity. Love that smile!

Ms. Bynum gets a students set up at the listening center.

Mrs. Lund reads student written books with students.

Mrs. Ross works with a group during math games.

Mrs. Creighton (glasses) confers with Mrs. Luftop from our support team.

FEATURING: 2nd grade

This week we will feature our 2nd grade. This group of teachers is enthusiastic about learning and working with our 2nd grade students. Second grade is a transitional year - students are not exactly primary but they aren't intermediate yet either. They are at different levels of independence. Our second grade teachers are a mix of individuals with primary and intermediate experience which is beneficial in meeting the varied needs of our students as they plan for instruction. Here is a little  information about each of them:

Ms. Christy Williams is a member of the Original Wolfpack.  This is her third year at Wilson and first year in 2nd grade. She is the team leader of this team.  Ms. Williams taught 1^st grade for the past nine years in Katy ISD.  She is a proud graduate of Katy High School.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University.  While teaching at Mayde Creek Elementary, she represented the school as Teacher of the Year. Ms. Williams lives in Katy with her son, Barrett, who is in kindergarten here at TWE, and her dog, Honey (who wishes she could go to school).  Ms. Williams loves to read, watch movies and play with her son!

 

Miss Annie Bynum has been a member of the 2^nd grade team at Wilson since we opened in 2012. She is a Katy ISD graduate (Cinco Ranch HS 2008) and both of her parents work in the district. She graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton in 2012. Currently, she is working on her masters in curriculum and instruction at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and will graduate this June! She represented TWE as our very first New Teacher of the Year in 2012-13. She is our PTA faculty representative for grades K-2. Miss Bynum recently got engaged to her high school sweetheart and has been excitedly planning for her big day! If you have been by her room, you know she loves owls, she has over 1,000 owls hanging around the room! When she is not at school, she likes baking and cooking different recipes she finds on Pinterest, running in Herman Park, and spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. Sage Smith is joining the 2nd grade team at TWE this year, but she has been teaching for the past four years in Spring ISD.  Ms. Smith grew up in Katy and is a graduate of James E. Taylor High School. She graduated from Sam Houston University with a bachelors in Academic Instruction. Her smile warms the room. Ms. Smith enjoys watching the Dallas Cowboys. She loves taking her son Gavin to the park and spending time with her friends and family.

 

Mrs. Marilyn Triolo joined the 2^nd grade team this year, however, she has been at TWE since the opening!  This is her thirteenth year of teaching, all of which have been in Katy ISD.  During her career, she has also taught 1^st and 3^rd grade.  She is a graduate of University of Houston, however, you will see her proudly cheering for LSU!  Mrs. Triolo lives in Katy, Texas with her husband, Thomas, and their two children, Haleigh (who is in 4^th grade) and Brock (who is in Kindergarten). They also have two dogs Harleigh and Coby.  Mrs. Triolo enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also volunteers her time as a Captain of the Speakers Committee of The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  Mrs. Triolo enjoys watching college football, hunting, and running.

 

 

Mrs. Caren Creighton is new to the Wilson Wolfpack this year. Mrs. Creighton moved to Katy a year ago. She is originally from New Hyde Park, NY. She began her career in education teaching 2^nd grade while obtaining her master’s degree in reading from St. John’s University.  Mrs. Creighton and her husband have two children - Sean who is in 5^th grade and Carrie who is in 2^nd grade. Her children currently attend Rylander. In her spare time, Mrs. Creighton enjoys reading , scrapbooking, and playing outside with her kids. 

 

Mrs. Ginny Lund is in her second year teaching 2nd grade at TWE.  Before 2nd grade, she worked with the Special Education team providing in class support.  She and her husband, Robb, moved to Katy fifteen years ago.  They have three beautiful children who she says have grown up too fast!  Her oldest is a senior at Katy High School and participates in the marching band.  Mrs. Lund graduated from Brigham Young University in Utah where her oldest son has just applied to go and hopes to continue marching band there.  Her second son is 13 and in the band at WoodCreek Jr. High.  Her daughter is in the 3rd grade at TWE, and Mrs. Lund loves having her here at school with her!   Mrs. Lund loves to be active outside- she loves to run, walk, bike, swim, camp, and hike.  She recently participated in a Mud Challenger, a 5K mud obstacle race,with her son.    

 

Mrs. Crawford is a proud member of the original Wolfpack.  She is excited to be moving from 3^rd grade to 2^nd grade this year!  Mrs. Crawford grew up in Katy and is a graduate of James E. Taylor High School.  She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies. She is very creative and enjoys arts and crafts projects! She is co-chair of our TWE Sunshine Committee and provides fun and support for our teachers. When not teaching ,Mrs. Crawford enjoys spending time with her husband, Cory, and their 2 boys (Colton-6 and Blake-4). 

 

Mrs. Lisa Ross has been a member of the Second Grade Team since Wilson opened. This is her 8^th year of teaching. She graduated from Texas A&M and taught for two years in College Station before moving to Katy.  She currently represents TWE on a district committee that is looking at Social Studies instructional materials for the upcoming state adoption. Mrs. Ross lives in Katy with her husband, two children, two dogs, and their turtle, Crystal.  Mrs. Ross loves to share stories with her second graders about her family and her pets! When she is not teaching, Mrs. Ross loves to play the piano and spend time with her family.

 

Join us tomorrow for pictures of each of these teachers in action!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Thanksgiving Learning!

 

First graders were busy learning about the holiday of Thanksgiving before our break. Families are a big part of the holiday. When students returned on Monday, many of them wrote about the great times they had with their families relaxing and traveling.

 

 

Check out these turkeys (cleverly disguised). Our first grade friends were super creative helping the turkeys escape their Thanksgiving fate!

 

Happy Holidays to Us! by Ms. Taylor

After a very exciting Book Fair Week, Ms. Taylor and Mrs. Hines returned to the library Monday morning to discover that some elves had visited the library!

We are so excited to see our library is ready for the holidays with the BEAUTIFUL decorations left by Santa’s helpers.

 

 

Many students, and teachers, have made special visits to the library to appreciate just how pretty the “living room” of our school is with our holiday décor.

Mrs. Hines and Ms. Taylor would like to say a VERY special thank you for our beautiful tree and holiday decorations. Thanks to Leigh Anne Kindred and family for donating this special treat. 

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading from your library ladies!

STEAM Club by Rachel C. and Vaaridhi R.

Editor's note: STEAM Club was one of the Six Weeks Clubs offered last fall. Be watching for a list of Six Weeks Clubs to be offered next semester.

 

 

STEAM Club is a fun place where kids can have fun, build stuff, and solve problems. It teaches you what it feels like to be an engineer. It makes you think really deep and it will help you come up with more ideas. STEAM Club provides a fun learning place for kids to be enjoying their time. There are so many activities. For example: when we made a boat. We had to use straws and plastic raps only to make a   boat that could hold the most pennies. We also made rubber band balls using rubber bands, foil, or paper. The rubber band ball that went the highest was the ball that won. We also made a catapult, and we did an egg drop. We even got to make a tower that could hold the most square tiles. It  had to be at least 4 inches tall and made out of spaghetti and marshmallows. For the egg drop, we used a coffee filter, a cup, plastic bags, wrapping paper, rice krispie cereal, and rubber bands. The catapult was made from a lot popsicle sticks, rubber bands, a spoon, glue, and a marshmallow. Our goal was to launch the marshmallow the farthest. We think that the catapult was the best challenge because it was the biggest challenge and you had to think really deep. STEAM Club is a place for learning new things while having tons of fun. We covered science, technology, engineering, art, and math at the same time.

 

ARGGGHHHHH! Pirates the Musical by Sarah Currier

 

 

 

 

"Wow...Bravo...They are so talented... Encore!” were all words that could be heard in the halls from teachers, students, parents alike as beaming 4^th graders passed by in their black 4^th grade musical t-shirt this past Thursday.  The talented TWE 4^th graders performed “PIRATES!: The Musical” for the student body and the community on Thursday.  Students performed roles such as chorus members, colorfully bearded pirates, a Crooning King of the High “C”s who suddenly comes down with laryngitis on his way to the Pirate singing contest, and a spunky Wanna-be-a-pirate Stowaway. Students, teachers, parent volunteers came together to produce an experience that will be a lasting memory for all. ARGGGHHHHH!

 

 

Ms. Currier and Mrs. Norwood

 

Editor's Note: PAWSOME music program at TWE - thanks Ms. Currier and Mrs. Beyer! We appreciate the PACKTASTIC job that Mrs. Norwood has done as Mrs. Beyer's long-term sub. We will miss you!

 

Our Day As an Administrator by Quentin, Taylor, Emily and Harrison

 

Principals for the Day!

On Monday, November 24th, we had the chance to be TWE Administrators for the Day! We spent the day with Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Gilder and Ms. Brown.  It was a great but tiring experience. We learned that administrators do not just sit at their computers all day. We started the day with a faculty meeting with all of the Teachers for the Day and Counselors for the Day. The donuts were good, and we got inspiration from Kid President! Next, we went on announcements. It was exciting being in front of the whole school on TV. We delivered Class of the Week and Staff of the Week awards. During a Safety Walk with Ms. Brown, we checked to make sure our school was safe and clean. We learned that all people in the hall should always have a badge and that we need to report them if they don't have one. After observing in classrooms, we had a snack with all administrators and counselors in the Teacher's Lounge - everybody needs a break after a busy morning! Lunch duty was a messy and smelly job! We opened condiment packages and brought kids utensils. It was sometimes loud in the cafeteria. The students kept us busy! Then we had a pizza lunch! Yummy!!!!! Recess duty was next. We watched all of the kids playing - it is more fun to play than stand on the sidelines and watch. Next, we had a conference with the principal and assistant principals about how to make our school a better place. We also wrote notes to many teachers. It always cheers them up to get a handwritten note. Next, we observed in more classes and left notes for the teachers. After writing this blog, we ended our day with dismissal duty! We are the WOLFPACK and we are creating the future!