Room 213
Fourth graders in Room 213 had the opportunity to extend their Grade 3 case study of frog adaptations into Grade 4. Students were the epitome of engaged learners as they dissected two frogs with the guidance of their classmate, Jaana Frederick, and her mother, Dennie. These lucky fourth graders explored the internal organs of frogs while also discovering that frogs can serve as models of our own anatomy.
Street Pianos
By Mary Gallagher, 5th Grade Teacher in Rm 225 & Claudie Jean-Baptiste, Kindergarten Teacher in Room 101
If you happened to be driving down Mass. Ave. on October 7 around 8:30AM, you may have noticed a group of school students hand in hand, enjoying a lovely autumn day in Cambridge, the students from rooms K101, 225 and 217B (kindergartners and their fifth grade buddies) along with their teachers: Mary, Claudie, Wilda, Mary Ellen, Michelle and Debbie were on their way to Lesley College to enjoy a little music on the sidewalks of Cambridge. As students approached their destination "wows and ahhs" could be heard as they caught glimpse of the colorfully painted, "Play Me I'm Yours" piano sitting on the sidewalk. A public art project touring internationally since 2008. Originally designed by British artist Luke Jerram. Now, more than 1,400 pianos have now been installed in 50 cities across the globe, from London to Lima, bearing the simple invitation Play Me, I’m Yours. The project has already reached more than eight million people worldwide. Debbie Sullivan, our music teacher along with several students banged out a variety of tunes on the ivories while students danced and sang with joy. Laughter and song from children completed what was already a beautiful start to the day.
Cider Pressing in All Grades!
During the last week of October, classrooms came into the courtyard garden to make homemade fresh apple cider using an old fashioned cider press! Classrooms brought in apples, and we carefully washed, cut, and mashed the apples, which we then put into the cider press. Each student took a turn cranking the cider press, while watching the cider pour out the spout in the bottom. We smelled the cider, made a class toast, and tasted it all together! Teachers tied apple cider pressing into their curriculum is so many interesting ways, ranging from counting the apples, working on descriptive words to describe the apples, and learning about simples machines by examining the cider press. An amazing New England fall tradition, made by our students! On December 5th, right after school, we will be having a garden party to put the garden to bed for the winter- it will include some gardening, making lanterns, and reading- looking forward to seeing you there!