It was great to see so many of you yesterday evening at Literacy Night.  It was by far the biggest crowd we've ever seen at this event.  In my room, I was really impressed by students' ability to use chopsticks, and to use them well!  I didn't learn how to use them until I was in my 20s and it took me a long time to actually get any food in my mouth with them.

We also enjoyed a visit from Grace Lin yesterday.  She gave an engaging presentation, telling us about her life and how she came up with her ideas.  She also led them in a New Year's dragon drawing activity which you should have seen come home.  We talked about the presentation when we returned to class.  Many of your children were very polite in not saying that she looked pregnant, even though she is.  We talked about how it's always wise to err on the side of caution when one isn't sure; once that's out there, you can't take it back.  In case you're curious, she's having a girl (that was the class' biggest question after the presentation).

Today we explored some different ways to filter water.  Thank you so much for sending in the 2-liter bottles.  Next week, groups will be designing a cost effective water filter.

This week, we've been writing about our favorite thing to do while focusing on having a developed beginning, middle and end.  They tossed around various ideas but ultimately needed to choose something that they were sure they'd have enough to say about.  If you get a chance, ask your child about his/hers.

Have great weekend!