Learning Together and Giving Thanks

 

On Nov. 18, Primary School Gathering was transformed into a Ceremony of Gratitude. K-2 students were read The Thankfulness Book by Todd Parr. Afterward, students paired off to share their thoughts with each other. Third through 5th graders wrote down their reflections of gratefulness on cards that will be displayed throughout the building.

 

Prior to Gathering, discussions of Parr’s book were well underway in the Kindergarten classrooms. Teacher Lisa Freifeld asked children what makes them feel grateful. The discussion, Lisa explains, “provides the children with a connection to each other; it helps the children focus on someone other than themselves.” Kindergartners were so inspired by Parr’s book that they decided to make their own books illustrating gratitude.

 

Then, Academic Technologist Emily Dillard helped the Kindergartners create a slideshow based on their books. Each student was recorded reading their page. “When I asked each student about their drawing and sentence, their faces lit up and there was so much joy as they described a friend that made them thankful,” says Emily.

 

Parents viewed the books and slideshow Friday, Nov. 20, during the Family Foods Feast Celebration. View the Thankfulness books by Kindergarteners HERE.

 

 

The Middle School Cook-Off is a different approach to celebrate the holiday season. Students are hard at work in their Delta Groups researching recipes featuring apples, this year’s secret ingredient. Last Tuesday, they did their best to impress celebrity chefs with their creations to win the Golden Spatula. “Thanksgiving is about togetherness,” Leslie Sinsay says. “The Cook-Off is definitely an example of togetherness, collaboration, and team building.”

 

 

Clean up winners: 1^st place–Michelle, 2^nd place–Lee.

Team Spirit winners: 1^st place–Becky, 2^nd place–Coleman

Creativity winners: 1^st place–Dave, 2^nd place–Sarah S.

Taste winners: 1^st place–Leslie, 2^nd place–Matt

Presentation winner: 1^st place–Sara H., 2^nd place–LaMecca

 

Overall Winner is Kelly!!!

 

 

Pre-Primary students come together Nov. 24 for their annual Thanksgiving Feast. Each class made a dish to share with each other. While the feast was for children only, parents were invited to join the group for Singing Meeting in the Willow Room.