Writer's Celebration

Today Mrs. Wagner's kindergarten students came to visit our classroom for a Writer's Celebration.  The students paired up and shared their non-fiction expert books with each other.  Ask your child to tell you what topics he/she learned about!

Papa Wright and Our Class

Our Last Day With Papa Wright

We had such a great week with Papa Wright! Today each child brought in an instrument that they had made at home. Papa Wright played and carefully evaluated each one.  Luckily each instrument earned Papa's approval and an enthusiastic "Right On!".  Today the children also made shakers during their time with Papa Wright.  They were given two cups to decorate.  Papa and I poured a little rice and beans into one cup and taped the two cups together.  The highlight of the day was the afternoon Kindergarten Conga Line throughout the school.  The students were hot and thirsty when they returned to the classroom!

Thursday With Papa Wright

Today Papa brought his portable drum set to school.  He showed the children some fancy playing- alternating between up to 4 drum sticks! Later in the presentation Papa kept the beat on the base drum, while allowing each child the chance to play the snare drum with one stick and hit the cymbals with the other stick. Papa showed some homemade instruments and reminded the kids to bring their homemade instrument for tomorrow's class.

Day 3 With Papa Wright

Today Papa Wright brought his marimba. The students learned that the smaller tubes make a higher pitched sound than the longer tubes. Papa Wright talked about melody today and played songs for the students to identify.  Every child had the chance to play the marimba with Papa Wright.  As usual, Papa also brought a wide variety of instruments for the students to play as part of a "band".  Many of today's instruments came from Africa.  

Today Papa Wright brought lots of percussion instruments that are used for sound effects.  The rainstick, wave drum, cricket, thunder tube and popstick were some that he shared with the students.  Today they also learned about long sounds and short sounds.  A special treat was a short puppet show of The Three Billy Goats Gruff.  Our high school helper, Ashley, was here today and she helped with the sound effects.