Brr!  It is cold outside!  Even with the cold, we had a great day in school! 

We began our day with morning free choice. 

We are learning responsibility as we clean up our messes! 

Acting out the story of Jesus' birth

Making presents for our loved ones! 

It was too cold to go outside, and the gym was occupied, so after snack the friends were excited to have extra free choice time! 

After extra free choice time, our school took turns singing class by class in the chapel for the ladies' circle of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.  

Our class did a great job! 

During small group time, we explored spatial relationships as we created in the pattern blocks. 

We played a gingerbread letter bingo with Mrs. Zwettler to help increase letter recognition.

With me, the friends worked to make a card for their special secret gift.  (There are no pictures so you can be surprised!  :) ) 

During Jesus time, we had a discussion about why Jesus was born.  The friends discussed amongst themselves how Jesus died and rose again to save us.  It was so encouraging to hear their understanding of the most important message!  Jesus was born to die on the cross and rise again so that we can be saved! 

During indoor recess/second free choice time, the friends made a large marble tower that they called the Eiffel Tower.  Some friends began handing out cards inviting other classmates to put a marble in the tower.  This was a great opportunity to engage in meaningful writing; I invited the friends to write invitations for others in the building.  I wrote the words "Would you like to put a marble in our tower?"  for the friends to write.  

However, the friends quickly realized that there were too many words there, so we decided to read the question and simply write Yes and No on the invitations so that the person invited would be able to make their choice. 

The friends worked to write invitations for Our Shepherd staff members.  They wrote Yes and No on the invitations. 

Mrs. Cronauer stopped in, and we gave her an invitation.  She put her marble in our large tower. 

Two of the friends chose to stay and protect the tower while the other friends invited people. 

We asked the question (would you like to put a marble in our tower), and pointed to their choices (yes or no).  This helps with tracking as well as social skills including eye contact.  Furthermore, inviting our staff also helps create a community within our school! 

Once the staff was invited, we worked to write thank you cards to give them after they put the marble in the tower. 

Once the staff left, the friends made some modifications to the tower. 

During small group time, we worked on a Gingerbread bingo game that helps increase letter recognition. 

We also explored spatial relationships as we created in the pattern blocks. 

With me, the friends worked on a special surprise.  :)