In a Classroom Far, Far Away

When we hear “fairy tales”, most of us think about Little Red Riding Hood, Chicken Little, The Gingerbread Man, etc., but what about something more recent that our students can really relate to? How about doing a study on Star Wars!!!

George Lucas—“I realized that there are really no modern fairy tales…I wanted to make a…film that would strengthen contemporary mythology and introduce a kind of basic morality.”

What a fun way to end the year and keep students focused. Fun for us too (especially those boys)! We can’t wait for the new movie. J

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Dad sharing his Star Wars toys:

Star Wars Celebration:

This slideshow personalized with Smilebox

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Military Celebrations

During the month of May and the first Saturday in June there are significant military celebrations. These dates are commemorated through various ceremonies held on military bases. In the classrooms and schools, we honor these military events with guest speakers, activities related to the military and through books and discussions.

May 16th is Armed Forces Day that is celebrated in conjunction with Armed Forces Week. This day honors the members who currently serve in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

May 25th, Memorial Day (previously known as Decoration Day), remembers those military men and women who died serving their country. Many memorials are held on this day to honor our fallen men and women.

 

On Saturday, June 6th, the 71st anniversary of D-Day is celebrated. D-Day marks the day the Allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy in World War II.

We know many of you do not teach military children, but we ask that you take the time to share the importance of our military members who help or helped to keep our country safe and free.  

Kinder Kids singing a medley of military songs! check them out!

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Teacher Travels

We all know that talking about children’s real life experiences and tapping into the knowledge they already have is a key strategy for working with children in the classroom. Living overseas gives some of those children experiences and knowledge that we don’t even have! With this in mind, we thought we would help provide some background knowledge for teachers on some of the traveled areas around Europe along with some off the beaten path cities you wouldn’t think to visit. That way when a child starts talking about taking the elevator all the way to the top of the tower (Eiffel Tower), we know what they are talking about!

For our first monthly Teacher Travels, we are starting close to home and visiting the oldest city in Germany, Trier. Trier is located on the banks of the Mosel River and was part of the Roman Empire. Its major point of interest is the Porta Nigra or Black Gate built in the 4^th century. It is in amazingly good condition and you can walk through the arch to enter the walking area of the city. (It is very cool to actually touch something so old!) Other Roman sights are the Trier Cathedral, where the Holy Tunic is housed, Roman bath ruins, and the Constantine Basilica. Some museums include the Karl Marx House and the Toy Museum of Trier. Trier’s walk platz or walking area has lots of shops, restaurants of all types of foods (Yes, they have a McDonald’s.) and an open flower market. Trier is one of our favorite places to visit and a must see when friends/family are visiting.

 

Pictures of Trier, Germany

Pictures by Ms. S

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 iMovie by K kids on living in Germany 

 

 

Art work by Ms. G's class

 

 

 

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