Week of April 27-May 1: Artful Thursday #3: Earth Art!

This week's theme is Earth Art, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day last week! Please watch this video with Mrs. Kane and Michelangelo the Monkey to start:

Then, choose ONE of the following lessons (in order from simple to challenging)

• NATURE'S PAINTBRUSHES: (Materials: mud, branch, paper or bark) Play and paint with mud and discover branches, stems and sticks for paintbrushes! HERE is a video from Mrs. Kane
• NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: (Materials: cell phone or camera) Listen to the book ANTSY ANSEL about the famous photographer Ansel Adams. Then try nature photography yourself with a camera or a cell phone! HERE are your directions.
• ALL SPECIES DAY MASKS: (Materials: scissors, glue/tape, pencil, paper plates/cardboard, your choice of coloring supplies) Make a mask for All Species Day! HERE is a video about this annual Montpelier tradition! This year's celebration will happen virtually from 12-12:30 this Saturday, May 2nd! Watch Mrs. Kane's video on paper plate mask making or click HERE for directions. Visit All Together Now's website for all of the virtual event details!
• LIVING THINGS RECYCLED SCULPTURES: (Materials: hot glue/masking tape/duct tape, scissors, rubbish from your recycling or trash bins) Enjoy watching a short video about sculptor Angela Haseltine Pozzi and then create a sculpture of a living thing from materials from your trash or recycling bins. Display in your window or lawn for All Species Day!
• SUSTAINABLE BASKET WEAVING: (Materials: yogurt container, scissors, a pen or marker, yarn/paper/ribbon/plastic bag) Get to know Judy Dow, a local Abenaki basket weaver, and try weaving a basket from a plastic container from your recycling bin. HERE is the video demonstration, HERE are visual directions

Please send us a photo of your artwork to kristinak@mpsvt.org! We would love to see what you create and to include it in next week's slideshow! Here is the slideshow of all of the "Artfully Ever After" artwork from last week.

Mrs. Frey and I are excited to host our first Meet for UES students and families TODAY from 11-1! Please check with your parents and caregivers about it. We would love to see you and your artwork or hear about your reading, or just say hello!

Spreading Positivity Art Project - Final Slideshow!

Here is the final slideshow of all of the Spreading Positivity artwork! Thanks to all of the artists of all ages who created art to share with the community and the world. Special thanks to Montpelier musician Paul Boffa, who wrote the song "Share the Love" with UES first graders a couple of years ago (those students are currently in third grade!) and was happy for this song to be included in the slideshow. Enjoy and have hope!

I see some "How am I doing?" posts on Padlet. Thanks! Let's get some more. It's very easy, just go to the Padlet address, click the Plus sign, or double click, and you've started a response.
Click HERE for the Padlet.

Thanks!

Mr. Jarrad

Week of April 27-May 1 Wellness Wednesday #3

Hi everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the break and are getting back into the groove as we head down the home stretch of our school year.  I have put together a video with a read aloud for you that I think could be helpful.
Please "bear" with some of the technical issues in the video, it was a bright and sunny day and I couldn't pass up the sunshine but it caused some issues with my camera.  As my favorite art teacher says, "Oops, oh well", right?

Here is the video featuring the book Breathing Makes It Better by Christopher Willard and Wendy O'Leary:

I also wanted to share some easy breathing techniques that you could try from the book Alphabreaths, the ABC's of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen.  I made a quick video to introduce the book.

Activities to try from AlphaBreaths:

Here are some additional activities that you can try as well: 

Feelings Scavenger Hunt

Mindset Finder Feelings Fortune Teller Activity

Week 3 April 27 - May 1 Tech Post #3

Hi Friends!

Quite a variety of activities this week!

Video #1 Click ➦Diving Inside an Old Windows PC Computer. What is going on in there?

Video #2 Click ➨ How Are You Doing? Using Padlet to share our experiences under the Corona Virus with school closed.

Video #3 Click➨Make a bookmark and a bookmark folder. No, Really?! Yup! Cool!

Video #4  Click➦Introduction to Mystery Doug. Super science videos that answer questions from students like you! Great for students in grades K-1-2  as well! Doug takes questions from all ages!

Caregivers:
Here's a link to Mystery Doug's Youtube channel. He's posted lots of super videos that are direct and very well done.

The Mystery Science site has the videos plus suggestions for extension activities. You can make an account for free HERE.

Lot's to do! Have at it!

Week of April 27- May 1: Tuneful Tuesday #3

Welcome back from your "stay-cation!"

We are continuing our focus on musical instruments. This week will build off the work from Week 2, so if you missed doing it, please go back and do week 2 first.

Overview

Grades K/1: We are continuing to learn about orchestral instruments.This week's focus is the woodwind family, and its instruments: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon (and maybe some others hiding in there, too!).

For grades 2, 3, 4: We are learning/ reviewing basic chords on the ukulele and a strumming pattern.

Lastly: If you have done the assigned work, check out this week's "Sweet Treat," a musical offering that's just too good to pass up!

As a reminder, all specialists have office hours. I am available Monday- Friday 11am- 1pm. Please feel free to email me at jessicaclayton@mpsvt.org, and if you want to meet over video, I can schedule a time for us to do that as well. Have a wonderful week!

The details to this week's activities are below:

Week of April 27- May 1, Movement Monday #3: Catching and Juggling

Hello Moving Owls!

 This week we are excited to share with you 2 new lessons:  

1. Catching with MJ (grades K-1) 

2. Juggling with Mr Williams(grades 2-3-4)  

Check out this week's videos! We hope you can be creative in practicing these new skills.  We also have 2 BONUS videos: One is a series of 6 catching challenges that you can practice at home, while the other is a clip from a professional juggling team! Click the links below to check them out: 

Catching activities:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYS9o-__MwI
Juggling video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwpjzkhQv5A

Remember to have fun, be creative and do your best! 

Oh, don't forget to do this week's PE at home challenge on the dynamic plank.  Stay active and have fun.

 Be well,

MJ & Mr. Williams

See you next week!

Week of April 13-17: Library Freyday #2: Katherine Johnson, the Moon and Apollo 13

This week's read-aloud is Counting on Katherine:  How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13.  This helps mark the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 13 Mission.

Counting on Katherine Read Aloud with Mrs. Frey

After you listen to the story, maybe you and your people can talk about...

• Why did Katherine have to go to a different school?  
• What does segregation mean?  
• Why was Katherine's brother upset?
• Katherine loved mathematics and counting things.  Math was her favorite subject.
• What is your favorite subject in school?  Why is it your favorite?
• Would you like to visit the moon?  Mars?  Why or why not?
• Why were countries in a rush to go to the moon?  Why did they have a "space race" ?

I'd love to hear about some of the conversations you have with your people about Katherine and the moon.  Remember, all of the specials teachers are available via email from 11-1 Monday through Friday.  We'd love to hear from you!

Here is some additional information about Katherine Johnson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKxgieXQ82w

Here is a view of the moon the Apollo 13 crew saw even though they couldn't land:

https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/far-side-of-the-moon-4k-visualization

Here is some information about the Women of the next lunar mission, Artemis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zI58gefDNg

Here is some general information on the next lunar mission:  ARTEMIS.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/

Week of April 13-17: Artful Thursday #2 - Artfully Ever After!

Mrs. Kane and Michelangelo the Monkey have some magical art lessons for you! Please watch this video to start:

Then, choose ONE of these lessons for your artful adventure this week (in order from simple to challenging)

• CASTLE DRAWINGS - Click HERE for video. Click HERE for visual directions. SUPPLIES: Paper, your choice of drawing tool (pencil, crayons, colored pencils, markers, pastels…)
• DRAGONS ON TINFOIL - Click HERE for video. Click HERE for visual directions. SUPPLIES: Tin Foil, Sharpie Marker, Colored Markers, Scissors, Glue, your choice of background paper and coloring or painting materials
• UNICORN MARIONETTES WITH TOILET PAPER TUBES - Click HERE for video, Click HERE for visual directions. SUPPLIES: Toilet Paper Tubes, Scissors, Glue, Cardboard, Ribbon/Yarn/Dental Floss for strings, your choice of coloring or decoration materials for skin/mane/tail
• STUFFIES IN SHINING ARMOR - Click HERE for armor design video from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Click HERE for visual directions. SUPPLIES: Cereal box or paper or cardboard, scissors, tape or hot glue, your choice of decoration materials 
• TRANSFIGURATION TIME - Click HERE for video with guest, Mr. Kane! SUPPLIES: Cardboard, scissors, tape or hot glue, your choice of decoration materials. Please save these creations for the next Artful Thursday - you'll find out why soon!

Here is the first slideshow of the Spreading Positivity Art Project! If you are still working on your sign, please send in your photo by Tuesday 4/28 to be included in the slideshow's final version (on Thursday 4/30!)

Artfully Yours,

Mrs. Kane

Week of April 13 - 17 Technology Post #2

Parents and Students. The Tech focus this week is Digital Citizenship and MUSIC!

You may be getting swamped with resources ideas. Please take these as opportunities if you need them, but they are not obligations. 

Four videos this week:

• BrainPop on Internet safety
• Exploring Digital Music with Chrome Music Lab
• Watching for Advertising, Asking for Parent Help 
• Digital Music: Incredibox

Week of April 13-17 Wellness Wednesday

Hi Mindful Students,

Here is a video that another school counselor, Counselor Keri, made and gave me permission to share with you.  I thought some of you might be having worries these days with school being closed.  I hope you find all of the activities in todays Wellness Wednesday lesson helpful.

Remember to practice calm breathing whenever you have a worry and the more you practice the easier it is to stay calm and worry less.

And of course a story from Mrs. Francke

The Worry Box by Suzanne Chiew

And a Mindful Activity to try

Please share pictures of your worry boxes you make with me via email @ suzannef@mpsvt.org.

I would love to hear if you are using the journal idea from last week to write in as well.  Have a great week everyone, remember to breathe and know that we can do this!

Week of April 13-17, Tuneful Tuesday #2: It's Instrumental To Your Education (four families, ukulele)

Dear UES students! 

This week's music offerings are focused around instruments. 

Overview 

For grades K and 1: 
We are starting to learn about orchestral instruments.
This week's focus is the symphony orchestra, and its four families. 

For Grades 2, 3, and 4:
We are learning/ reviewing the fascinating instrument, ukulele.   

Office hours start this week, as well! I am available from 11 am- 1pm Monday through Friday. Please feel free to email me at jessicaclayton@mpsvt.org, and if you want to meet over video, I can schedule a time for us to do that as well. Have a wonderful week! 

This week's activities are below: 

Week of April 13-17 Movement Monday with MJ and Mr Williams, Week 2

Hello Moving Owls!

 This week we are excited to share with you 2 new lessons:  

1. Overhand throwing with Mr Williams (grades K-1) 

2. Juggling with MJ (grades 2-3-4)  

Check out this week's videos! We hope you can be creative in practicing these new skills.  We also have 2 BONUS videos of other kids working on their overhand throwing, and a clip from a professional juggler! Click the links below to check them out: 

Overhand Throwing Activity: https://youtu.be/GejO_SrI1Gc

Juggling video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpk5pb3QgH4

Remember to have fun, be creative and do your best! 

Oh, don't forget to do this week's PE at home challenge on the frog jump.  Stay active and have fun.

 Be well,

MJ & Mr. Williams

See you next week!

Week of April 6-10 Library Freyday #1: We Are In a Book!

Two Guest Stars, Mo and Mrs. Frey

We are in a book!

Hello Reader Friends, here is a read aloud for you and your people to enjoy.  I hope you are all having fun and going outside to enjoy the sunshine. Can you see signs of spring when you are outside?  Please note that I've included a link to Mo Willems' YouTube Channel:  Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, Episode #3.  You'll know why this is important near the end of this video. 

Enjoy! Happy Reading and Doodling! See you soon. 
xox Mrs. Frey

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems! Episode 3

Week of April 6 - 10 Artful Thursday #1: Your Choice: Spread Positivity OR Make a Sketchbook!

SPREAD POSITIVITY ART PROJECT

Did you see the video from Mrs. Francke and me yesterday? Check it out and click HERE for the directions! 

We hope you will join us in our community Window Art Walk to Spread Positivity!! 

We will make a video of ALL of the photos you send us of your artwork. 

Please send us your photo by Tuesday, April 14th. The video will be here on our blog next Thursday! 

MAKE A SKETCHBOOK

First, check out this short video starring Mrs. Kane and her new assistant Michelangelo the Monkey! Then, CHOOSE ONE of the following sketchbooks to create (in order from simple to challenging):

• SCROLL SKETCHBOOK (K-2):Click HERE for video demo, Click HERE for written directions
• Supplies Needed - long piece of paper/packing paper/paper grocery bag/birch bark, tape/glue, sticks/straws, string or ribbon
• ACCORDION SKETCHBOOK (K-4):Click HERE for video demo, Click HERE for written directions
• Supplies Needed - long piece of paper/packing paper, tape or glue, scissors, cardboard or a cereal or cracker box
• CEREAL BOX SKETCHBOOK (K-4):Click HERE for video demo, Click HERE for written directions
• Supplies Needed - Cereal box or cracker box, printing paper or other paper, string, a hole puncher
• SPINE SKETCHBOOK (3-4): Click HERE for video demo, Click HERE for written directions
• Supplies Needed - printing paper or other paper, two rubber bands or string, a pencil or stick, a hole puncher

I hope that you enjoy creating! Please send me a photo of your artwork at kristinak@mpsvt.org. 

Artfully Yours, Mrs. Kane

Week of April 6-10, Technology with Mr. Jarrad, #1

Parents/Guardians

     We know this is an incredibly stressful time for many people...and that we are needing to teach online to even the very young. That means probably more time online than your family has been accustomed to. 

     Two quick resources for managing all of this at home...You may want to consider a clear agreement with your child/children about the safe and healthy use of devices. Safekids. com has a model Family Agreement for Online Safety The wonderful CommonSense foundation has a longer, more flexible one. I'll be posting links to other resources as we go along.

Students

Hi Students! This first video is about how to stay safe and healthy with all the time we are spending on computers, iPads, phones and videogames.

Week of April 6-10 Spreading Kindness and Positivity

Week of April 6-10  Wellness Wednesday - Spreading Kindness and Positivity 

Hello UES students and families.  Please watch this video for an activity that will spread positivity to our community and beyond.  We miss all of you and hope that everyone is staying well and finding lots of ways to spend your time at home that are creative, helpful, kind, and most of all fun!

Here are some directions from Mrs Kane:

And here is the video version:

Please share your messages of positivity with us and the greater Montpelier community.  And check out my post about making a journal below, lots of options for you. Be well!

Wellness Wednesday - Making a Journal from Things you Have at Home

Hello, Wise Owls, Mrs. Francke here, wishing you a happy Wellness Wednesday! I wanted to share an idea I had to help you find ways to show how you are feeling, what you might be thinking about and a project to keep those hands, hearts and brains busy with an artsy/craftsy twist.

Ask a grownup before using any materials and for help with tools like scissors and special tapes or glue. This project could be done with any age, just change the materials or make it super simple depending on how much help grownups can give.  The good news is once you make it you will have a place to go to each day to write, draw, glue or create.

Week of April 6-10, Tuneful Tuesday #1: Getting To Know You!

Hello everyone!

This is Mrs. Clayton, and I am so excited to be working with all you hoot-tastic UES students! 

Today's video is me singing a song from a musical. A musical is a told through a play PLUS singing songs that help to tell the story. In musicals, there is often dancing as well, to help tell the story.

Welcome to the Daily Special!

Welcome to The Daily Special, brought to you by your UES Specials Teachers! Click HERE to watch our "Hello" video. 

You are invited to join us every weekday for new lessons and activities. We are excited to take turns posting each morning for you to enjoy here on this blog. 

Weekly Schedule

• Movement Monday with Mr. Williams & MJ (Physical Education)
• Tuneful Tuesday with Mrs. Clayton (Music)
• Wellness Wednesday with Mrs. Francke (Guidance) and Tempting Tech with Mr. Jarrad
• Artful Thursday with Mrs. Kane (Art)
• Freybrary Friday with Mrs. Frey (Library)

We truly miss seeing you all at UES! You are always welcome to send us an email with questions, share your learning and work from home, or just say hello! We would LOVE to hear from you!

Mr. Williams: EmmanuelR@mpsvt.org

MJ: MJ@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Francke: SuzanneF@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Kane: KristinaK@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Clayton: jessicaclayton@mpsvt.org

Mrs. Frey: MaritaF@mpsvt.org

Mr. Jarrad: Jeffreyj@mpsvt.org
HOOT HOOT! 

Mrs. Francke, Mrs. Frey, Mrs. Clayton, MJ, Mr. Williams, Mr. Jarrad, and Mrs. Kane

Week of April 6-10 Movement Monday with MJ and Mr. Williams: Week 1

Welcome Moving Owls! 

This week we are excited to share with you a lesson focusing on two skills:  

1. Underhand throwing and catching (grades K-1) 

2. Juggling (grades 2-3-4)  

First, watch the video then practice. If you can, send us a video of you throwing & catching or juggling. Stay strong and healthy! 

Have fun,

MJ & Mr. Williams

Enjoy the video and see you next week.