Mrs. Thiessen's Classroom

Spring Break is just around the corner!  Though this year's spring break promises to be different than most others, I hope you will all be able to find something new, unusual, interesting and inspiring to do that will set this week apart. Here are some ideas for you to consider: 1.  Get Outside! Not all of these ideas will work in an era of social distancing but here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing!   50 Fun Free Spring Activities   2.  Read a new book! If you haven't already checked out  Scholastic's Learn at Home Program , today is the day to do it!  It has fabulous stories to watch and read and activities and lessons that go along with the stories.  You can select the appropriate grade level for your child. 3.  Learn something new! National Geographic Kids is a great website for learning about animals, places on earth and science.  There are games, videos, quizzes, brain boosters and scientific i...

Here's a really great book for kids that explains COVID-19.  It's written in simple language that's easy to understand, but also tackles some of the big questions surrounding this issue.  You have to scroll down a ways down the page on this website but you can access the book for free. A Kids Book About COVID-19

  For some "make-at-home" math games, check out this Collection of Math Games . These can be made with things you already have at home and will make learning fun!

   I'm so glad to go outside and feel the warm sunshine on my face!  Going outside is still something we can all do and we will all benefit from, physically and mentally.  It's maybe time for the kids to head outside and get some fresh air! Here is a great website that has a free printable Spring Scavenger Hunt , along with a link to a cool CBC kids show (aimed at younger children) called Scout and the Gumboots Kids  Here's a Nature Scavenger Hunt aimed more at older kids.  Get outside and have some fun! If you prefer indoor activities, try Great Spring Activities! Here's a fabulous idea for kids to make in preparation for Easter.  Because it involves grass or wheat growing, it's a good idea to get this  Easter Resurrection Garden growing now!  I did this with my children when they were younger and it was a really positive experience for all of us.  If you don't have access to grass or wheat seeds, we have also used moss we...

This morning I was at school, putting together packages of work for each of my students.  It's a strange thing to prepare work without anticipating the interaction that usually goes along with it. As you all know, handwashing and social distancing are the most important things each of us can do to help keep our communities safe.  With that in mind, here are some websites for helping kids remember what they need to do. Handwashing Songs for Kids Germ Smart Kids! How to Wash Your Hands Josh has signed all the students, including kindergartens and grade ones up for  Sumdog math program, which I believe will start on Monday. Here is the link to  Epic Books homepage. And for the kindergartens, here's the link to The Very Hungry Caterpillar that goes with the booklet I included in their package. Enjoy the sunshine!

On this blog, I will post links to fun and educational websites, ideas for you to do with your children at home and suggestions for games and work to help your children keep up and grow their skills. Turtle Diary   has a wide variety of math and language arts games, videos, quizzes and printable pages (including coloring pages) that might interest your children. If you prefer pencil and paper worksheets, here's a page to review colours:   Printable worksheets for 5-year-olds. It's always so fun to play with slime!  Here's a great recipe and tutorial:   Slime Recipe and a great story to read to your kids while they play with their slime is "Bartholomew and the Ooblek" by Dr. Seuss. Stay tuned! Mrs. Thiessen