Joyful Learning

This is a time of year when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make it hard to maintain a focus on teaching and learning. At Dryden, however, it makes me feel so joyful to see so much learning taking place!

In fourth and fifth grade, I got to sit in on some fascinating reading lessons and discussions for science. One group was reading and discussing whether microbes were a "friend" or "foe". Another group was reading and learning about carnivorous plants.

In art, our students were treated to choosing stations to use media of their choice.

School Resource Officer, Rick Veenstra, visited the third grade classes, and talked to them about Bully Prevention.

In gym class, students eagerly took on the Healthy Heart Challenge. Mr. Gries created an obstacle course that follows the course of blood through the heart, so that children can learn how the heart works.

Our multi-age classes have been learning about Chinese culture. As part of of this experience, they tasted a variety of Chinese foods and wrote creative, mysterious fortunes on slips of paper for fortune cookies. They are researching the Great Wall of China, learning about their history, people, animals and much more!

One of our fourth grade classes spearheaded a winter coat drive throughout the school. Students' posters and morning announcements inspired many to donate to those in need.

The Dryden PTA coordinated a memorable Winter Wonderland for our students! Older students were paired up with younger students to work on crafts, play games and learn some dances. It's always so heartwarming to see our older students be such positive leaders and role models!

The fourth grade musical was a highlight of the week. The students sang, danced and played instruments to a variety of seasonal songs. My favorite was "Celebrate with Joy!" The chorus was "Celebrate what you celebrate with joy!" What a powerful, positive message of inclusion and acceptance for all of our students, families and staff!

We are heading into a two-week winter break. May this be a time of joyful celebration for you and your families. On behalf of Dryden Elementary School, we wish you a happy and healthy 2015!