FanCACTUS!

Every year I do a classroom theme. I've done Harry Potter, Narnia, and Roald Dahl. My table groups are always named after characters or books, and the first week activities relate to the theme. 

This year my theme is Cactus. My table groups are Barrel Cactus, Queen of the Night, Prickly Pear, and Succulent. 

Everyone received a special cactus eraser on the first day of school, and our first art project of the year was mixed media art. 

I'm also putting cactus facts in my monthly newsletter. 

Overall, I thought it was a great start to the school year and my students seem to like it. 

Not pictured is my new flat panel. I'll post all about that later!

Aside from all things cactus, I decided to try to do more STEAM this year. If you're wondering what STEAM is, go ahead and click HERE for more info. 

In a nutshell, STEAM is learning that includes science, technology, engineering, art and math. I'm trying to do STEAM Fridays, but it's expensive so I've been asking my families for donations. 

Building structures with marshmallows
and toothpicks

We made rockets using paper, tape, and straws.
They loved seeing how far they could launch
them. 

Slowly but surely, the supplies we need have been coming in and my students love the hands on actives we've been able to do so far this year. 

That's all for now! Not sure how often I'll be sharing this year. Having a toddler and teaching has made blogging more challenging! 

So, until next time!