Monday, September 19, 2011

Folk Tales and Heroes

Hi there!

    We have had a great start to our week!  Today we began learning about heroes and folk tales during our literacy and writing.  The children were very familiar with modern super-heroes such as Batman or Spiderman, but were surprised to learn about one of America's most well known tall tale heroes, Paul Bunyan.  We learned some interesting facts about the larger than life lumberjack...


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Did you know...

  • Paul Bunyan loved flapjacks (pancakes) with maple syrup
  • Paul Bunyan had a giant ox named Babe, the Blue Ox
  • Babe was blue because he was stained from the Winter of the Blue Snow
  • He also had 7 helpful loggers that were all named Elmer (we practiced calling for the Elmers in class)
  • Paul Bunyan is said to have built many famous American landmarks such as Lake Michigan and the Grand Canyon (we viewed images of the Grand Canyon on the SmartBoard) 
  • When Babe had to be shod by the blacksmith, Ole, it took an entire iron mine



     This week we will also learn about different kinds of farm animals by reading and discussing different books together.  Additionally, we learned about Habit # 4 today- Think Win, Win.  We met another friend from 7 Oaks named Lily Skunk, who taught us the importance of making a plan that lets everyone win in the situation.  We used our new knowledge to brainstorm how we might "think win, win" at school and the students came up with some great responses.  Many students contributed ideas on how we might share limited resources and materials amongst each other in a fair manner.  I am proud of them for displaying such wonderful leadership skills already!  

    As a reminder, tomorrow will be a half-day for APS.  See everyone bright and early! 

         Love, 
      Mrs. Cook   

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