{"id":290781,"date":"2025-09-12T16:23:44","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T07:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/isnedu.org\/?post_type=m-matsuomto-campus&p=290781"},"modified":"2025-09-12T16:23:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T07:23:44","slug":"%f0%9f%8c%9f-a-week-of-learning-laughter-and-exploration-%f0%9f%8c%9fss-9-8-9-12","status":"publish","type":"m-matsuomto-campus","link":"https:\/\/isnedu.org\/en\/m-matsuomto-campus\/%f0%9f%8c%9f-a-week-of-learning-laughter-and-exploration-%f0%9f%8c%9fss-9-8-9-12\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udf1f A Week of Learning, Laughter, and Exploration! \ud83c\udf1fSS 9\/8-9\/12"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hello families and friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a joyful and enriching week we\u2019ve had in the Shooting Star class! From phonics fun and creative crafts to reconnecting with old friends and exploring the wonders of nature, the children have been busy learning, growing, and making meaningful connections. Here\u2019s a peek into our exciting week together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our phonics lessons, we focused on CVC words with the short \/i\/ sound, exploring the \u201c\u2011it\u201d word family. The children practiced reading words such as sit, hit, bit, fit, wit, and kit. To make learning extra engaging, we played a lively game called Merry-Go-Round Readers. Word cards were arranged in a circle on the floor. As music played, the children danced around them, stopping to read a word aloud when the music paused. Cheers filled the classroom as everyone read their words correctly\u2014and with great enthusiasm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On Tuesday, we were overjoyed to welcome back our dear friend Ilya, who returned from Canada. The classroom was filled with cheers of \u201cIlya! Ilya! Ilya!\u201d as the children embraced his return. After our morning circle, everyone had a wonderful time playing together outside and reconnecting with Ilya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During our Unit of Inquiry (UOI), the Shooting Star students created thoughtful \u201cThank You\u201d cards for the community helpers each group had chosen: police officers, farmers, and drivers. They worked collaboratively to decide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Who would trace the words<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Who would draw the pictures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Who would write the community helper\u2019s name<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • What message they would include<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It was a meaningful way to show gratitude and learn about people who help our communities thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    With Grandparents’ Day coming up on Monday, the children made beautiful cards to express their love and appreciation. They traced the words \u201cThank you!\u201d, added colorful drawings, and folded origami turtles\u2014a symbol of long life and good wishes\u2014for their grandparents. The results were heartwarming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    On Thursday, we visited Mr. Koyama\u2019s farm to check on our sweet potatoes and help pull out weeds. Mr. Koyama kindly shared about his life as a farmer, and the children asked insightful questions, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Why did you become a farmer?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Do you work alone or with others?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • How do you help people with your work?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      As a special treat, we visited the chicken coop, and the children were thrilled to see and touch the chickens up close. A big thank you to Mr. Koyama for welcoming us once again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      We wrapped up our week with a trip to the park <\/strong>on Friday. The weather was perfect, and the children enjoyed running, playing, and spending time together in nature. It was a much-needed break and a joyful end to our busy week. We hope to make more park visits soon when the weather allows!<\/p>\n\n\n\n