A Busy Afternoon in Room 13

Life in a kindergarten class moves at a fast pace with a variety of activities all day long. Today was no exception. After lunch there was time for me to reread " Goldy Luck and The Three Pandas". This go around we focused on the illustrations looking for the color red and other Chinese symbols. We talked about good luck and how the author even signed the book wishing the reader Good Luck. Kindergartners always have lots to say and remembered many things from last week's reading. And were they ever excited when I handed the book to a student and told class I was donating the book to be shared by all 6 kindergarten classes. They thought it was a sign of good luck for them to have a new book. 

The Chinese New Year starts February 19th so all classes will have a chance to share the book in the next few weeks. 
The big project for the afternoon was starting their February calendar. This idea came from Pinterest.

Lucky I will not be there for the messy part-stamping their hand in red paint and turning their handprints into cardinals. It looks like a 3 day project to me since they only got branches glued on today. 

Of course free time was a big hit and all were engaged in some fun activity. But little did they know that a really BIG surprise awaited them later in the afternoon.    

  

Just as I was leaving  the Viktor Viking van pulled into the parking lot. 

Viktor the Viking is the official mascot of the Minnesota Vikings football team. 

He was making a surprise visit to the school  for an assembly on bullying.  I am sure the crowd will go wild with this visit! 

Speaking of football check out this link to an amazing array of Healthy Recipes for upcoming Game Day. There are some 50 recipes to choose from and I posted some pictures. They all looked quite yummy.
http://www.closetcooking.com/2013/01/25-healthy-game-day-party-recipes.html

Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower

Broccoli and Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Spinach and Artichoke Hummus