Today we celebrated the end of our four week unit on the literature of Mem Fox. Our culminating activities started off first thing this morning with technology. We were lucky enough to have a teacher friend of Mrs. Holtsman's skype with us from Australia. Amanda Marrinan is a second grade teacher in an Australian school and she told us all about what her students are doing at this time. Also, she told us that she had met Mem Fox through a workshop she attended. Ms. Marrinan showed the students samples of the food that was featured in the book "Possum Magic", including pavlova (a dessert similar to meringue with fruit), lammington (a sponge cake with chocolate and coconut), and Tim Tams (a chocolate biscuit). Each first grade class prepared a question to ask her, such as "Have you ever been to the Australian Zoo?" and "Does your class read Mem Fox books too?" It was a wonderful visit and kick off to our "Down Under" day.
Next, we had a former student of our school who was born in Australia play the digeridoo for the students. He explained the background of the instrument and its markings. That was another wonderful experience for the children.
The rest of the day was filled with arts and crafts, reader's theater, books about Australian animals and a Mem Fox book that we saved until last called, "The Goblin and the Empty Chair." They were captivated by this thought-provoking story. Enjoy hearing Mem Fox read it to you:
5 comments:
Trying to hear more about Michael's day than it was "fine," I asked him what he did that was interesting. He responded that it was ALL interesting. Then he told about skyping with a teacher in Australia, about biscuits, etc. and about his favorite Mem Fox book. What a great way to cap off an author study. Thanks to all who made it so fun for the kids. - Leanne
I love how CCE exposes kids to learning in so many different ways. Only having skyped with family in Florida, Andrew thought it was so cool to skype with someone on the other side of the world. It was nice to taste food he wouldn't have otherwise tried. He said he LOVES lammington.
Chase and Lexie had a fabulous day. They couldn't wait to show me their platypus puppets and talk about about their tasting experience. I fell in love with pavlova! We spent much of the weekend scouring the town for Tim Tams, no luck! Thanks for sharing all the magic that is Mem Fox with our kiddos. I'm sure they'll never forget it!
What a great way to make memories for children! I'm sure this is one day that they will never forget.
Wasn't it a great day! I can't remember when I've enjoyed an author celebration more - such a variety of activities! dayle
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