Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Last week, we read a story called 'Ish' by Peter H. Reynolds, the same author as our reading series story 'The Dot'.  In this story, the boy loves to draw and is happy with his drawings until his older brother says that one of them doesn't look 'right'.  The child believes the older sibling, and each day when attempting to draw, crumples up his work and throws it out.  Unbeknownst to him, his older sister has been taking his drawings.   One day, the boy crumples up yet another of his drawings that don't look 'right', and he sees his older sister take it and run off with it.  He follows her and is shocked to see all of his drawings on the wall of her bedroom.   He wonders why his sister would want the picture of his vase and flowers when it doesn't look like a vase.  To his surprise, his sister replies that it looks 'vase-ish' and she loves it. 

This opens up a new way of thinking about his drawings!  He sees his crumpled up drawings on his sister's wall.  Instead of a fire truck, he sees that his truck is 'truck-ish' and loves it.  The picture of a duck becomes 'duck-ish'.  He realizes that his drawings do not have to look 'right'... and they become 'right-ish' to him!  His love of drawing returns!

Using this valuable lesson, we did our own directed drawing of a leprechaun!  Using the ELMO projector, I slowly took the kids through a step-by-step process to draw it.  The kids needed to show patience by not speeding through the steps.  They also used their best listening and observation skills, because they wanted to be happy with their completed picture.  This was our first try and I must say they did an awesome job!  The best part for me?  Hearing them say "My leprechaun looks leprechaun-ish, and I love it!"

This was the step-by-step example I led them through.

 Below are the beautiful results of the kid's leprechauns!

Jace, Lexi, Kylie, Layla and Adam

Grace, Taber, Jaydon and Cambri

Rylie, Ayden, Carson, Traycen, Lilly and Ashtyn

Madison, Brendan, Parker and Hayden

We also enjoyed a special treat on St. Patrick's Day from Zavier and his mom!  What a fun way to celebrate!  We thank Mrs. Schlipp once again for the very special cupcakes for every single holiday this school year!  She has a gift and the kids and I appreciate her talents and efforts with every bite!

Have a great weekend everyone!  And Happy St. Patrick's Day!  May the 'Luck of the Irish' be with you all each and every day!