I know many of you started back to work this week, but it was my 4th week in and this week we had Open House. I was a bit stressed about it, because I really didn't have much up on my walls and didn't want my parents to come into an empty class. So we buckled down this week and finished all kind of fun projects. We finally finished all of our Surf Buddies!! They came out so cute. I love the way they all have their unique flair. They all got their reward necklaces. These are what the girls received... and these are what the boys got. I am using them for their behavior clip chart, AR, and other assorted recognition. We did another timeline of what we do in a day. I love this one He has a smiley face all through the day... until he goes home, lol. His mom told me he loves coming to school:) I personally know this little guy and he has a pretty happy home life in case you were worried;) I had students write clues about themselves so their families could guess which was their paper. I told them to just fill up the page with as many clues as they could think of. Then they drew a little cover to hide who it was. They were so excited to have their parents find their pictures. We also finished our plant lifecycles for Science. We started our Surfer Of The Week, (formerly Star Of The Week) which was little old me:) I brought in lots of items to share with the students and they oohed and aaahed over my treasures:) My only Barbie left from my collection Ribbons from Track and Cross Country in High School Pictures of my pets and sketches I do for fun. Then they all wrote me letters telling me what they liked about what I shared and the class. I love getting these letters every year!! I put them all into a book and place it in our class library. I pick a new Surfer at the end of the week and they are so excited to share and receive all the wonderful letters from their classmates. Open House was a success and I enjoyed talking with all of the families. I was so happy to receive such sweet compliments about how much their child loved the class and how bright and colorful our room was. They also loved the Surf Theme and the Clip Chart which they have heard so much about at home. The highlight of Open House however was another timeline of sorts. The parents loved this and thought it was a hoot. Well, the ones who had kids with close guesses anyway:) The students knew my Birthday was coming up because of my cupcake on the timeline. So I had them guess how old they thought I would be turning today. Okay, I'm liking these answers...A+ Still okay:) Good Guesses Okay these kids are right on, but more to the left please... Okay this is pushing it...70, and 71?? Whaaat?? I didn't think I looked that old, hahahaha!! I love doing this activity, it really gives you an idea of what kids have number sense or at least relate who you are to what they know in their own life. The kids who have close guesses usually tell me they just wrote how old their mom was:)  I love these little guys and we celebrated with a licorice treat:) Aren't they just the cutest:) So today I am officially 44 years old!! Yikes, I'm getting up there. What am I doing for my birthday?? If you follow me then I think you probably can guess. I am headed to Waikiki today to surf. Here on the North Shore waves have been non-existant for weeks. So I told the family I wanted to go to Diamond Head, one of my favorite surf spots in town, and the only place with waves right now. My hubby surprised me by getting a hotel room in town so we can stay and play all weekend:)) So I am unplugging for the weekend and going to enjoy the surf and sun. I hope everyone had a fantastic week, especially those of you who just started back, and that the weekend is wonderful as well:)