Zero Hero's 1st Visit and Braxton

We just finished our 12th day of school! The kiddos have tomorrow off while we have professional development. They were so cute when I told them they have a 4-day weekend because of Labor Day. They all sounded like us teachers! Several told me they were going to sleep late! The first few days really exhausted most of them, but they are starting to get used to being in school all day and I am so proud of how much they are learning.

I mentioned in my last post about Zero Hero. His first visit was Tuesday and all the kiddos were so excited to meet him. He will continue to visit us every 10th day we are in school. He brings gifts shaped like zeros. The students ask him "Big" questions to try to find out what each gift represents from Zero Planet. They also count by 10s to 100 and count up to the day they've been in school. During our calendar times, the kiddos always want to know how many more days before he visits again, so this gives them more practice of counting up the days. Here's a photo of his visit on Tuesday.

Today was our first lesson from our school counselor. She gives a lesson to the kiddos every other week in our classroom. We are happy to have a school service dog named Braxton. Our counselor brings Braxton with her for most of her lessons. Everyone was so thrilled to see her and be able to pet and love on her. Braxton has made such a positive difference in our school (and the Jr. High/High School). She helps in the following ways: reading buddy, teaching responsibility,  giving encouragement, love, hugs, and friendship. You can only imagine how wonderful it is having a dog at school! The teachers love her too and sometimes feel stress just drain away after petting Braxton! Of course, the school does have guidelines and rules in place and there have been no problems. This is Braxton's 3rd year with us. Here's a picture of her with a tropical lei around her neck to go along with our PBIS theme: Beach/Ocean. She was a good sport and kept it on for a short time! :)

I know this post is getting long, but I have one more exciting thing that happened! The author and illustrator, Elizabeth Schoonmaker posted a picture and link about my students' artwork. She also left a sweet comment on my blog. I showed my students her blog and comment and they were so happy! She is also sending our class an autographed book! I will be offering a contest very soon so you will have a chance to win a copy of  Square Cat courtesy of Elizabeth. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. Your kiddos will love Eula the Square Cat!

Don't forget to be watching for the contest. I should receive the book this weekend and will start the contest soon! Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

~ Lisa