Geo Activity

Sometimes I feel like I'm barely hanging on with my Geometry kids. Proofs about killed us (don't tell them there are more to come) and tackling circumcenter, orthocenter (which I didn't actually understand enough so we skipped it - a decision made in the middle of the lesson), incenter and centroid has also been difficult. But I came up with a "fun" idea for demonstrating centroid (center of gravity of a triangle). It might be the only one all year :)

Sweet girl

M was in the group that Miss Steven and I led when we went to the Christmas Markets. While we were there Miss Steven dropped a mug she had purchased and it broke. A week later, for Christmas M gave her a replacement. What a sweet thing to do. Impressive that a five year old remembered the details of the incident and then convinced her mom to help her buy a new one. I love this girl!

Christmas Markets with the Kinder

The Friday before school let our we took the Primary and First grades to the Rathaus Christmas Market. It turned out to be one of the coldest days ever (for me)! The kids enjoyed walking around and making cookies and candles.

Midnight Mass

The stockings

were hung

by the chimney with care

Busy Day Today

1. Wake up at 8:00 and get ready for the day.

2. Go to the grocery store to buy baking supplies.

3. Bake Biscotti

4. Go to the mall for some quick Christmas shopping.

5. Play 3 songs in the middle school musical.

6. Go to Christmas Markets w/ friends.

7. Go to Christmas exchange party w/ biscotti and gift.

8. ??

9. Figure out tomorrow's brunching/baking/Christmas service day.

10. Fall asleep.

Christmas Caroling on the Graben

As has happened before, some of the ICSV teachers perform on the street for fun and funds.

There was a big crowd this time, despite the cold.

With some guest appearances.

Elementary Christmas Concert

The staging area:

(check out the combination of spring flowers and fall stripes)

On stage smiling while parents (and teachers) take pictures.

Singing

(can you spot the 2nd/Primary sibling pair?)

I realized during the concert, that since the students sing in two groups (P-2, 3-5), that I've taught most of these kids over the course of the last 3 years.

Ending the concert with a combined elementary song.

PS. Don't you just love the fancy dress with the huge snow boots?

Christmas Market with Eli

My piano student and I took a trip to one of the Christmas markets to celebrate her good practicing record.

We left "early"...the sun was still visible in the sky (at 3:45).

We went to Karlsplatz.

Drank some hot chocolate.

And ended up at my apartment, playing Bananagrams.

Fun outing with a great kid.

Snow Picturing

A fun (if cold) picture taking day!

Hat trick

Or perhaps shell game?

Christmas Package

This year's goodies from home:

See's, M&Ms, lotion, frame....and best of all:

Homemade Chex Mix...it just tastes like Christmas to me.

Thanks Mom!

Lisbon Day 3

Sintra

Moorish Castle

Palacio Nacional da Pena

Lisbon Day 2 - Part 2

Down to the main walking street.

Away from the main walking street.

...and then off to Thanksgiving.