Cup StackingThe kids have really been into cup stacking during PE time. They are getting really good at it too. They are able to buy a set to practice at home too if they want/ MathIn math students are working hard to mimic patterns using wholes, 1/2's, and 1/4's of squares. We will put all these together to create a sea star quilt.
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This week we invited our grandparents to join us for breakfast, and to stay the rest of the day if they wanted to. In class we talked about all the wonderful things our grandparents do for us, and how we can give back by serving them. It was so wonderful to see everyone with their grandparents, playing games, reading together, and enjoying quality time together. Below are some of last week's patriotic citizens dressed for Veteran's Day. Reading Resources UpdatedThere has been some interest in how to help support students reading at home, or apps to use. I updated the resources page with some app suggestions! VolunteeringThe google doc has been updated up to the end of the month. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up in the time slots so that I can know to expect you, and also allow for a variety of parents to come to class. I am so lucky to have a class with parents so willing and eager to help out in class, and I want to make sure that if you want to that you have a chance to. Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d2vMuPAQQIBMKjUEfHM4IYSTQIR2ml5PSMy32IiG_TE/edit
This week we revisited our goals from the beginning of the year, made adjustments if needed, and thought about our action plan to achieve our goals. Students made literacy goals, as well as personal goals that would help them be a stronger member of our community or a better student. We also talked about why it is important to set a goal. Veteran's Day AssemblyThe Clarkia are putting on a Veteran's Day Assembly and in the spirit of Veteran's Day students may wear patriotic shirts on Wednesday. You are welcome to join us in the gym at 12:20. Grandparent's DayNext week on Friday is Grandparent's Day. Invitations are going home Wednesday, keep an eye out for those to be sure to send to Grandma and Grandpa. In case the invitation sent home does not make the trek in some of those oh so neat backpacks, here is the information:
This week we have been not only observing the moon, but researching the different phases of the moon, and researching other interesting attributes. We have also looked at the constellations and connected myths associated with them. The big questions we keep coming back to are "Why is exploration important to communities?" and "Why learn about the world around you?" Each time I ask these questions, the kids have come up with different reasons. Here are some of the things they have said: "Because people like to learn new things" "If you want to travel in space, you need to know that black holes are dangerous so you don't die" "When we explore we have to work together to figure something out." Moon: Students learned about the moon then made a house that could help a community survive on the moon. They were very creative in their inventions, here are some: "asteroid deflectors to protect the house" "my house is stapled to the moon so it doesn't float off" "mine has an invisible tube coming out the window that goes all the way to earth so that we can get good air from earth in our house" "we have a rocket ship in case we need to get away when an asteroid hits, and my house has an atmosphere to help protect it, so the asteroid will only come in if it comes in at the right angle" "mine has an oxygen tank and double doors so you go through one set of doors first, take out all the bad air, then go through the next set of doors" We have also spent some time looking at constellations, hearing myths about the constellations, and making up our own myths. WritingBouncing off of creating our own myths, students practiced their skills in being able to tell a story that has a beginning, middle, and an end. Students practiced using the 5 finger strategy to associate and action or event with each finger to help them elaborate on their stories. Here is an example of one of the myth's told by a first grader about the constellation Draco the Dragon: "One day there was a prince who was going to save the princess from Draco the Dragon. Draco wanted someone just like the prince did, but Draco couldn't make her into a dragon like he wanted so he tried to hide her before the prince could find her. he couldn't find her a hiding place so when the prince came Draco had to try to get the prince. but the prince tried to get Draco. The princess wished on a giant star, her wish was that Draco would turn into a constellation. Draco turned into a constellation and floated into the sky, and they both married [the prince and the princess]. They both lived happily ever after. The End." MathIn math we are learning how to write equations and fact families. We started out writing equations using pictures of bugs or seashells, or different items. As they got used to making addition and subtraction equations with those, we are shifting to using numbers to help create that association between a number and its value. What you can do at home for extra practice is give them a word problem and see if they can write an equation or tell an equation to go with it. We have also been playing a few domino games that they can show you. ConferencesConferences will be held next week on November 9th and 10th, be sure to sign up on the sign up genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090844aba723a6f58-november6 Show and TellThe first week of every month is show and tell week. Students can sign up for a day to bring something to share. Unfortunately, if they forget to bring their item on the day of show and tell, they will have to wait until next month otherwise we end up having 15 people sharing on the same day. We had some really cool things shared on Friday: a bunny, the bones of some animal's jaw, a hat, storm trooper, and a dog! |
Important DatesMay 22 Independent Project
Presentations Begin June 2 Donuts for Dudes Archives
June 2017
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