10/2/17

In science, Ms. Gina wrapped up the unit on weather.  The class then learned about the water cycle.  After discussing evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection, the class worked on a cut and paste activity to help reinforce the lesson.  Finally, the kids were able to watch condensation form (and a little precipitation fall) as we covered a beaker of hot water with a place with ice.  I absolutely love the excitement and enthusiasm of this age group!  They love to see and do!





We have been working on slowing down and trying our very best in handwriting class.  The class has been working on capital letters so far this year.  Today, we had a lesson on numbers.  So often, numbers are written backwards at this age!  We talked about the numbers that are frequently written incorrectly, and practiced today.  Please be sure to bring your handwriting books to class with you every week!

In grammar, the class learned about common and proper nouns.  We are using grammar cards to help the kids remember the different parts of speech.  Today, the class was given two more grammar cards.  These cards were on pronouns.  They learned the definition of a pronoun, and they also went over the first two lines of pronouns that we will be memorizing.  A few people forgot their grammar card and metal ring at home.  I sent home the additional cards in their bookbags.  Please add these new cards to the rings and keep them in their backpacks.  They will study them at home each week, but will also need them here in class!

We worked last week on letter writing skills.  The kids began letters to friends or family members, and we completed those letters today.  Although we had hoped to learn how to properly address the letters in class, many students didn't bring in the addresses that they needed.  I sent home the letters and envelopes, and they can be finished and mailed from home.

It is very important to me that these kids are able to have a variety of activities throughout the day.  The children will have times of listening, doing, making, jumping, playing, writing, and more... and I try to vary these activity types often throughout the day.  Having the freedom to go out and "get our wiggles out" whenever we need to is SO important!

Ms. Gina led the class through the first half of the book, Mercy Watson to the Rescue.  The students followed along during the read-aloud, and didn't want it to end!  Afterward, each child was able share their awesome stories about the pigs, Sprinkle and Sprite!  These are creative and absolutely delightful!  We really hope to develop a love of reading AND writing this year!

For social studies/history time, the class reviewed the continents and oceans, hemispheres, equator, and

learned about lines of latitude and longitude.  We're wrapping up our unit on maps and the globe, and we are moving into our history lessons!  This year, we will be talking all about history of the United States.  Today, we began with a lesson on explorers that came across the Atlantic from Europe.  The class learned a little about Columbus, Ponce de Leon, Cartier, Hudson, and more. After listening to the lesson, they were able to decorate their own explorer hats.  Next week, we will begin our lessons on Native Americans.  The plan is for us to begin Colonial history by the end of this month, and then be right on schedule to learn about the first Thanksgiving in time for us to have a fun feast in class on 11/20!  We will be learning a lot about the Colonial period from now until January.

For art today, Ms. Gina helped step the students through making their own scratch-pad.  They used acrylic paint on top of crayon, and then scratched off a picture to reveal the rainbow-image.

Our little math mini-lesson for today was on number bonds.  I can tell that, for this group, math is not their favorite subject.  It's my hope that I can change that!  We talked about how number bonds can help us visualize addition problems.  We will take this a little further next week!