The four-day week began with our visit to the Northern District Library for a workshop with author/illustrator Patricia Storms. Ms. Storms told the students about her job and the steps it takes to make a book. Then she challenged the children to illustrate a simple story. Later, we went upstairs to the art gallery to look at the original artwork that she made for some of her books and compared the originals to the illustrations in the actual books. We even had time to stop for a delicious, fresh from the oven, chocolate chip cookie from Rachel's Coffee Shop. Of course, the students also wrote thank you cards to Ms. Storms, Carlo (Lucas's Dad), Maja (Marko's Mom) and Maria (who baked the cookies)!
In math, the students used toothpicks to help them understand how to calculate the perimeter of irregular shapes. The class learned about the concept of area or how to measure the surface space inside the perimeter of a shape using pattern blocks and grid paper. We also had time to compare different shapes with the same perimeter and noticed that the area is not always the same, even if the perimeter is the same.
In writing, the students finished the stories they wrote about their cardboard structures. As part of the pumpkin carving challenge, the students created a Pumpkin Bookstore for the parent council sponsored event, Pumpkinfest. The children learned how to fold an 8-page book from a single piece of paper. Then they each wrote and illustrated these little books to be included inside the pumpkin bookstore.
In cursive writing, the students learned the letters, j, p, t and w.
The students have shown an interest in the history of the names of the week, so this week they learned a little about the complex history of these everyday words. Many English words for the days of the week are from the German words for gods from Norse (or northern European) Mythology. For example, did you know that Woden, the chief Norse god was worshipped on Wednesday or "Woden's Day"?
In science, the students reflected on what they did to make their cardboard structures strong and stable. We compiled a list to help us with the next structure project. For example,the students noticed that if the base is wider than the top, it is more likely to be stable.
The children learned how to safely use a steam iron. They ironed their two pieces of tie dyed fabric flat, in preparation for sewing their pillows next week.
Finally, the students made the preparations for our How Big is the School's Perimeter? contest. The children worked in groups to write the words for the morning announcements, to make signs, to make posters and to set up the table and box in which people can put their perimeter estimates. The contest will run from October 20-24. The children will take turns talking about the contest each day next week on the morning announcements. There are prizes for grades 1-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-8 and staff. The winners will be announced on October 28th.
Books read aloud this week:
Roberto the Insect Architect by Nina Laden
The Table that Ran Away To The Woods by Stefan Themerson
The Days of the Week (excerpt from The World Book Encyclopedia)
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