The students were busy this week...from researching facts about squirrels to measuring trees on the playground to determine their age...
In math, the children practiced skip counting forwards (addition) and backwards (subtraction). We looked at patterns in the 100 chart. We reviewed strategies for simple addition. They also practiced working with a partner on two occasions this week, so that they have "two brains" to help solve more complicated word problems. They are getting better at drawing pictures to help them solve more difficult math problems, then translating that to equations and word sentences to show their understanding of the problem and the answer.
In science the students began the unit on "Understanding Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Animals". We began by doing a research project on squirrels together as a class. First the students discussed what they already thought they knew about squirrels. Next they generated questions about what they wanted to know about squirrels. These questions helped to guide our research. Then they compiled the facts we researched and created books to demonstrate what they learned.
In writing, the class started to write fiction stories about Frisko the Squirrel (a furry squirrel puppet), as a link to their non-fiction writing about squirrel facts. By the end of the week, many students had already begun to edit their work (correct mistakes) and finally, write the good copy for publication.
Our class was asked by our principal Mrs. Farrelly, to do some research on the large tree that bends over toward the parking lot in our playground. She asked us to do this because many children are playing and climbing on the tree and hurting it. We agreed that if the other students knew more about the tree, they would understand why the children are not allowed to climb it. We measure the tree and figured out that it was over 105 years old and planted in 1911! (We then went and measured the silver maple tree on the edge of the playing field and figured out it was 121 years old and planted in 1895!) We used books to figure out what type of tree it was and we had trouble. We asked the head caretaker, Pat, and he had to email someone at the school board office to see what kind of tree it was. It's a Manitoba Maple. Next week, we will write a letter to the principal to tell her what we learned and let her know our ideas about how to help the children treat the tree kindly.
In our class, there is a large poster on the classroom door of the famous scientist, Albert Einstein. The students were very curious about this man, so we read aloud two books about his life. Did you know that as a child he began his interest in science when he was given a compass? Did you know that he didn't like wearing socks and as an adult, he never wore them?
Books read aloud this week:
The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose
One More Acorn by Don Freeman
Ask Albert Einsein by Lynne Barasch
On a Beam of Light: The Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne
Six Dinner Sid by Inga Moore
The Little Red Pen by Jennifer Stevens
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