Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Building Bridges

Today the students put on their engineer hats and went about solving a problem.  They needed to build a bridge from one location, over a lake, to a new location.  First the kids researched different bridge designs around the world. Then they made a plan with a partner.  When the plan was approved, they set to work building their bridges.  It was messy and wonderful.  Kids tried one idea, and then another.  They made covered bridges.  They checked out the work of their peers and went back to their own designs.  When the bridges were completed the kids went to work picking up the room as a team.  Then we debriefed.  I was impressed with the kids' perceptions of this activity.  One child said, we were fighting, but then we got along and made the bridge.  This project was as much about learning to work collaboratively as it was designing a bridge.  Check out the pictures of kinders at work.










Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Measuring with Our Feet

We started the day by observing how one can use her feet to measure length.  I walked across the carpet as the kids counted my steps.  Then, as I tried to walk up our projector screen we realized that we need to have cut outs of our feet since we can't walk on the walls.  So the kids traced and cut out their feet, and went to work measuring in the afternoon.  It was a challenging concept to put the foot on the object, mark the place, count and then repeat.  Try this at home for fun!
I was also proud of my writers today.  They are going back through their writing and realizing some of their words don't make sense. So they FIX their words!  If they can read their writing to their friends and have their friends understand it, we have success.
                       Parent Teacher Conferences are coming up Wednesday, March 12.  Please look for a sign up sheet in your child's backpack.
   






Monday, February 24, 2014

Math Symbols

Today we worked with math symbols.  We reviewed that + means  "add", - means "subtrac", and = means "equals".  We did some dice toss addition in the morning to practice writing number models.  In the afternoon we practiced finding and using those symbols with a calculator.  The class was excited to learn that calculators do the heavy thinking when given large numbers to work with.  You can help your child solidify this skill by working with him or her to create number models (2+8=10, 5-2=3 and then higher numbers) on your calculators at home.  Remember, if you are stuck waiting for an appointment, you can use your cell phone as a calculator and engage your child in some quick math work!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Valentine Bags and Heroes

We started our Wacky Wednesday with watercolor work.  It was exciting to hear one student exclaim, "I'm going to use primary colors!"  Mrs. Barnes will be proud to know her art classes are carrying over into our classroom.  Then we had a wonderful assembly to celebrate respect.  The kids showed off pictures they drew of their heroes.  When we went back to class everyone was given a bag to decorate for Valentine cards.  It was a messy and wonderful project.  We also wrote about why we picked our people to draw as heroes.  Many parents and siblings were recognized.  Ask your child who their hero is, and why.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Patterns

Today the kids practiced comparing numbers with their friend "Greedy Guy."  They would pick two numbers and position Greedy Guy to "eat" the biggest number. Then we made popsicle stick patterns.  The class enjoyed making color patterns, position patterns, and even 3-D patterns.  You can make patterns at home using many household objects; silverware, coins, crayons, legos, etc.

Remember, our 100th day of school celebration is now set for Friday, which is also our Fun Day and Valentines party.  The kids need to come to school with warm clothes to spend an hour outside.  They also can bring valentines to share with the class.  We would love some healthy snacks as well.  If you can send something in, let us know in the notebook. Also,  please remember to help your child find a collection of 100 objects that can fit in a baggie and can be glued o a number grid.  Friday is shaping up to be quite an exciting day!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

February News


Dear Families,

It is hard to believe we are already in the month of February.  The kids have been reading, writing, and counting up a storm. 

Next week will be active  for us.  We have our 100th day of school on Thursday, weather permitting. We encourage all the kids to bring in a collection of 100 objects that can fit in a sandwich baggy.  These objects will be glued onto a hundred chart.

PIE is also putting on a winter fun day Friday, February 14. Please be sure to send your child with outdoor gear for that day. Then in the afternoon we will have a Valentine’s party.  The kids may bring in valentines to share.  We will be using our Wacky Wednesday time to make valentine bags.  Healthy snacks are welcome.

Here are our class names:
Mrs. Burgess:
Kaitlyn, Kylee, Emmy, Spencer, Jessie, Cheyanne, Piper, Nick, Dante, Olivia, Alestare, Brooke, Alexander and Brandon
Ms. Roper:  
Alex, Emma, Bryleigh, Isaac, D’Antae, Caden, Izzy, Karlee, Kacey, David, Maddie, Peter and Hunter

As always, if you have any questions,  please let us know.  We check the notebooks every day, it's a great way for us to communicate.