Seabury School challenges gifted children in a community that cherishes each individual and fosters a love of learning, discovery and creativity.




Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Apples, Apples, Apples!

Last week, we conducted our first of many investigations that will take place this year.  We are scientists during this time: we use tools such as magnifying glasses, tweezers and safety goggles (if someone can get a good hookup to some lab coats that would be amazing!).  We spend time observing objects and documenting what we see and begin to formulate our questions and hypothesis' for experiments. We read from a variety of sources to gather research about our topic of investigation, and conclude with documenting our new learning. In addition, math, writing and art were integrated throughout.











During the next couple of months, we will be begin discovering how the world functions around us as we "Discover Community." Using the project approach, this investigation will unfold in three phases, using timelines that flow with the class discussions and questions. This week, I have begun with Phase 1: Learning about our Experiences and Questions.  Please take a moment to look on the wall by the door as I document our learning throughout this project.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Introduction to STEM learning

This year, our Early Learning team is placing an emphasis on STEM learning.  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. These skills are to be integrated across the curriculum, not just taught in isolation. This comes so naturally when working with young children as they are still concrete learners and just beginning to connect with ideas and concepts they can't always see or feel or even experience. Although I will teach math in isolation at ability groups, skills such as measurement, computation and geometry are being used daily in their play and investigations.  Their free choice time consists of open ended toys that bring out creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills. The blocks, marble run, etc. are all incorporating math and science skills as they engineer their structure.  They learn about physics and how things go together and balance as structures get taller. In the early learning program, we are not as concerned about the specific "topic," rather the skills necessary to be applied to learning anything new. The topics are explored based on class interests and emerging events.


These students are incorporating symmetry and comparing lengths

These rods are used for a variety of math skills. They can be used for fractions, number decomposition, and measuring.

We have had such a busy week getting settled into our routine, starting small groups for reading and math instruction, and being introduced to the scientific tools we will be using this year. Next week we will be doing experiments and observations with apples, and begin to discuss the change of seasons.  This week we used our observation journals to draw detailed pictures like scientists. And of course, we had a fun morning with our bikes!  We graphed how many wheels each child had on their bike, and a few Bumblebees took on the challenge of totaling all the wheels, and used manipulatives to build numbers and act out number stories.

Studying an object and doing a "scientific" drawing of it

RH is showing 3 ways to model 26 using base 10 blocks

YK is telling an addition story by creating two parts to make a whole

SA is finding different ways to make 10 from two parts

Magnifying glasses are so fun!  What a great scientific tool.

The weather held out for our annual Bike Day!



Friday, September 12, 2014

Welcome New Bumblebees!!

Welcome to the Bumblebees!  We have gotten off to a terrific start, anxious to "discover" the world around us.  Over the past two weeks, I have been assessing each child's reading, math and writing skills and developing plans and forming groups to better deliver the instruction they need at the appropriate level. This week we also added a new assistant to our class, Ms. Katy.  She has many years experience with young kids, and has already been amazed at the things the Bumblebees say and do. The kids are also very comfortable with her.

Below are some snapshots of what we are doing.  Currently it looks a lot like play, and those opportunities give students chances to form friendships and I get an chance to informally assess their critical thinking skills, vocabulary and problem solving.



The Bumblebees minus 1 (will retake when we are all here!)