Spring Fever!!

I can't believe we are so close to the end of the year!  We have so much to do, and we are trying to get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather as we get it.  In science, the students have been conducting their own experiments by giving a plant something other than water, soil and sun.  We will have an afternoon very soon to invite you and see their results. We will be working more on our social studies as we learn about natives around the United States. In math, we have been interacting with natural and manmade shapes, and beginning to work on multiplication concepts.

Next week we will start working with our Artist in Residence.  He is an artist that works with stained glass, so the students will make a table for the garden, and create their own project to take home.

Grandparents/Special Friends day is next Friday (May 17) at 2:00.  More details to come.

We have our final field trip to Tillicum Village on Tuesday, May 21.  Thank you for those willing to volunteer and join us.  I promise a good time!

Battleship is a great way to practice reading coordinates.

Observing the parts of a flower

Observing and documenting nature

collecting data on our control and variable plants

because it was way to nice to be cooped up inside

looking for creatures

all you need is a sandbox



dividing our "friends" into equal groups with blocks

A World of Shapes

We have been studying geometry over the past few weeks. We are identifying the properties of plane and 3-dimensional figures based on sides, angles, edges, faces and vertices. I have blocks that give the students the opportunities to build 3-d figures from 2-d shapes. We have also been examining patterns in nature and through man-made designs.  When I mention the word pattern, many students still think to a linear path that alternates between 2 colors.  Upon further investigation, most are comfortable with creating patterns that go in all directions, and include elements of symbols and designs. In addition, we have been able to identify several lines of symmetry in their designs.

Since spring break we have been very busy scientists learning about parts of a system.  We have closely examined the parts of a seed, and are now experimenting to determine whether a root or sprout germinates first.  We should have our results by the end of the week.

Next week we will have some outside time as it is a -3.0 tide down at Dash Point.  We will be there during the afternoon and will need a sack lunch. I don't need any parent volunteers at this point.  If you are still interested in attending Tillicum Village, I will need a final head count soon!

Auction Sneak and Other Activities

Last week, our auction rep finished up the last of our auction project, and we celebrated with a "stuffing" party.  Each child had abstractly designed a pillow to go with their circus act on their slat in the bench.  I must say, I was pretty impressed with how the kids designed them (and for Sonja to sew all those little pieces on there!!). They are very proud of them and a little sad they don't get to keep them, but know its for a good cause!

This last week before spring break we are continuing to build experiences with measurement.  We have been doing linear, area and volume.  The kids loved measuring and pouring at the volume tables as they had to first estimate, then record their results. We are also finishing up are latest round of story writing, and completing books in reading groups before the long break. In addition, we are finding out that not all natives only lived in teepees, and that the land was crucial for their survival.

Not to be forgotton...Parents, NICE JOB on Science Fair!!  I was so impressed by the student's work, and even more that it was THEIR work with the writing and ideas.  They loved sharing their projects with others and visiting the other classrooms as well. I didn't realize how much work these are until I had a school ager so I commend you for everything you have done to make them successful!

Your task at the Auction: Match the pillow to the story on the bench

A Busy February!

My apologies for letting the blog go for so long!  We have been very busy as we transition into the last trimester of the year.  Our learning focus will be around living things as we examine various biomes of the United States, and learn how people have adapted to these environments. We will be conducting several experiments with plants, comparing the lives of different Native American tribes.  Below is some of the things we have been doing over the past few weeks.

One of our many parent helpers that come in each week. 

We made animals from fraction circles.

Using manipulatives to demonstrate understanding of fractions.

We collected the temperature for February, and ready to graph our results.

Using items from nature to help tell stories.

Discovering on the light table.

Finding the Mode and Median of our weather data for February.

Fun with Writing

During reading groups, some stories lend themselves to be re-created, or added on to.  This was the case with two groups this week.  The first group read a legend of how the panther became black and the cheetah got spots.  Here were some of their own verisons they created.

The Legend of How the Flamingo Got Pink, By LL.

Flamingos used to be white.  But there was one, yes one that loved pink.  So for Halloween he dressed up as a pink flamingo. He found that the costume was stuck to him. All the other flamingos tried the pink costum to see if it was true and it was! After that, all the flamingos were pink.

How the Zebras Got Stripes, By KA

Zebras used to be white. Then Zakaria splashed the zebras with ink because he was mad at them. That's how the stripes got on the zebra.

A Legend of How The Parrot Got its Colors, By SOR

The parrot gots its red from flying through a fire. The parrot got its blue from flying through the Amazon river and the yellow from flying through a banana tree.  The parrot got its pink from flying through a flamingo and its green from flying through a lime tree. It got its white streak down its back by flying through a cloud.  The Parrot got its orange from flying through an orange tree.

The second group has read the Brothers Grimm version of the Frog Prince.  The story begins with the Prince already a frog, so this group created a Pre-quel.  Some a still being finished, but here is one published copy for you!

The Frog Prince's Pre-quel, By SKB

Once upon a time there was a handsome prince.  His name was Allex.  Allex's friend was called Aiden. Siince they were friends, Aiden invited Allex to his birthday party. At the party Allex met a mean woman.  Her name was Raichell.  She made Allex go into a privae room and she CURSED ALLEX AND TURNED HIM INTO A FROG! So the frog prince hopped miles and miles...Until he was so tired he fell asleep at the well very close to a castle.

Animal Expedition

On Friday, we went to the Point Defiance Zoo to get an up close viewing of many different types of animals. The students had their "field guides" with them to document their observations. Back in the classroom, we are going to compare our observations at the zoo to their natural habitat in the wild, and become expert zoologists of many types of animals. The Sharks will be using research skills to collect important information and then present in a way that is creative and interesting to them.

 

 

 

Making observations about the Red Wolves

AE and SB were using their map skills to guide us around

Wow!  A polar bear is way taller than me!

These two put on quite the show.  Apparently when the "fight" that means they like each other.

Splish Splash

We started swimming lessons last week, and will continue for the next three weeks. It has been a refreshing change for the Sharks to get some exercise and interact with the older class as well. Overall, we have had smooth transitions to and from the pool (thanks parents for having them organized!). During the mornings, we have been preparing our weather station and ready to collect data on the weather. This week we will become temperature reading masters by providing lots of opportunity to read and record with the thermometers. In addition, the Sharks have been very busy writers. One group is researching and writing a non-fiction guide to Tornadoes and tornado safety while another group is writing a pre-quel to "The Frog Prince" by the Brothers Grimm. I will update you when these stories are completed and I would love to share them with you!!