The first grade mathematicians are exploring 3-D shapes.  The Kindergarten mathematicians shared their shape riddles posters.

The first graders have been observing, describing, and comparing 3-D shapes.

They are developing vocabulary to describe the characteristics of 3-D shapes, and name them.  The children are enjoying learning the names triangular prism, rectangular prism, hexagonal prism, and octagonal prism.  They are also beginning to explore pyramids.  The children totally immersed themselves in the exploration of drawing 3-D shapes such as cubes and rectangular prisms.  We read a math adventure book entitled Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone.  The book introduced the mathematical "two's test" also known as Euler's Law. The children practiced counting points (vertices), edges, and faces of solids to get ready to test Euler's Law in the coming week.

The kindergarten math students had lots of fun sharing their shape riddles with the first grade students.  The first graders listened with interest and respect.  It was awesome!

It's wonderful to see children bring into free choice time what they learn during lessons.  One first grader made a book about shapes and shared it during math class.  Another child made a sign of 3-D shape drawings, and a third child spent most of her free choice time exploring drawing 3-D shapes.

Here are a few photos of the kindergarten mathematicians sharing their shape riddles.  They are truly experts on sharing - such confidence, poise, and enthusiasm!!!

I'll be adding more posts next week.
Have a peaceful week,
Liliana

Growing crystals has been a very enjoyable learning experience in Science and Language Arts.  In Science the K/1's grew crystals using a solution of borax and hot water.  The crystals grew on pipe cleaners immersed in the solution.  They grew all around the bowl too!  In Language Arts the children made observational drawings and wrote about the crystals.  Also in Science the children made wonderful and very thoughtful drawings of "What is Inside the Earth?" In Language Arts they brainstormed "What Do You Think is Inside the Earth?" In Science class they brainstormed "What is in the Soil."  The children are very excited, amazed, and surprised at the discoveries they encounter in their study of rocks and minerals.

Our guest reader, Helen's mom, read The Village of Round and Square Houses.  The children thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book.

Taking turns writing the morning message continues to be enjoyed by the children.  We all have fun, also, with the language arts mini lessons that are inspired by the children's writing.

Have a great week everyone,

Liliana