The Week

It was packed with activities but I don't have photos for everything.  

In Language Arts the children have been making books about any subject they wish.  Observational drawings this week included observations of pumpkins and gourds.  The children are also continuing to observe the caterpillars.  We have six caterpillars - Woolly Bears and Black Swallowtails.  Also in Language Arts we read books about fall leaves, discussed why leaves change color in the fall, went out to collect leaves and used them to make leaf rubbings. The children also enjoyed drawing pictures of their families and labeling each member. Next Monday afternoon every child will have an opportunity to share his/her drawing with the class.  I will remember to take photos!

In Science Kate engaged the children in a conversation about caterpillars, the plants they eat, what they do with leaves - lay eggs on them, camouflage........She asked the children, "Where should we look for caterpillars when we are outside?" Then we all went out in the fields.  Also in Science class the children looked at slides of butterfly wings, and began to make observational drawings to show the wings without magnification and drawings with magnification.  I will take photos next Science class.

In First Grade Math the children have been exploring ascending and descending staircases as they investigate "one more" and "one less" in counting and keeping track. They built staircases with cubes and on worksheets. The children also began making groups using counters to represent a given number. They began by drawing how 17 children can sit at 4 tables. Also we spent one Math class outside looking for patterns in nature.  The children thoroughly enjoyed this activity and were able to see patterns in leaves, tree bark, flowers, bushes, rocks, a feather, and patterns such as "tree, space, tree, space and so on.......... "

See Michele's blog for Kindergarten Math http://www.kmathematicians.blogspot.com/

Buddies - the children enjoyed drawing portraits of their buddies, while their buddies drew portraits of the K/1's.  They will complete the project next Friday.

Muddy Boots Club - we read If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian about different kinds of rocks with special meanings, then we went out in the woods and to Rock Island to look for the special rocks.  Everyone found one.  The "wishing rock" turned out to be the most popular.  Other rocks the children were looking for include a skipping rock, chalk rock, resting rock, worry rock, climbing rock, walking, rock, memory rock, and a few more.

Have a peaceful week,

Liliana