It's been a while since I've posted a week in review, but our classroom has been jam-packed with hands on learning! Here are some of the things that we've been exploring:
During Daily Five, we have gone over ways to become better readers. We can show that we are good readers by pointing to all of the words, sound out words without stopping, and looking at the words that are on the page (not just trying to guess). We have also discussed that we can help others become better readers when we read to them. I have been recording videos of the children reading to each other and we watch them during our Daily Five check-ins to discuss the great things that we are seeing.
During Daily Five, we have gone over ways to become better readers. We can show that we are good readers by pointing to all of the words, sound out words without stopping, and looking at the words that are on the page (not just trying to guess). We have also discussed that we can help others become better readers when we read to them. I have been recording videos of the children reading to each other and we watch them during our Daily Five check-ins to discuss the great things that we are seeing.
In math, we have laid the foundations of addition. First, we went over the popular children's song "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed". After watching a video and discussing how some monkeys were on the bed and some were on the floor (but there were always 5 in all), we acted the story out. Following this, children recreated it in the art center by labeling their monkeys on the bed, on the floor, and in all.
Following this, we have discussed numbers that are "partners". Partners work together to make a bigger number. 3 and 2 are partners of 5! So are 1 and 4! And 0 and 5! In math centers, we explored partners of numbers 2-6 by using "break apart" sticks.
In writing, we wrapped up our how-to unit by sharing our writing with Ms. Hobbs' kindergarten class next door. We read our books to her students and then her students read theirs to us. Students exchange compliments and had a wonderful time! Celebrating their work is a huge part of the learning process, making this a great conclusion to this unit in writing! |
In preparation for Valentine's Day, we read several valentine books during literacy, as well as found partners in math with candy hearts. For some added fun, we did a science experiment using candy hearts, regular tap water, and "soda" water. We dropped candy hearts in both kinds of water. When a heart was dropped in the soda water, they fizzed all the way down. The next day, both waters had changed colors (the hearts dissolved) and the soda water had bubbled at the top-- pink and purple bubbles!