News You Can Use!

Read all about our fun filled week of learning!

Literacy

This week the children worked with the article, Saving Moto to identify character change. Together with a partner, they read the article and identified words and phrases to explain how the character felt at the beginning and how he felt by the end. They also used evidence from the text to identify the moment that the character’s feelings changed.

Later in the week, the children listened to the story, Mole’s Hill. We worked with the rich vocabulary in the text to help us better understand the story. The children also were Story Element Experts! They identified the characters, setting, and problem and solution in the story. To further work on becoming experts, they listened to a second story at listening station and completed the organizer on their own!

Writing

This week, the children continued their Expository Writing unit. They completed publishing their animal fact pages, making sure to add detailed illustrations. The children also illustrated a colorful cover and wrote an All About The Author page. They worked really hard on their writing and can’t wait to share their nonfiction books with the class next week.

Math 

In Math, the children worked with number-grid puzzles. They practiced counting, adding, and subtracting with 10s and 1s using number-grid patterns. The children enjoyed working with a partner to solve different number-grid puzzles.

On Wednesday, the children worked with adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers. They had to tell, write, and solve number stories using 2-digit numbers. The children chose different strategies to to solve the different addition and subtraction problems. They explained the strategies they used to solve the problems.

On Thursday, the children moved through 3 explorations. They measured their height to the nearest inch, created mirror images of a pattern-block design across a line of symmetry, and completed a 10 more 10 less activity. 

The children also enjoyed playing the Number-Grid Game. They had to move from 0-110 on the number grid.

Science

The scientists completed four science lessons this week. On Monday, we examined roots. The scientists explored the structure and function of roots. Each scientist had their own seedling, they observed it using a magnifying glass and identified the roots and root hairs. Then they compared the weight of plant parts that grow above the ground to those that grow below the ground. They recorded their observations and findings in their science journal. 

On Tuesday, the scientists took a spring nature walk. They identified signs of spring. The scientists used their senses to complete a Spring Nature Walk writing. They discussed what they saw, heard, felt, and smelled.

On Friday, we had twice the science fun. In the scientists’ first lesson of the day they observed, compared, and dissected flowers. They identified all the parts of a flower. The scientists also learned a song about plant parts. They completed a book to help them remember the words. Ask your scientist to sing you the song!

Later in the day, the scientists were introduced to living things that are neither plants nor animals, but members of a third living kingdom called fungi. They viewed photos and video clips showcasing fungi and mold. 

Earth Day

This week, the children worked on some Earth Day activities. They listened to the story, The Wump World. After listening to the story, the children worked together to sequence the events of the story using sentence stripes. Then the children each illustrated their own retelling of the story including their favorite part.

The children also wrote an acrostic poem using the words, Earth Day. Together they brainstormed different words and phrases to go with each letter. They chose their favorite word/phrase for each letter and created their acrostic poem. They completed the activity with a photo of themselves holding an Earth.

On Earth Day, the children listened to the story, Earth Day Hooray. After, they brainstormed different ways that they can heal our Earth. The children then wrote their own piece about a way they can heal the Earth. They created an Earth out of construction paper and glued their writing piece inside!

Notes:

-We are in need of some additional glue sticks to get us through the rest of the year! If you are able to donate 1 or 2 sticks, we would greatly appreciated it! Gluing with our liquid glue is getting messy!

-Please be on the look out for a letter in the mail next week containing the information to register your child online for next school year. The letter contains an individual snapcode number for your child. Online registration takes place May 1 - June 1. Thank you!