Friday, January 13, 2012
Dear Families,
I hope you all are enjoying the new fallen snow…let’s hope it keeps coming!
Two new book groups are up and running and the other two will start next week.
In writing we have been using a program called inspiration to make webs for procedure pieces of writing. As a class they tried to write the steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. When I followed them VERY literally, they realized the importance of word choice, sequence, and transitions. Once they have completed a web they turn it into a piece of writing, focusing on establishing a context in the introduction, organizing the steps sequentially and clearly, and using an appropriate voice.
The class explored ideas around what they think is matter and is not matter. Given a set of pictures groups organized them into 2 groups and had to explain why they sorted them as they did. The class currently made these groups: nature like/not nature like, liquid-air/not liquid-air, solid/not solid, feel it/not feel it. We will continue to explore and try to answer the question, “What is matter?”
We have started a new project with our kindergarten partners. They have been studying numbers, number value, and number combinations. So different partners are either making books illustrating number combinations or creating a sensory number packets using sand paper and stickers. The students have continued to be positive role models for the kindergarteners and the kindergarteners really look up to them and value their time together.
Enjoy your weekend.
Ali Hale
