At the end of October, our class studied pumpkins as a part of our Math unit on measuring (which we will dive into more later in the year) and our Science unit on Life Cycles. We began learning about pumpkins through interactive read alouds. We drew and painted pumpkins for our bulletin board and wrote some of the facts that we learned.
Students were asked to bring in a small pumpkin to use in classroom activities. Each student estimated and then measured the height, weight, and circumference of their pumpkin. They estimated how many lines and then counted them. Did you know that for each line on a pumpkin's skin there is a line of seeds inside? After studying the outside of our pumpkins, it was time to look inside! We cut open a class pumpkin and all took turns scooping out the pulp and seeds. We brainstormed describing words for what the insides felt like. "Slimy, gooey, and yucky" were popular descriptors! Check out our pumpkin diagrams that are hanging in the hallway! Finally, we estimated how many seeds we thought there were. Guesses ranged from 20 seeds to 3,000. Boy, were surprised when we sorted the seeds into groups of 10 and counted. There were 438 seeds in that little, 3 pound pumpkin! Can you believe it?!
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After the long Columbus Day weekend, we did a LOT of learning this 4 day week! We began our first guided reading groups where children in similar reading levels meet with Ms. Gennett for a small group instruction on specific reading skills. Each group meets with Ms. Gennett at least 3 times a week. In a guided reading group, students work on phonics skills, read, and discuss a shared text with a focus on skills that are appropriate for their reading level. Guided reading groups provide differentiated instruction with immediate feedback to the readers.
Fridays are tough for everyone... Whether you're an adult or a kid - we ALL feel worn out by the end of the week and are looking forward to Friday. Last year, I instituted a Fun Friday policy to help kids (and teachers) stay focused during the week while working towards fun activities on Friday. These Fun Friday projects are activities I already have planned into our curriculum, but I now try to reserve them for Friday to make the day feel extra fun! This Friday, we had an apple tasting! We all tasted a slice of Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Cortland apples. We were all surprised (myself included) at how juicy and flavorful the Golden Delicious apples were! Each student casted their vote via tally and Golden Delicious won by a landslide! After taking our Unit 3 - Addition to 10 math assessment, students earned the privilege of using the Chromebooks with their Book Buddies. Our first graders can independently set up their mouse, headphones, and access Bookflix on the Chromebooks. We are 21st Century Learners! Our class earned their 20th pom-pom for excellent behavior on Wednesday, voted, and decided on a Pajama Day for Fun Friday! Check out the cutie-petutie pictures below! Like I said... it was an epic Fun Friday! :) Our class was over the moon to watch several of our butterflies emerge from their chrysalises! The kids were amazed to watch a butterfly shed it's thin chrysalis and emerge with crumpled wings. Within 20 minutes, the butterfly had pumped the blood into its wings and was ready for release! What an amazing transformation!
On Wednesday, Woodman Park School participated in its annual Walk to School Day! Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who helped set up refreshments and meet the walking groups of students and families. A special thanks to the High School athletic students who cheered on our kiddos as they walked to school! What a great tradition! |
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April 2017
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