Studying Rocks

Last week, we started our Pebbles, Sand, and Silt Science unit.  All children received a magnifying glass and a bag containing six rocks.  In addition to looking closely at the rocks, the children were encouraged to rub the same type of rocks together to observe what happens.  They studied the rocks on their own, and then we came back together to discuss their observations.  They determined that each bag contained two samples of three different types of rocks.  They also noticed that one type of rock was a harder rock than the other two.  The children are excited to continue their study of rocks in the weeks ahead!

During Writing Workshop, we kicked off our Looking Closely unit.  I taught the children that scientists spend time looking closely at what they are studying then draw and write all the details they notice that other people might overlook.  The children spent time looking closely at, drawing, and writing about pieces of nature that we collected and the rocks from our science unit.  By the end of the week, many children were writing books all about one item.

Last week during Reading Workshop we:

• reviewed that when readers are trying to read an unknown word, they can use the pictures (Eagle Eye) to help them think about what that word might be.
• learned that in addition to using Eagle Eye, readers get their mouth ready with the sound the first letter makes (Lips the Fish).  They can then use the pictures and the letters in a word to help them read an unknown word.
• reviewed that when learning how to read, readers point under each word and hop crisply to the next word.  They say one word for each written word.
• learned that every word has a certain number of syllables.  Even if a word has more than one syllable, we still only point to the word once when reading.

Last week during Math we:

• learned a new game, Monster Squeeze.  This game helps children learn to compare numbers.  Player one chooses a number on a number line and writes that number on a sticky note.  Player two guesses the number.  Player one then says "yes, that is my number" or "no, my number is bigger (or smaller) than that number."  Player two squeezes the monsters closer together on the number line to show the possible numbers remaining.  Children continue until player two has guessed the number. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• used linking cubes as a tool for measuring.  Children learned that to measure accurately, you must line up the bottom of the measuring tool with the bottom of the item being measured.
• practiced solving addition and subtraction number stories on whiteboards.  Children were also encouraged to write the corresponding number model for each number story.
• learned about the words certain, possible, and impossible.

Free Exploration:

I'm excited to see that the forecast for this week does not show rain!  Although the children did very well with all the inside time we had last week, they are ready for outside recess. 


I look forward to meeting with all of you in the days ahead.





Warmly,
Katie