A Little Peek Into The Classroom

Math

As we had finished up the first unit, the children learned about patterns and what makes something a pattern.  We explored patterns through motion, sound, and using Unifix cubes.  We also learned that patterns can be named by using letters.  Some different patterns we explored included an ABC, AABB, ABBA, and AABAA patterns. We came to the conclusion that patterns are predictable and they repeat.

This week, we began unit 2.  The children were introduced to a five frame with two colors of dots and along with ten frames.  By using the two color five frames, the children began to develop the combinations of 5 (0+5, 1+4, 2+3, etc.).  The five frames and ten frames are mathematical tools the children will be using throughout the year to build their understanding of numbers.

New Math Stations Introduced:

Unifix Cube Patterns

At this station, the  children are picking an Unfix cube pattern card, building the pattern using Unfix cubes, and extending the pattern with cubes.  Last, they make a record of the pattern with crayons on the record sheet.

Count and Compare Dots

At this station, the children are playing with a partner.  Each partner picks a ten frame dot card, counting the dots on each card, and comparing the amounts.  They spin the Greater Than or Less Than Spinner to determine who gets the cards.

Writer's Workshop 

The children have continued to write stories through drawings and have just begun feeling confident trying to write words.  At this point, most children are representing words with only their beginning sounds or strings of letters.

We worked on turning our writing pieces into books and planning books page by page before writing.  We also learned that writers have helpers, which why we have writing partners in the classroom.  Partners help writers before and after a book is written.  This week, each partnership worked on asking "where", "how" and "why" questions about each others writing.  Asking these questions help writers discover what they can add to their writing.

Lastly, we learned that writers use the alphabet chart and word wall, two very important writing tools, to help them with writing words.  The children are learning to stretch out the words they are trying to write and using letters to represent the sounds they are hearing in the words.

With introducing the word wall to the children, the following sight words were introduced: I, a, we, is.

Reader's Workshop 

We began reader's workshop, which the children are loving! During reader's workshop, my mini-lessons have been focusing on important procedures and expectations.  Each day, we are continuing to build our stamina to read independently.  Currently, we are reading for 6 minutes with the goal to getting to 12-15 minutes.

Anchor charts (above) are introduced to help the children know the expectations and learn reading strategies.  Once an anchor chart is introduced, the children glue a copy of the chart into their Anchor Chart Notebook, which is kept in their book boxes.  This will allow the children to reference these charts during independent reading time.

All About Spiders 

We continued our learning from our last Four Winds workshop, which was all about spiders.  We read several books about spiders and then created this fun art project to showcase our learning.  The children created their own webs and spiders using painted paper.  Then, they wrote something about spiders.

Here are a few examples:

Kelso's Choices 

Ms. S has been teaching the children about Kelso's choices, which are used when they want to solve small problems.  Ask your child to share some examples of small problems.  The children are encouraged to try 2 and then get help from a teacher.