Newsletter 12/12/11

Classroom News

We continue to start each day with Morning Meeting where we greet each other and share important news. We usually do a morning message, which is one place we discuss parts of words, spelling, and writing rules. Last month we began combining the 1^st graders and Kindergarteners for Morning Meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They really love this, and it is helping them to get to know each other better.

The kiddos are doing incredibly well with their reading/literacy groups. Each morning they do a variety of literacy activities. Some are working on writing books, others draw then write about their pictures, while yet others make words with magnetic letters or alphabetize lists of words. This is also the time they read with me.

The math focus has been on developing addition and subtraction skills through a variety of games. When we come back from break, we will begin memorizing addition/subtraction facts now that they have a good understanding of what those concepts mean. Through the games, student also learn logic, problem solving, and how to play in partners.

Monday afternoons Alaina, our school counselor, has been joining us. We have been focusing on positive character building using the SIERRA norms. Students are also actively working on “filling each others buckets.” This is a way to speak and ast kindly to each other. After talking with different parents, I am fairly sure that most of you have heard about the buckets by now! We have also been working on showing “inside strength” instead of just “outside strength.”

Expedition News

For the past month we have been learning about different plant parts and which of those plant parts are edible. We learned all about seeds, what they do, why they are important and which seeds are tasty! We planted some seeds and watched them grow… we didn’t have huge success, but that itself was a lesson on what plants need to grow.

Recently we have been learning about roots, what their job is, and how they help plants grow. We’ve sorted roots by attributes, had a root tasting day, and are growing some roots in class. So far our radishes have sprouted, and just today we are seeing a tiny bit of green from our carrots! With the cold weather we have in Truckee, I am pleased to have anything sprouting at this time of year!

Field Work Update

We have taken a break from field work simply because there is not much growing at this point in the area. When we are done with plants and the food they provide (should be the end of January), we will move into animals and the foods we get from them. We will do more field work with the animal case study.

Volunteer Opportunity in February

Once we start studying about animals, and cows in particular, I would like to make cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream in class. If there is anyone who has experience or knowledge about making any of these foods and wants to help our class make them, please let me know! We could also use goat milk so students see/taste different milk products.

Other Important Dates: