Weekly Newsletter
Balls Study
Dear Parents
Our Ball Unit has sparked curiosity and mathematical skills, such as counting, comparing and measuring among students. This week’s focus questions were “Do all Balls Bounce?” and “Do all Balls Roll?” We have wondered, predicted and tested which balls bounce best and which balls roll.
A part from bounciness and force, we have also learned about height and weight by comparing and identifying big/small balls as well as light/heavy balls. Our learnings about different sizes were integrated with the Norwegian fairytale “Three Billy Goats Gruff”. Children were involved in the storytelling of the fairytale using a big bridge as well as small, medium and big Billy Goat puppets.
New vocabulary words were introduced: sphere and circumference. We have discussed how spheres are different from flat circular objects such as a Frisbee or a CD. This means that a sphere looks like a circle from every angle. Also, we measured around our heads and compared them to the size of the balls in our discovery center to learn that circumference means how big around.
We encourage families to talk with your children about your favorite childhood ball games. As well as to talk about what balls are made of, if they are heavy or light, or if they are big or small. Wonder aloud with your child to inspire his or her thinking about balls. In addition, celebrate their learning and accomplishments!
Enjoy the weekend,
PK3 Team