The Kersey Chronicles
Rockstars Choosing to Matter in Room 25
Leprechaun Traps and Miniature Golf Courses
This morning, we utilized our engineering skills to create leprechaun traps. Students brainstormed, planned, modeled, evaluated, and improved their designs. When it was time to test the prototypes, we invited Kindergarteners into our classroom to observe and hear our thought process. They taught them new vocabulary words like "lure" and "escape" as well as gave ideas that kindergartners could then use in creating their own version of leprechaun traps. It was a wonderful experience full of learning and fun!
Then, in math class, we are using our knowledge of perimeter, area, scale, polygons, computation, and problem-solving to design a miniature golf course within certain constraints and criteria. Students were highly engaged in this process and utilized collaboration and communication skills to work effectively together. At the end of the math block, one student said to me "This assignment is extremely frustrating, but so much fun at the same time!" Sounds like the perfect combination to me!
Look for pictures below and be sure to ask your child about these learning activities!
This Week's Set List (March 20-24)
Week at a Glance/Skills for the Week:
LITERACY – We will be wrapping up our novel study of Number the Stars and discuss the research the author may have had to complete in order to write this book, which ties into our previous unit in non-fiction reading. Ss are doing a great job transferring their knowledge!
WRITING – Students are working hard on their Young Author Books! Art and Author Night is on March 21st, which is when the final published book is due. We will also be launching an informational writing unit, in which students will publish a Time for Kids issue all about the Civil War. I cannot wait to see what they come up with!
MATH – We will finish Unit 9 this week, which focuses on three main components of coordinate points, as well as volume and capacity of 3-D shapes. The Unit 9 test will be on Friday, March 24th so a study guide will be sent out on Monday. Students will also finish their miniature golf course designs!
SPELLING – All students in our class have exhibited mastery in grade-level spelling. Therefore, we will no longer take weekly spelling tests. We will, however, continue to review spelling patterns and skills that will be helpful in authentic writing.
SCIENCE – We are taking a break from science to learn about social studies concepts.
SOCIAL STUDIES – We are studying the causes and main events of the Civil War as we work on our researching skill and nonfiction reading/writing.
TIPS - This week in TIPS, we are working on writing about reading through different strategies.
Upcoming Events
March 21st: ISO Discovery Concert
March 22nd: Early Release Day, 2:55pm dismissal
March 27th-April 9th: Spring Break