Maple Room News
4.13 - 4.17
Project time - A Garden Study
Their work is currently on display just outside of our classroom. Please feel free to take a look at the exhibit and participate in some writing when you have the time!
In addition to this, we spent a great deal of time making observations. We went on a walk through the neighborhood, looking for gardens in different places. Through our walks we've learned that gardens can be in front yards, back yards, through window, and behind gates. They can also be stored in boxes as well as repurposed wheel barrels and bathtubs.
We've been spending time within our community garden as well. Ask your child about some of the things they've observed while there.
Take a trip to and look for gardens near your home!
Exploration
Through exploration, we have continued to pursue our interests. For example, a space center was started this week. Students decided to watch several videos of both the moon landing and modern NASA launches to get the week started. We were inspired to research images of space and create detailed paintings of far away places. Several children used reclaimed materials to construct rocket ships. The study will extend into next week. It's looking like it will eventually culminate with the construction of a large rocketship, most likely equipped with boosters and flames. One student has suggested that it be as large as the school. If we can gather enough materials, we are comfortable with this suggestion.
Awhile back, many yoga mats were donated to our classroom. These have helped to extend the work in the yoga center. Students are now, safely, spending a great deal of exploration on their heads and hands. The Maples feel very grateful!
Reading Workshop
- It is too loud sometimes and we get really distracted
- Some people are walking around the room, even when they don't have to go to the bathroom or get water.
- A lot of us are looking at guided reading groups instead of looking at our own books during private reading
- Some Maples talk when it is a quiet time
We put a hold on guided reading groups this week to observe how the Maples were able to work on making our reading workshop time more calm, quiet, and productive.
We also got new private reading spots!
Has your Maple find other ways to research the topic that they are interested in? Some of our new class interests are space, community jobs, andplants.
Writing Workshop
We started this week of writing by talking about the importance of writing stories about our own lives.
We also created a writer's checklist of the things we need to look and listen for when we are re-reading over our stories.
* I used words and pictures
* I wrote in a straight line.
* There is beginning, middle, and end
* I put my pages in order
* I wrote about who was in the story and what they did
* I wrote sentences
* I added finger spaces
* I can read my own writing
Math Workshop
We'll continue to study, create and observe patterns informally and otherwise throughout the remainder of the year.
We are natural observers of pattern. They're everywhere in our world. We seek them. They inspire us and lead to discovery.
Continue to look for natural patterns alongside your children.