First week of november

What a week, am I right?!

Language Arts

Pen pal writing has commenced on campus as the kids are fully content writing and sending letters as well as receiving letters from friends in other classes. This has started a week of lessons on writing and editing letters. They had the chance to edit a sample letter as well as write another round of letters to their little buddies. The kids are also on their finishing touches on writing their stories. Lessons on dialog and other words to use instead of ‘said’ has been enlightening as the kids edit and complete their awesome stories. (I’m looking into making books out of this collection of short stories and hoping to have copies for the families)

Math

In math the kids calculated their pumpkin data and line plot. They also finished up their decimal packets. Math centers and independent work with take place soon.

Science

Light waves and spectrometers. The kids were able to build their own spectrometers using paper, a broken CD and tape. Once built, the kids observed different sources of light through their spectrometers and recorded what they saw. Many different colors and patterns reflected between all the stations offered. I hope that kids brought them home to further discover how light creates color around the house.

Art

We discusses Mark Rothko and his life as an Abstract Impressionist. Using oil pastels and chalk pastels the kids enjoyed making their own impressions of “color fields” like Rothko. This lesson was a great introduction and review on color (complementary, warm, cool, color wheel, etc.) as well as the connection between colors and emotions. Mark Rothko always wanted the viewers to feel emotions when looking at his paintings. He understood that certain colors made people feel differently. He wanted his viewers to feel the emotions he felt creating them. We created a lovely list of what each color means and symbolizes. This can add so much more intention to their artwork!

Movement

The kids enjoy stretching and our warm up exercises! (Well, kinda….I’m not sure how high on the list push ups are.)

The past few weeks we’ve been practicing handstands! How to safely set yourself up, how to engage your core and leg muscles as well as upper body strength. Working on balance helps focus and stillness.

When we center, we practice square breathing. Ask your child what that means to them.

Heads up!

Parent Back to School night on Tuesday, November 11th, 6:30-7:30 pm. Hope to see everyone there!

We could still use a couple rakes, used or new! Many thanks!!

It’s starting to get cold! Layers of clothing are appreciated! A blanket or towel would be great too!
Remember, we would like to stay outdoors for as long as possible. Being able to stay warm when we are still in class will be extremely helpful.

Would everyone be ok if we served hot tea in class? Maybe bring your own mug to school? We can store them in their cubbies? Ideas? Concerns? Let us know!