Weekly News (Feb. 15-19)

Math
This week we began Unit 5 in math. Students will explore the following concepts in this unit:

• measurement
• attributes
• addition and subtraction
• identifying equivalent names for numbers
• making exchanges
• introducing the class number grid
• skip counting by 5
• tally marks
• continued practice with counting, estimation, patterning, and graphing

Early in the week, the students learned how to use ordinal numbers to describe a sequence of events. We talked about our daily routines at home and school and practiced sequencing a series of events using the words first, second, third, next, and last. Take a peek at the game below to practice your sequencing skills!

The students revisited the concept of patterning this week and used their math journals for the first time--so exciting! They practiced copying and extending a given pattern and then had some time to create their own patterns using popsicle sticks too.

We also played a game this week that helped us learn how to describe objects using different attributes. The students picked a block and had to describe it using the following attributes: shape, color, size, and thickness. Then I picked a "mystery block" and students had to use the attributes to figure out what shape I picked!

Reading Workshop

This week during reading workshop, we learned how good readers STOP and THINK before, during, and after reading. Using the book How Bees Make Honey, we practiced how to stop and think and share our new learning with our classmates.

Nothing like getting cozy with a good book!

Writing Workshop

This week the students did a FANTASTIC job writing two sentences about their weekend adventures.  I always LOVE reading about what the children like to do with their families over the weekend. They continue to gain confidence in themselves as writers every week. They are doing a great job matching up letters with the sounds they hear, and they are working to include the following elements in their writing:

• Capital letter at the beginning of each sentence
• Spaces between words
• Lowercase letters throughout each sentence
• Period at the end of each sentences

Rainbows, Color, and Light
Our super scientists continue to make new discoveries as we explore the concepts of rainbows, color, and light. Be sure to check out our science page to see what we have learned this week!

Social Studies
In honor of Presidents' Day this week, we spent some time learning about our very first President--George Washington. We learned that George Washington was a boy who loved to learn math and ride horses. He learned how to make maps and later became a soldier. He became the first President of the United States after leading his troops to victory during the American Revolution. 

For those of you who didn't get to see the staff act in the Dryden Variety Show, here is a video. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading!