In math this week we continued our geometry unit with an exploration of 3-D shapes.  Children had an opportunity to compare spheres, cylinders, cubes, and cones, noticing each shapes defining features and how the shapes are similar and different.  They tested the shapes to see if they could roll, slide, or stack and sorted them accordingly.  They also tried to create their own models of each shape using play dough- a task that is much easier for some shapes than others!

Continuing our exploration of 2-D shapes, we read the book Grandfather Tang's Story, by Ann Tompert.  This is a tale told with tangrams about two fox fairies who shift their shapes to become new animals.  We followed this by making our own tangram animals.

During math on Fridays we have been moving away from our regular routine and working on problem solving.  For children at all grade levelsAn important math skill to have is making sense of problems and persevering in solving them.  We have had discussions about perseverance and what it means, connected to both math and life.  We have also revisited the idea that some of our best learning comes from mistakes, so it is better to take a risk and make a mistake than not take the risk.  I try to find problems that have more than one solution,  allowing students to demonstrate understanding in a variety of ways and lending themselves to rich discussion both while we are solving the problems and when we share solutions.  Last week our problem involved seating all of the students and adults in our class using different shaped tables.  This week's problem involved building towers using 10 blocks, with no two towers having the same height.  As a class we were able to find all of the solutions.

Our class seated around tables!

This week in math we continued our exploration of shapes.  Children went on a shape hunt in our classroom and the hall by the gym.  It's amazing how many shapes can be found when we begin looking for them.  We also played a game using shapes and directions.  Children had a 3 X 3 grid with a star in the middle. One partner hid her board and used very specific directions to tell the other partner where to place shapes on the grid.  This was challenging, but provided a great opportunity for naming the shapes to be placed as well as using position words such as above, below, in front of, behind, and for some children even left and right.

To coincide with the coming full moon we read the book Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen, a familiar favorite.  We followed this book with an owl project.  As is typical of this group, I introduced the project and they ran with the idea, adding their own creative twists, and stretching the project over two days.  I thought the owls would look lovely hanging in the classroom,  but there was a strong desire to take them home and play with them!  The moon will officially be full on Sunday night if anyone is inspired to go owling!

This week during writing we began working on "How-to" writing.  We began by brainstorming a list of things that children in the class are experts on:  making a snowman, riding a horse, building an igloo or snow fort, making hot chocolate, feeding a dog, making a snowflake, skate boarding, and so much more.  As we began our how-to writing we focused on telling what to do in steps, numbering the steps, and using detailed pictures to help clarify the steps.  We will continue with how-to writing next week.

We continued our discussion of children around the world with a book called To Be a Kid, written by Maya Ajmara and John D. Ivanko (with a foreword by Martin and Chris Kratt, familiar names to many in the class!)  This book carries the message that children all over the world have much in common, with the repeating phrase "To be a kid means..."  We followed the book with a project illustrating what to be a kid means to each of us.

We also did an experiment to see why salt is used on roads in winter.  It was lots of fun using salt and ice and colored water to answer this question.

In honor of Rainbow Week we used colored pasta to  make rainbow necklaces.  Thanks to Cheryl Joslin for the idea and for supplying the materials.  Enjoy the long weekend!

From what I've heard it sounds like everyone had a fantastic vacation.  We have really appreciated having snow since our return to school.  Thank you for sending your children with appropriate clothing each day- it makes it much easier to actually enjoy the snow if they are warm and dry!

In math we have started a unit on geometry.  So far our focus has been on observing and describing 2-dimensional shapes, noting each shape's distinguishing characteristics, such as number of sides and corners or vertices.  Children have had an opportunity to make shapes and designs using pattern blocks and  geo-boards, as well as using paper shapes to make pictures.

Exploring shapes with geo-boards.

Since our return we have been exploring similarities and differences among people around the world, particularly children.  The books we have a read do a wonderful job of pointing out that while we are all unique, in many ways, no matter where we live in the world, we have much in common.  One book we read is Shades of People, by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly.  One page in the book says "Our skin is just our covering, like wrapping paper.  And, you can't tell what someone is like from the color of their skin."    After reading this book we observed eggs, noting the different shades and unique feature of each egg.  After making our observations we cracked several eggs and noticed that while each egg is a little different inside, they are all remarkably alike - sort of like people.   Some of the books we have really enjoyed are One World, One Day by Barbara Kenley, and Wake Up World!  A Day in the Life of Children Around the World, by Beatrice Hollyler.   This book explores the daily routines of eight children around the world from waking up and eating breakfast, to going to school, playing with friends, and eating dinner and going to bed.  While these children have vastly different lives depending on what part of the world they live in, there are also many really important commonalities.

Observing eggs.

*Next week is Rainbow Week!  Each day hot lunch will be based on a color of the rainbow and children are encouraged to wear the corresponding color.  Monday is red day!