Hello again families,
We've been busy in our first 8 days back since vacation. In writing students got their research books from Mrs. Woodard and we began reading and writing down facts we know for our Personal Learning Plans (PLPs). To do this we practice the comprehension strategy of summarizing to say the important information in our own words. The goal is to find facts on our topic to answer some or all of our guiding questions. Thanks so much for helping your child get ready with these guiding questions and prior knowledge facts!
In science we've continued our sound unit. This week we experimented with various materials to see what kinds of sounds we could produce. We decided that moving objects to create vibrations is how we can produce sound. We also made our own kazoos with different materials (waxed paper, tin foil, plastic wrap) covering the end of the tube. Students tested which material created the best kazoo for air to bounce around--causing buzzing vibrations. Most students brought home their tubes so you can try it out at home with other coverings and see what happens! With amazing coincidence--the topic for our 4 Winds class this Friday was the nature of sound! Thanks to Honi and Dina who came in to help us with more sound experiments that deepened our understanding!
This week we read two dog sled books, Bravest Dog: The True Story of Balto and Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod in honor of the beginning of the Iditarod race this week in Alaska. We also continued to read from A Child's Guide to the Night Sky and learn more about our universe and beyond! I also read a sample first grade report--All About Grace Potter-- written by my 6 year old step-daughter!
In second grade math we've made great progress in the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction. We continue to practice borrowing/regrouping with two and three digit numbers. Second graders have also become masters of telling time to 5 minute increments! If you have an analog clock at home, have your child check the time at home too to solidify and expand these skills. This week we did a culminating time project--an All About Time book. These should come home soon so take a look--they did amazing work!
In first grade math they've been noticing patterns in numbers, working on the number line, and practicing skip counting (counting by 2s, 5s, 10s--forwards and backwards).
This week was full of special events too: in Team Building, the class participated in an Outdoor Walking event with Ms. Caswell; we cashed in some bonus recess points (earned by mastering sight words) and had 10 minutes and 30 seconds of extra recess on Thursday, and we had an All School Meeting.
Last week we went to the Rumney sugarbush to tap trees. This Friday morning we went with our buddies to see if there was any sap to collect. We're excited to help make maple syrup!
With sugaring season also comes mud. This week we've had some very wet recesses. Please consider sending in an extra set of clothes or gloves for your child in case they get soaked through snowpants. Also, having a plastic bag to help transport home very wet things can help save backpacks and folders from getting soggy. This is also the most important time of year to have a dry change of shoes for school so we don't get mud in our rug and carpet. Nobody likes sitting on a wet rug!
Lastly, parent teacher conferences are coming up. On Thursday and Friday April 2 & 3 we have half-days for students. The afternoons are slotted for conferences. Please check the list of available times and sign up for your conference!
Here's the link: http://grades.wcsuonline.org/rumney/conference/
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