Thanks to a resourceful family, we have two full computers and many parts to disassemble, examine, and analyze. They LOVE IT! Seriously, it is the most exciting thing to see and hear what the children say and the enthusiasm with which they investigate (and deconstruct)! They were thrilled when a qr code was discovered in each computer. We tried scanning them but determined that they must only work with the company scanners. :) Every circuit board, fan, motor, LED light, or other part that we've seen or used when learning about electricity gets a huge cheer and true "ah-ha" moment scream. They are so consumed with discovering and identifying what's inside that they are shelving their ideas for repurposing for now. A few clever ideas have been shared - a file holder for me and bracelets from the wires.
For those of you reading on phones or tablets, you might want to check the other pages. A few videos were uploaded yesterday to the following pages: Channel 212, Shining Stars Movies and Slideshows, and Exploring Science. The flipped video was reluctantly moved from the bottom of the page (where it's hidden on the day the homework is designed) to the top. Please do not let your child watch it until AFTER our guest teachers on Wednesday. It will spoil some of the element of surprise and will have fewer connections than after Wednesday morning's science fun. :) It was chopped to eliminate some of the information, but it will still spoil a bit of the surprise factor. For that reason, the website was purposely left off the homework as well. :)
We started our new (and last) Friend of the Day. It involves an extended Bubble Map that requires proving how an adjective describes the friend with evidence (specific examples). This is done for two friends. We then analyze the details and search for synthesis (common core terms). They are learning to conceptualize analysis and synthesis through this activity focusing on themselves. Finally, we practice elapsed time between each friend's chosen time and play "guess my number" to practice the range, number sense, and write equations. Today the selected number was 1,013. The board shows three friends who were so excited about a new mathematical concept shared when Aidan showed he was learning it in his homework. It was tied in to the "Equivalent Equations" for 1,013 as I modeled one with a missing part. A few children figured it out. Then, I extended it with another example. This time, every child got it! These three boys were so excited that they wanted to write equations of their own on the board as everyone else went to recess! The smile says it all. :)
Ex: 1000 + (4 x 3) + 23/100 + ____ /100. They all know that any fraction with the same numerator and denominator equals zero.
A week from this Thursday, May 29th, we will have our schoolwide annual Special Person's Day. A half sheet yellow slip was sent home about two weeks ago. Half have been returned. If you have not returned it and cannot find the paper (no big deal!), will you please send in a short note with the person who will be attending for your child as soon as possible? You could also just text your child's name and the person coming.
The person coming should bring:
- a lunch for the child and him/herself
- a blanket, towels, chairs, etc. to sit on
- a book or 2 to share with your child
If I find out all of the names soon enough, we can all write letters to the special people.
By the way, the form says "special person" and implies there should only be one person. You can bring as many people as you want. There is plenty of room on the grass. :)
Dates to keep in mind:
this Wednesday - Decathlon (wear running shoes) - time is unknown
next Wednesday - Special Person's Day - 11:00-12:30
Wednesday after that - entire class goes on a bus to the Pacific Symphony with grades 2-5
(wear nice clothes, no hats, no tennis shoes, no shorts, etc. )
