First grade Art - Unit 2 lessons 4 and 5 we did last week. Symmetry and the butterfly project.
I'm positive they can pass off lesson 6 the color wheel. We made a color wheel the first week in class for their color file.
This week we did lesson 8 meet Vassily Kandinsky. Project - colored to different kinds of music on large paper. We looked at many of his abstract paintings which he named using musical terms. It was great having Harrison and Ian join in.
Next week we will do lesson 7 on secondary colors and make a color wheel to add to their color file. We will also do lesson 9 which will finish up unit 2. I will be video recording. Please send art books.
Suzy
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Easter
Here is Easter. I only have a few more to go--Art, Music, Recess, & Birthdays. See everyone next week.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
science and history X 2
Sorry, I just realized I had forgotten last weeks.
Last week in history we talked about hieroglyphs and papyrus paper. Quinn really got into how to write his name in "Egyptian" as they all called it and was still writing his name the next day! I didn't correct the terminology, I figured will help them remember the developing culture as time progresses. We never did get a chance to make papyrus paper though. Today, we reviewed hireoglyphs and went on to the mummies and tombs and pyrimids. They all really enjoyed the book "Mummies" and seemed to grasp everything quite well. After we were done with science we mummified those who wanted to be (Quinn and Harrison wanted nothing to do with it :) ) with toilet paper.
For science, last week we talked about molecules and atoms and how they moved in different states of matter. I think they all got it b/c we worked on the concept a few different ways: we showed it using our bodies, we put food coloring in water and made marshmallow models. As I reviewed it today they still remembered it all. Today we talked about mixtures and how you can take the parts out of the mixture to have what you had before they were mixed together.
We didn't have metal "filings", so I used paper clips in sand to have them remove the metal out of the sand with magnets. I was going to disect an old magna doodle, but when I opened it up, it was wet inside. I don't know if this is how they are made now, but, I got nothing. :( . We also learned how when you add air to a liquid, it becomes a solid. We used whipping cream and beaters. We shared turns so much that we ended up with butter in the end.
I got pictures of today and will have to share.
Cindy
Last week in history we talked about hieroglyphs and papyrus paper. Quinn really got into how to write his name in "Egyptian" as they all called it and was still writing his name the next day! I didn't correct the terminology, I figured will help them remember the developing culture as time progresses. We never did get a chance to make papyrus paper though. Today, we reviewed hireoglyphs and went on to the mummies and tombs and pyrimids. They all really enjoyed the book "Mummies" and seemed to grasp everything quite well. After we were done with science we mummified those who wanted to be (Quinn and Harrison wanted nothing to do with it :) ) with toilet paper.
For science, last week we talked about molecules and atoms and how they moved in different states of matter. I think they all got it b/c we worked on the concept a few different ways: we showed it using our bodies, we put food coloring in water and made marshmallow models. As I reviewed it today they still remembered it all. Today we talked about mixtures and how you can take the parts out of the mixture to have what you had before they were mixed together.
We didn't have metal "filings", so I used paper clips in sand to have them remove the metal out of the sand with magnets. I was going to disect an old magna doodle, but when I opened it up, it was wet inside. I don't know if this is how they are made now, but, I got nothing. :( . We also learned how when you add air to a liquid, it becomes a solid. We used whipping cream and beaters. We shared turns so much that we ended up with butter in the end.
I got pictures of today and will have to share.
Cindy
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thurs.
Another busy, productive day. Taking school pictures took until piano time. After lunch the boys did History- we learned about the Dome that Brunechelli built in a Florence cathedral. They were fascinated with his story and paid attention very well. Cindy did a Language Arts activity with Josh,Ella,Quinn, and Nadia. Suzy did a bird craft with the little ones. We skipped recorder because of lack of time and will continue next week. This will give everyone an extra week to work on things. Drama went well. They were less rowdy this week. We played some fun warm-up games and then worked a bit on the first 3 songs of the play. We also read through the script a little bit. Swimming was fun and everyone got their energy out.
We are going to do a History on our own for 3rd grade. Rachelle-- I will the boys when Holden is at my house tomorrow, so don't worry about it.
We are going to do a History on our own for 3rd grade. Rachelle-- I will the boys when Holden is at my house tomorrow, so don't worry about it.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sept. 17 3rd grade science
Unit 3 lesson 1
Intro to Ecosystems -explained that an ecosystem includes all living and nonliving things that interact in a particular region. They needed to understand that we are not talking about just weather. We are talking about climate - which is the usual weather pattern in a certain area over many years. They colored a map which will be used in later lessons. I am making David work on the map some more to tidy it up. They did ask good questions when they were paying attention. I think this unit looks fun and it new information for them.
There is a Botanical gardens game in activity 2 the can do on there own. I was planning on doing the optional - The green house effect but they took until 3:30 to finish the lesson. (Rowdy boys!)
No free time today maybe they can do it during free time tomorrow?
Ranae are we going to the symphony on Friday. I assume no because you haven't mentioned it. But I thought I would check.
See you all tomorrow.
Suzy
Intro to Ecosystems -explained that an ecosystem includes all living and nonliving things that interact in a particular region. They needed to understand that we are not talking about just weather. We are talking about climate - which is the usual weather pattern in a certain area over many years. They colored a map which will be used in later lessons. I am making David work on the map some more to tidy it up. They did ask good questions when they were paying attention. I think this unit looks fun and it new information for them.
There is a Botanical gardens game in activity 2 the can do on there own. I was planning on doing the optional - The green house effect but they took until 3:30 to finish the lesson. (Rowdy boys!)
No free time today maybe they can do it during free time tomorrow?
Ranae are we going to the symphony on Friday. I assume no because you haven't mentioned it. But I thought I would check.
See you all tomorrow.
Suzy
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Art Tuesday Sept.16
3rd grade art
Unit 2 lessons 3 and 4: Warmed up by coloring a mandala. Finished making an initial letter. Learned about artist Giott's paintings. He made humans look realistic by the use of shadows. He showed the illusion of space by over lapping and making the objects in the background lighter. We looked at many of his paintings and compared them to painting done 100 yrs. before.
1st grade
Unit 1 lessons 8 and 9: Read about art and artists Brueghel, Inness, and Bierstadt in the landscape book. I will have my video camera charged and ready for the next one we have great discussions. (Pages 8-12)
Made prints using found objects.
Look at lines in Matisse painting "The Purple Robe."
Unit 2 lessons 3 and 4: Warmed up by coloring a mandala. Finished making an initial letter. Learned about artist Giott's paintings. He made humans look realistic by the use of shadows. He showed the illusion of space by over lapping and making the objects in the background lighter. We looked at many of his paintings and compared them to painting done 100 yrs. before.
1st grade
Unit 1 lessons 8 and 9: Read about art and artists Brueghel, Inness, and Bierstadt in the landscape book. I will have my video camera charged and ready for the next one we have great discussions. (Pages 8-12)
Made prints using found objects.
Look at lines in Matisse painting "The Purple Robe."
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thurs.
I thought I better post this before I forget. It was nice to have everyone back today. It was a great, exciting day. Here is what we did:
While Cindy taught the youngers and did circle time, I taught the 3rd grade History. We learned about Italy at the start of the Renaissance and how it was divided into 250 city-states. They all had their own government. We learned that the 3 largets and most influential were: Venice, Florence, and Rome. The traders would stop in Venice and Florence on their way to China and so these became prosperous.
Recorder: Holden was the only one with his stand. I threatened them that if anyone came unprepared next week, they wouldn't participate ( I wouldn't do that, but I think it scared them). We worked on scales, breathe support, and learning twinkle, twinkle from memory. I would like them to continue this at home and work on the next few pages. I marked them in their book.
While the boys worked on History maps with Suzy I took the youngers and we read some cute animal poetry. We then divided into boys and girls and had them write an animal poem about a snake with their group and draw a picture. They then presented it. This went over pretty well. Of course the girls had the advantage, but Josh helped the boys write theirs down. We will have to do more group work with them.
Drama- We played a getting to know you game, Zip,Zap,Zot, reviewed stage directions, and practiced some tongue twisters. We then worked on the Cinderella scene from our play. The girls all got to try out Cinderella while the boys sang the chorus. I am going to have CD's for next week. The new girls I think will be good examples of acting ( if I can get them to stop giggling)! I think it will be fun.. I am going to scour the web for some cute warm-up ideas.
While Cindy taught the youngers and did circle time, I taught the 3rd grade History. We learned about Italy at the start of the Renaissance and how it was divided into 250 city-states. They all had their own government. We learned that the 3 largets and most influential were: Venice, Florence, and Rome. The traders would stop in Venice and Florence on their way to China and so these became prosperous.
Recorder: Holden was the only one with his stand. I threatened them that if anyone came unprepared next week, they wouldn't participate ( I wouldn't do that, but I think it scared them). We worked on scales, breathe support, and learning twinkle, twinkle from memory. I would like them to continue this at home and work on the next few pages. I marked them in their book.
While the boys worked on History maps with Suzy I took the youngers and we read some cute animal poetry. We then divided into boys and girls and had them write an animal poem about a snake with their group and draw a picture. They then presented it. This went over pretty well. Of course the girls had the advantage, but Josh helped the boys write theirs down. We will have to do more group work with them.
Drama- We played a getting to know you game, Zip,Zap,Zot, reviewed stage directions, and practiced some tongue twisters. We then worked on the Cinderella scene from our play. The girls all got to try out Cinderella while the boys sang the chorus. I am going to have CD's for next week. The new girls I think will be good examples of acting ( if I can get them to stop giggling)! I think it will be fun.. I am going to scour the web for some cute warm-up ideas.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wen. Sept. 10 - Science and History
History Unit 2 lesson 9 - We finished the lesson but the optional : beyond the lesson looks like fun to do. You Know what I will read the poems to them on Thursday. If you want them to write a poem they can do that on there own. Do lesson 10 unit assessment on your own. Ranae will start unit 3 on Thursday.
Science Unit 2 lesson 4- We only did the student pages. They need to go over the lesson on line. K-12 was down. Do lesson 5 unit assessment on your own. We will start unit 3 next week.
The boys were glad to be together. Welcome home Gavlinski family! your were missed.
Suzy
Science Unit 2 lesson 4- We only did the student pages. They need to go over the lesson on line. K-12 was down. Do lesson 5 unit assessment on your own. We will start unit 3 next week.
The boys were glad to be together. Welcome home Gavlinski family! your were missed.
Suzy
9/10 science and history
Today was a good day overall. It seemed that everyone was glad to be back together after a couple weeks of missing someone.
Science - another rewarding experiment dealing with melting. We tested to see if butter or ice cream melted first (ice cream) and then tested 3 flavors to see if they melted at the same rate. Vanilla melted slower, I think just b/c it was the middle flavor in the container. We also watched water boil and learned that the little bubbles on the bottom rose up and popped, turning into vapor. Then we watched vinegar boil too, and was able to see how the vapors traveled across the room to allow us to smell it.
The kids then took the discussion to the dishwasher and talked about how the water vaporizes as the heat dries the dishes. Then we talked about how the same thing happens in a dryer. I explained the dryer vent and talked about how you can smell when your neighbor is doing laundry b/c of the vent taking the vapors out the dryer through the vent.
History - we continued with Egypt and a couple of the stories about gods- Isis and Osiris (god of the Nile), Amun-Ra (god of the sun). I explained and emphasised how the Egyptians made up these stories to help them explain the mysteries of how things happened. I don't think the stories sunk in too much. For their history records they all stuck with talking about the Nile River and some drew a person in a boat (I don't know if they connected Osiris in the coffin as this- don't think so, or Amun-Ra in the boat going across the sky). I was impressed that although they couldn't remember it's name, they then drew the delta at the end of the Nile.
Cindy
Science - another rewarding experiment dealing with melting. We tested to see if butter or ice cream melted first (ice cream) and then tested 3 flavors to see if they melted at the same rate. Vanilla melted slower, I think just b/c it was the middle flavor in the container. We also watched water boil and learned that the little bubbles on the bottom rose up and popped, turning into vapor. Then we watched vinegar boil too, and was able to see how the vapors traveled across the room to allow us to smell it.
The kids then took the discussion to the dishwasher and talked about how the water vaporizes as the heat dries the dishes. Then we talked about how the same thing happens in a dryer. I explained the dryer vent and talked about how you can smell when your neighbor is doing laundry b/c of the vent taking the vapors out the dryer through the vent.
History - we continued with Egypt and a couple of the stories about gods- Isis and Osiris (god of the Nile), Amun-Ra (god of the sun). I explained and emphasised how the Egyptians made up these stories to help them explain the mysteries of how things happened. I don't think the stories sunk in too much. For their history records they all stuck with talking about the Nile River and some drew a person in a boat (I don't know if they connected Osiris in the coffin as this- don't think so, or Amun-Ra in the boat going across the sky). I was impressed that although they couldn't remember it's name, they then drew the delta at the end of the Nile.
Cindy
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tues. Classes Part 2
Music- We continued learning about Appalachian mountain music. We listened to a recorder of a story with the dulcimer used for the animals noises. They seemed to really like this. We learned to strum with a pick and learned how to play an 'f' by pushing down on the blue dot. We reviewed some notes (I was surprised that they remembered a lot of them) and reviewed our dance to 'Old Lady No Nose'.
History- We learned about life along the Nile river and how it flooded every year leaving behind the fertile silt for the farmers to plant their crops. We flooded the Nile in Cindy's backyard.
Rachelle- we miss you and the kids, I hope you had a good trip. I think we may have gotten 1 history lesson ahead in first grade. by doing one today--oops. We are lost without our secretary :-).
History- We learned about life along the Nile river and how it flooded every year leaving behind the fertile silt for the farmers to plant their crops. We flooded the Nile in Cindy's backyard.
Rachelle- we miss you and the kids, I hope you had a good trip. I think we may have gotten 1 history lesson ahead in first grade. by doing one today--oops. We are lost without our secretary :-).
ART Tuesday Sept. 9th
1st grade - Unit 1 lessons 6 and 7 They had a great day! They learned about imaginary lines in artworks. (a line suggested by the the arrangements of objects in a work of art) They all did well picking out imaginary lines in the print and from the gallery on line.
We read about artist Jacob Lawrence and look for imaginary lines in his art work.
He used diagonal lines to show movement.
He was born in New Jersey and moved to Harlem when he was about ten.
He went to museums and libraries to study art.
He used bright colors
His style of painting is flat and bold.
3rd and 5Th grades - We learned about illumination. A picture, design, or decoration drawn on a manuscript page. They made a drawing of the first letter in their name. They will finish next week.
Read the book, Illuminations by Jonathan Hunt. They looked at decorative letters for ideas for this project. Best class yet, they are settling in.
See ya all tomorrow,
Suzy
We read about artist Jacob Lawrence and look for imaginary lines in his art work.
He used diagonal lines to show movement.
He was born in New Jersey and moved to Harlem when he was about ten.
He went to museums and libraries to study art.
He used bright colors
His style of painting is flat and bold.
3rd and 5Th grades - We learned about illumination. A picture, design, or decoration drawn on a manuscript page. They made a drawing of the first letter in their name. They will finish next week.
Read the book, Illuminations by Jonathan Hunt. They looked at decorative letters for ideas for this project. Best class yet, they are settling in.
See ya all tomorrow,
Suzy
9/3 science and history
Sorry, I keep going online to do this, but get sidetracked.
I have pictures of history on my phone, if I can get them off to an email I will.
History - we continued talking about the nomads who settled in the Fertle Crescent and became farmers. We compared how they were used to getting their food to the new ways that allowed them to build houses and stay in the same spot. We talked about ways that they got water to their crops and the first farm machine that was developed to help. We made "bricks" and this week they can go outside and build with them.
Science - we started talking about the three forms of matter. Quinn and Nadia remembered some of this from last year. They seemed to be able to know the difference between all three. The biggest concept to get is that air is matter and that the air in a balloon has more mass than a balloon with no air.
I have pictures of history on my phone, if I can get them off to an email I will.
History - we continued talking about the nomads who settled in the Fertle Crescent and became farmers. We compared how they were used to getting their food to the new ways that allowed them to build houses and stay in the same spot. We talked about ways that they got water to their crops and the first farm machine that was developed to help. We made "bricks" and this week they can go outside and build with them.
Science - we started talking about the three forms of matter. Quinn and Nadia remembered some of this from last year. They seemed to be able to know the difference between all three. The biggest concept to get is that air is matter and that the air in a balloon has more mass than a balloon with no air.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
School PIctures
I will be doing school pictures on Thurs. I would really like everyone to wear a white shirt and denim on the bottom--either shorts, skirt, or jeans. I think it would look really nice for the group shot if we are dressed the same. Let me know if you need to borrow anything. I have extra shirts and bottoms.
We miss you Rachelle!
We miss you Rachelle!
Halloween
I am desperately trying to finish this scrapbook. Here is the Halloween page. Bring back memories?? It will be here before we know it.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tues. 9-2
Ignore my other post and chat amongst yourselves about what lessons will be taught next week :)
It was a good day today. HISTORY 1 went very well. They really liked hearing the rest of Tarak's story and I think they really understand how life changed for the nomads when they settled in the fertile crescent. SCIENCE 3 - They had great questions and Isaac seemed to really pay attention during the lesson. I think they know the basic differences between invertebrates and vertebrates, and amphibians and reptiles. It's a fun unit so far.
See you all next week.
Rachelle
It was a good day today. HISTORY 1 went very well. They really liked hearing the rest of Tarak's story and I think they really understand how life changed for the nomads when they settled in the fertile crescent. SCIENCE 3 - They had great questions and Isaac seemed to really pay attention during the lesson. I think they know the basic differences between invertebrates and vertebrates, and amphibians and reptiles. It's a fun unit so far.
See you all next week.
Rachelle
Monday, September 1, 2008
MY TRIP INFO.
When I come back, on Wed. 9/10 I'll be doing History 3 Unit 2 Lesson 9 and Science 3 Unit 2 Lesson 5. Cindy will be doing History 1 Unit 2 Lesson 5 and Science 1Unit 2 Lessons 3 &4. So however you guys want to do the lessons you need finished by then, that's where we'll be when I get back.
Thanks for all your support. It means more to me than I can adequately express.
Rachelle
Thanks for all your support. It means more to me than I can adequately express.
Rachelle
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wed history and science
Another good day. We just missed Harrison :( , but were glad to see Quinn :). The kids all got along well and the distractions were minimal.
History - we talked about nomads - the wandering people. They enjoyed talking about how these people got their food and what they ate. We didn't get to read more than headlines, but we looked at a book that shows foods that people have eaten from the beginning of time and talks about how bugs and such were enjoyable.
Science - 1st lesson was on the scientific method, question, hypothesis, seeing how to test the hypothesis, recording what happens and seeing what actually happened. We melted popsicles outside in the sun and shade and tested which one would melt faster. Then of course we tasted the testers.
2nd lesson was on graphing data, making sure to write down so you don't forget, tally marks. We graphed the different colored M & Ms and of course tasted our materials.
We got through everything. I think they weren't so much concentrating on all the terms throughout the science lessons though. I think they will be reminded in the following lessons though.
History - we talked about nomads - the wandering people. They enjoyed talking about how these people got their food and what they ate. We didn't get to read more than headlines, but we looked at a book that shows foods that people have eaten from the beginning of time and talks about how bugs and such were enjoyable.
Science - 1st lesson was on the scientific method, question, hypothesis, seeing how to test the hypothesis, recording what happens and seeing what actually happened. We melted popsicles outside in the sun and shade and tested which one would melt faster. Then of course we tasted the testers.
2nd lesson was on graphing data, making sure to write down so you don't forget, tally marks. We graphed the different colored M & Ms and of course tasted our materials.
We got through everything. I think they weren't so much concentrating on all the terms throughout the science lessons though. I think they will be reminded in the following lessons though.
Art Tuesday August 26th
ART 3rd grade - I did review with Issac.
We will start with Unit 2 next week. I have the material and a few hoops for the sewing project. I would like to start sewing next week. Cindy if you could please let me know if you have hoops by this week end. I will pick up the rest.
Science 3rd grade - We did unit 1 assessment.
Have a fun week-end!
Suzy
We will start with Unit 2 next week. I have the material and a few hoops for the sewing project. I would like to start sewing next week. Cindy if you could please let me know if you have hoops by this week end. I will pick up the rest.
Science 3rd grade - We did unit 1 assessment.
Have a fun week-end!
Suzy
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wed. 8-20
WRITING 3 - They worked on making lists of descriptive words. They were disappointed that we weren't working on their stories, but I told them we have other projects to do that will help with their stories. It didn't go over very well...
HISTORY 3 - Unit 2 Lesson 1. Learned that Renaissance mean "rebirth" and that it was a time of renewal after the Middle Ages. People looked back to Greece and Rome for inspiration in the arts and science. We need to do Unit 2 Lesson 2 before next Wed. class.
SCIENCE 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 4. Learned about weather forecasting using meteorologists tools like weather balloons and satellites. Talked about how weather is charted and those figures are used to predict weather. They had fun with the links in the lesson so you might want to let them play with it some more.
Welcome Back Ranae! FYI - we've been having the kids do the assessments at home. We'll just do the unit assessments in class so that we can review with them.
Rachelle
HISTORY 3 - Unit 2 Lesson 1. Learned that Renaissance mean "rebirth" and that it was a time of renewal after the Middle Ages. People looked back to Greece and Rome for inspiration in the arts and science. We need to do Unit 2 Lesson 2 before next Wed. class.
SCIENCE 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 4. Learned about weather forecasting using meteorologists tools like weather balloons and satellites. Talked about how weather is charted and those figures are used to predict weather. They had fun with the links in the lesson so you might want to let them play with it some more.
Welcome Back Ranae! FYI - we've been having the kids do the assessments at home. We'll just do the unit assessments in class so that we can review with them.
Rachelle
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Science and History
Another good day. Ilaiza left Harrison alone today and he did great at paying attention!
The others were a little antsy pantsy during history and I just reminded them of the point system coming next week.
History - continued review of continents and ocean, N and S pole and equator. They are really remembering them all again! We introduced how history is a story of the past and can use letters, pictures and other items to tell the story.
Science - lessons were on measuring liquids in mL and temperature in Celsius degrees. They had fun with the measuring water of different containers. We didn't get to the last work sheet, but I explained how to do it (it's connected to the one where we measured the temperature of four things).
They seem to enjoy working together as teams. I'll have to switch them around so they get to have different partners. They like the idea of getting "lab coats" like real scientists, and like the "one on Curious George"
Cindy
The others were a little antsy pantsy during history and I just reminded them of the point system coming next week.
History - continued review of continents and ocean, N and S pole and equator. They are really remembering them all again! We introduced how history is a story of the past and can use letters, pictures and other items to tell the story.
Science - lessons were on measuring liquids in mL and temperature in Celsius degrees. They had fun with the measuring water of different containers. We didn't get to the last work sheet, but I explained how to do it (it's connected to the one where we measured the temperature of four things).
They seem to enjoy working together as teams. I'll have to switch them around so they get to have different partners. They like the idea of getting "lab coats" like real scientists, and like the "one on Curious George"
Cindy
Art- Tuesday August 19th
Aug. 14th First grade lessons 1, 2 and 4. They sorted all the art prints into folders with the correct definition printed on it. A game we will use for review through out the year. (Representational, abstract, landscape, sculpture, architecture, painting, still-life, self-portrait, portrait, sketch and genre- which is a new definition.) They made a self-portrait.
Aug. 19th First grade click off lessons 3 and 5 we will start a line folder next week which goes with next weeks lessons also. We reviewed primary and secondary colors and made a color wheel for their color folder. They also made a painting using primary and secondary colors. This has been a great class from the start. Great listeners and the get right to work.
Aug. 14th 3rd grade lesson 1, 2, and 4. Same as above. We sorted prints for review and made self-portraits.
Aug. 19th lessons 3 and 5. They reviewed secondary and primary colors and made a color wheel for their color file. We read pages 12, 14, 16, and 18 in How Artists See Work. They did the end of the unit assessment.
Aug. 19th First grade click off lessons 3 and 5 we will start a line folder next week which goes with next weeks lessons also. We reviewed primary and secondary colors and made a color wheel for their color folder. They also made a painting using primary and secondary colors. This has been a great class from the start. Great listeners and the get right to work.
Aug. 14th 3rd grade lesson 1, 2, and 4. Same as above. We sorted prints for review and made self-portraits.
Aug. 19th lessons 3 and 5. They reviewed secondary and primary colors and made a color wheel for their color file. We read pages 12, 14, 16, and 18 in How Artists See Work. They did the end of the unit assessment.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tues. 8-19
WRITING 1 - Great listening and attention! We talked about descriptive words and made a more detailed picture of a character from their stories. They did very well.
HISTORY 1- Unit 1 Lesson 3, reviewed continents, equator, oceans and the compass rose. Learned about the different types of land - desert, crater, glacier, mountain, rivers, lakes, peninsula, island. They could point them out from actual photos - the handout was a little unclear for some things, like glaciers. They were really focused and we talked a lot about what they know about all different types of land and water.
SCIENCE 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 3 - reviewed precipitation, air fronts and weather. learned about air pressure and using a barometer to measure it. made a barometer - I don't think it's going to work all that well, but it demonstrates the concept. they should be able to answer the assessment questions - we went over those concepts several times.
Rachelle
HISTORY 1- Unit 1 Lesson 3, reviewed continents, equator, oceans and the compass rose. Learned about the different types of land - desert, crater, glacier, mountain, rivers, lakes, peninsula, island. They could point them out from actual photos - the handout was a little unclear for some things, like glaciers. They were really focused and we talked a lot about what they know about all different types of land and water.
SCIENCE 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 3 - reviewed precipitation, air fronts and weather. learned about air pressure and using a barometer to measure it. made a barometer - I don't think it's going to work all that well, but it demonstrates the concept. they should be able to answer the assessment questions - we went over those concepts several times.
Rachelle
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wed history and science
Good day here. Just too many interuptions from you know who. The kids did well though. We did review some good "point" behaviors just to start the process and to get Josh to know what's expected.
Science- 1st lesson was on measuring length. I had them partner up and they measured items with paper clips, then with the metric ruler. We talked about how there has to be a form of measure since other ways of measuring could not be accurate.
2nd lesson was on measuring mass, using the balance. They used the balance scales to find out what items had more mass. We talked about matter, how things can have more matter, but less mass or vise versa. We ran out of time at the end and they were "done", so I sent the balance sheet home to be filled out.
I had them partner up this week and will try this some more. We worked on sharing turns during the lab and doing things as a "scientific team". Maybe I'll go to Goodwill and get some button down shirts to use as lab coats.
History - mostly review except for adding the north and south pole, added the equator too.
Science- 1st lesson was on measuring length. I had them partner up and they measured items with paper clips, then with the metric ruler. We talked about how there has to be a form of measure since other ways of measuring could not be accurate.
2nd lesson was on measuring mass, using the balance. They used the balance scales to find out what items had more mass. We talked about matter, how things can have more matter, but less mass or vise versa. We ran out of time at the end and they were "done", so I sent the balance sheet home to be filled out.
I had them partner up this week and will try this some more. We worked on sharing turns during the lab and doing things as a "scientific team". Maybe I'll go to Goodwill and get some button down shirts to use as lab coats.
History - mostly review except for adding the north and south pole, added the equator too.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
WED. 8-13
WRITING 3 - began brainstorming for the new story. did a character map with story plot ideas. they all started new stories - I was surprised because they seemed so interested in doing sequels after the last class.
HISTORY 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 3 - compass and map. they liked this and we were able to go through Activities 3 and 4. Suzy, we'll do Unit 1 Lesson 2 before next Wed. and I'll do Lesson 4 that day.
SCIENCE 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 2 - learned about humidity and storm fronts. reviewed the types of clouds and precipitation. I think we'll need to keep going over these until they really remember them. recorded our weather for the afternoon. finished the Beaufort scale - it's a little sloppy looking to me, it was difficult for them to write in the small space.
Rachelle
HISTORY 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 3 - compass and map. they liked this and we were able to go through Activities 3 and 4. Suzy, we'll do Unit 1 Lesson 2 before next Wed. and I'll do Lesson 4 that day.
SCIENCE 3 - Unit 1 Lesson 2 - learned about humidity and storm fronts. reviewed the types of clouds and precipitation. I think we'll need to keep going over these until they really remember them. recorded our weather for the afternoon. finished the Beaufort scale - it's a little sloppy looking to me, it was difficult for them to write in the small space.
Rachelle
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
HAPPY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL!
WRITING 1 - introduced creative writing and telling stories. they brainstormed their own ideas and drew pictures of who their characters were and an idea for a plot. they all got along very well and were excellent listeners.
HISTORY 1 - reviewed continents, oceans and the globe. talked about different animals that live exclusively in different continents. they could all use more review identifying the continents and the oceans.
SCIENCE 3 - introduced the weather chart and reviewed types of weather. there is a very cool link in the lesson to see the Beaufort Scale in action. we'll finish making the scale tomorrow - it's used to measure wind speed. each day they need to record the weather in the morning afternoon and evening. there are other links in the lesson that they might want to explore.
It was a great first day!
Rachelle
HISTORY 1 - reviewed continents, oceans and the globe. talked about different animals that live exclusively in different continents. they could all use more review identifying the continents and the oceans.
SCIENCE 3 - introduced the weather chart and reviewed types of weather. there is a very cool link in the lesson to see the Beaufort Scale in action. we'll finish making the scale tomorrow - it's used to measure wind speed. each day they need to record the weather in the morning afternoon and evening. there are other links in the lesson that they might want to explore.
It was a great first day!
Rachelle
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
End of Year Party
Hope everyone is having a good summer! It is almost over! Does everyone want to have a meeting next Tues. Cindy, can you still have it at your house? We can all go over the schedule 1 more time and figure out what I need to make up while I am gone:-).
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
History
These aren't as exciting, but here are the History ones. Not tons of different pictures to choose from, but still cute.
Monday, July 14, 2008
School Picture Pages
Cindy--when we see you next time, we will let you look at what we did last year. Can you send me a school picture of Shaylene, I would like to add her on the bottom since she wasn't hear for school pictures.
I would be happy to teach you if you want to try a page :-).
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Year Book
So, I have been working on the year book and I thought it would be fun to make a digital scrapbook, and have that printed and bound for our year book. It would be like last years except we would have more liberty with photo size and it is more fun to make. It will satisfy my creative itch! Here is what I am thinking for the pages. Let me know what you think. It will be pretty pricey if we add any more pages, so we have to be very frugal. Suzy--you will have 2 pages for art so we can work together on what photos you want and the design. I have the software on my computer. The 2 page spreads will be facing each other in the book.
into. page(1)
School pictures(2)
Science(2)
History(2)
Art(2)
Music (1)
Drama (2)
Recess(2)
Back to school party (2)
End of yr. party (2)
Halloween (2)
Christmas (2)
Valentines (2)
Outings(2)
Easter (2)
Birthdays(2)
Did I leave anything out? Any changes? I will post the pages as I finish them---if you would like to do some, let me know. Rachelle--if you could proof the grammar on them and let me know of errors. You know how great I am at that!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
WRITING MAY 21-22
They are doing so well, I can't wait for everyone to read these. Great focus despite the end of the school year jitters. They seem to be understanding the process of revision and providing more clarity to their stories. It's been really fun to watch them get into these stories and take ownership of them. When I give them options on how to clarify certain parts, they really have an opinion - they know what they want their characters to do and say.
I'm going to keep these drafts all together to use at the beginning of next year. They can see the whole process from character web to final draft.
It was so fun having everyone over here today. I'm glad the weather cooperated.
Have a great weekend!
Rachelle
I'm going to keep these drafts all together to use at the beginning of next year. They can see the whole process from character web to final draft.
It was so fun having everyone over here today. I'm glad the weather cooperated.
Have a great weekend!
Rachelle
Thursday, May 15, 2008
WED/THURS, MAY 14-15
WRITING 2 - We're getting there! We are working on revisions now and making sure the stories are coherent. The focus is not on spelling and grammar as much as on plot, sequence and story line coherence. They are each finding their voice and it's very cool. I'm hoping that this will introduce them to the idea that writing is a process, it's not magical, and you can improve your story by going over it several times. It's been really fun and they are excited about getting close to the final product.
HISTORY 2 - Talked about Kublai Khan attacking Japan and being defeated by cyclones, which the Japanese called kamikaze (wind of the gods). They were happy to end the year with a battle, which had been sadly missing from the last few lessons. We reviewed a lot for the semester exam and they did well.
SCIENCE K - We listened to a story about Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel in space. We learned about what it's like to travel in the Space Shuttle - how you sleep and eat with weightlessness. I have a really good book that has photos of these activities and they asked a lot of good questions. We pretended we were in space and they showed me how they'd move from one place to another. It was fun.
Can't believe that's it for Science and History for both grades. Wow!
See everyone tomorrow!
Rachelle
HISTORY 2 - Talked about Kublai Khan attacking Japan and being defeated by cyclones, which the Japanese called kamikaze (wind of the gods). They were happy to end the year with a battle, which had been sadly missing from the last few lessons. We reviewed a lot for the semester exam and they did well.
SCIENCE K - We listened to a story about Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel in space. We learned about what it's like to travel in the Space Shuttle - how you sleep and eat with weightlessness. I have a really good book that has photos of these activities and they asked a lot of good questions. We pretended we were in space and they showed me how they'd move from one place to another. It was fun.
Can't believe that's it for Science and History for both grades. Wow!
See everyone tomorrow!
Rachelle
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Drama Class & Party
piano recital picture---aren't they sweet all dressed up :-)
Quinn & Harrison working on snake
David and Isaac working on background
Painting the tree
David and Nadia working on the sky
Ella working on the snake
Here are some pictures from Drama class the last few weeks. We had a great rehearsal on Friday and I am excited to get in some more this week. Things are really coming together and they are excited about the ice cream social and performance. Just 2 more weeks! Don't forget, the last week of May we are going to rehearse on Thurs. Rachelle, do you want to do creative writing before the play, or will you be done by then? Also, for the party, remember we are going to do kabobs. Every family needs to bring the kababs for your family so we can all use the marinades, kinds of meat we like. I was thinking everyone could bring a side dish to share too. I will provide the ice cream for the social and drinks as well as a pasta salad. Post here what you would like to bring. I also need to know how many for each family so we can be sure and have enough chairs.
Also---it is time once again for me to begin collecting pictures from through out the year. I would like to make a slide show again and year book. Please e-mail me or put on a CD any pictures you would like included. If you e-mailed them earlier in the year they are gone--Ian erased all me e-mails, so please do it again! If you could give them to me within the next few weeks that would be great!
See everyone on Tues.-----and, if it's ok with everyone, send swimming stuff again. That will work really well now that it's hot. It also gives everyone something to look forward to. Cindy--please send Nadia's black leotard on Tues. and Shaylene's drawing.
P.S. ignore my awful grammar and punctuation!
WED/THURS MAY 7 & 8
WRITING 2 - talked about finishing the stories. David and Holden have a working conclusion. we should be able to finish these and I'll type them up so that we can work on editing during the last 2 weeks of school. we should have a finished product and they all have ideas for their next books.
HISTORY 2 - talked about feudal Japan. looked at Japanese castles - they are lovely but also strong.
WE NEED TO DO THE NEXT LESSON ON OUR OWN - SAMURAI. THEN I CAN FINISH HISTORY ON WED.
SCIENCE 2 - talked about approximate life spans for different species. it was really interesting - there's a handout comparing a few. they had fun with it. we reviewed the life cycle unit and took the assessment. we also reviewed the whole semester and took the semester assessment - they did very well. Science is finished for the year.
SCIENCE K - talked more about the moon. we made a model of the moon's surface using sand, flour and chocolate powder. they had fun dropping marbles into it to make craters.
CINDY WILL FINISH HISTORY K ON WED. AND I'LL FINISH SCIENCE K ON THURS.
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
Rachelle
HISTORY 2 - talked about feudal Japan. looked at Japanese castles - they are lovely but also strong.
WE NEED TO DO THE NEXT LESSON ON OUR OWN - SAMURAI. THEN I CAN FINISH HISTORY ON WED.
SCIENCE 2 - talked about approximate life spans for different species. it was really interesting - there's a handout comparing a few. they had fun with it. we reviewed the life cycle unit and took the assessment. we also reviewed the whole semester and took the semester assessment - they did very well. Science is finished for the year.
SCIENCE K - talked more about the moon. we made a model of the moon's surface using sand, flour and chocolate powder. they had fun dropping marbles into it to make craters.
CINDY WILL FINISH HISTORY K ON WED. AND I'LL FINISH SCIENCE K ON THURS.
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
Rachelle
Sunday, May 4, 2008
WED/THURS APRIL 30 AND MAY 1
WRITING 2 - talked more about segue and dialog. showed them some examples of dialog in books. the boys are all using dialog in their stories and the transitions between scenes are getting better. I told them that we will need to think about conclusions to their stories next week since we only have 4 classes left and they all want to have class over the summer so they don't have to finish yet!
HISTORY 2 - began the unit on Japan. Japan is an archipelago - a group of islands. there are 4 main islands and thousands of small islands. few travelers went there during the middle ages. Mt. Fuji is one of the world's largest volcanoes.
SCIENCE 2 - learned about the bird life cycle. birds will not sit on their eggs to keep them warm until all the eggs in the clutch have been laid so that they'll hatch at the same time. it can take up to a day to lay one egg. Isaac was excited about sharing his bird book. we also learned about the human life cycle and how it compares to other species. we finished the life cycle cubes, so the next lessons will go quickly (thanks Suzy!). I think I might combine some lessons so we can work on writing a little more toward the end, especially if we want to have some kind of finished project before school if over....
SCIENCE K - learned about constellations and how the night sky looks different at different times of the year. Ella read the book "The Big Dipper" to the class. they really liked it (Ranae, if you haven't already, pull it out for Quinn - he got into it!) we made constellation cans using Orion, Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and Cassiopeia. they were really good and played well together - the girls got Quinn to play in Ella's room by bringing Holden's tent in there :)
Cindy - you'll do the first History K lesson this week because Ranae will do the second on Friday.
Rachelle
HISTORY 2 - began the unit on Japan. Japan is an archipelago - a group of islands. there are 4 main islands and thousands of small islands. few travelers went there during the middle ages. Mt. Fuji is one of the world's largest volcanoes.
SCIENCE 2 - learned about the bird life cycle. birds will not sit on their eggs to keep them warm until all the eggs in the clutch have been laid so that they'll hatch at the same time. it can take up to a day to lay one egg. Isaac was excited about sharing his bird book. we also learned about the human life cycle and how it compares to other species. we finished the life cycle cubes, so the next lessons will go quickly (thanks Suzy!). I think I might combine some lessons so we can work on writing a little more toward the end, especially if we want to have some kind of finished project before school if over....
SCIENCE K - learned about constellations and how the night sky looks different at different times of the year. Ella read the book "The Big Dipper" to the class. they really liked it (Ranae, if you haven't already, pull it out for Quinn - he got into it!) we made constellation cans using Orion, Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and Cassiopeia. they were really good and played well together - the girls got Quinn to play in Ella's room by bringing Holden's tent in there :)
Cindy - you'll do the first History K lesson this week because Ranae will do the second on Friday.
Rachelle
Thursday, May 1, 2008
History
Next week for History do we want to do our own History on Tuesday. Rachelle will do one on Wednesday and I will do the third on Friday.
I will not be at the rehearsal on Friday due to Dance.
Suzy
I will not be at the rehearsal on Friday due to Dance.
Suzy
ART
May 1st - K
We worked on Mother's Day cards - Introduced print making. Did a compare and contrast of Artists Henri Matisse pg. 26, Roy Deforest pg. 28, Robert Rauschenberg pg. 30. In the green art book. Their favorite painting today was on pg. 28. Nadia pointed out where the horizon line would be if we could see it. Ella found a face with a bush for hair. Quinn pointed out the bold colors and he enjoyed the brick face which Ella thought the hat was an airplane.This painting has a lot to look at - great class. I have their books and wil bring them on Wednesday.
2nd Grade
They also worked on Mother's Day cards and made 6 cubes for science. I wanted to plug in form for art and how many sides a cube has for math-(reinforcement). Any way they are having fun with print making. They had a struggle with the cubes.So I will put off on the pop up books until next year. I do want them to make them.
We worked on Mother's Day cards - Introduced print making. Did a compare and contrast of Artists Henri Matisse pg. 26, Roy Deforest pg. 28, Robert Rauschenberg pg. 30. In the green art book. Their favorite painting today was on pg. 28. Nadia pointed out where the horizon line would be if we could see it. Ella found a face with a bush for hair. Quinn pointed out the bold colors and he enjoyed the brick face which Ella thought the hat was an airplane.This painting has a lot to look at - great class. I have their books and wil bring them on Wednesday.
2nd Grade
They also worked on Mother's Day cards and made 6 cubes for science. I wanted to plug in form for art and how many sides a cube has for math-(reinforcement). Any way they are having fun with print making. They had a struggle with the cubes.So I will put off on the pop up books until next year. I do want them to make them.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
WED. APRIL 23
WRITING - talked about segue and writing a good transition between scenes or events so that your reader isn't confused about what's happening. We'll review this next week for Isaac. Ella wrote a cute story about a cat that runs away from a tornado. She was good for this class and then got crazy for history and science...
SCIENCE 2- learned about the frog life cycle. looked at lots of photos and made a frog life cycle flip book. learned about the reptile life cycle also and it's similar and different from the other life cycles we've learned. completed both lessons for this week.
HISTORY 2 - learned about Kublai Khan and how he conquered China. He extended the Grand Canal down to the new capitol of Beijing. He favored the Mongols living in China and stopped the civil service exams. The boys thought this was very unfair.
It was a good day but we missed Isaac.
Rachelle
SCIENCE 2- learned about the frog life cycle. looked at lots of photos and made a frog life cycle flip book. learned about the reptile life cycle also and it's similar and different from the other life cycles we've learned. completed both lessons for this week.
HISTORY 2 - learned about Kublai Khan and how he conquered China. He extended the Grand Canal down to the new capitol of Beijing. He favored the Mongols living in China and stopped the civil service exams. The boys thought this was very unfair.
It was a good day but we missed Isaac.
Rachelle
Monday, April 21, 2008
Hobbit Info - Art
Hi everyone,
Hobbit play:10:00 Friday at Tempe Center for the Arts-700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy
Art is cancelled this week due to a piano outing and the play on Friday. Thursday science on our own this week.
See you all on Tuesday.
Take care,
Suzy
Hobbit play:10:00 Friday at Tempe Center for the Arts-700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy
Art is cancelled this week due to a piano outing and the play on Friday. Thursday science on our own this week.
See you all on Tuesday.
Take care,
Suzy
Friday, April 18, 2008
WED AND THURS APRIL 16-17
WRITING 2 - The next section of the story is coming along. They are getting adept at using quotes and dialog. They're excited about publishing these - I'll see if we can get that wrapped up by the end of May - they don't want to let go of the story, so I'll have to work on conclusions.
HISTORY 2- During the Song Dynasty the Chinese invented gunpowder, the compass, movable type, and paper money. The boys were sad to learn that gunpowder meant the end of knights and castles. The were impressed that these inventions changed the whole world forever.
SCIENCE 2- More on the insect life cycle. Began the mealworm project. Be sure to help them take care of these and write record their observations at least a couple times a week. They should be able to watch them molt, change to an adult (beetle) and lay eggs. We also learned about the fish life cycle - egg, fry and adult fish.
SCIENCE K - Learned about magnets and how they can both push and pull metal objects. We talked about how opposite poles attract ( and how that's where that saying comes from) and like poles repel each other. They had fun playing with all the magnets I have.
Rachelle
HISTORY 2- During the Song Dynasty the Chinese invented gunpowder, the compass, movable type, and paper money. The boys were sad to learn that gunpowder meant the end of knights and castles. The were impressed that these inventions changed the whole world forever.
SCIENCE 2- More on the insect life cycle. Began the mealworm project. Be sure to help them take care of these and write record their observations at least a couple times a week. They should be able to watch them molt, change to an adult (beetle) and lay eggs. We also learned about the fish life cycle - egg, fry and adult fish.
SCIENCE K - Learned about magnets and how they can both push and pull metal objects. We talked about how opposite poles attract ( and how that's where that saying comes from) and like poles repel each other. They had fun playing with all the magnets I have.
Rachelle
Monday, April 14, 2008
Hobbit show
Hi everyone,
Linda Smith e-mailed me re. the Hobbit show - she would like to know if we could make the 10:00 show instead of the 12:30.
Let me know.
Thanks Suzy
Linda Smith e-mailed me re. the Hobbit show - she would like to know if we could make the 10:00 show instead of the 12:30.
Let me know.
Thanks Suzy
Thursday, April 10, 2008
WED. AND THURS. APRIL 9-10
WRITING 2- good concentration for class! reviewed using quotes in a story and learned about the format for using dialog. they all have interesting plot lines and are starting to see that the story needs to be coherent. critiques went well.
SCIENCE 2 - took the unit assessment for plant life cycle - they aced it. we began the unit on animal life cycles and had interesting conversations about how death is part of the cycle and how plants and animals feed each other and are useful in death as humus. Isaac asked how chickens make eggs (good questions) and I thought for a minute that we'd vier off into reproduction but I was saved from that! we learned about the insect life cycle (egg, larva, pupa and adult - good terms to review) and reviewed insect body parts and how to identify insects from other bugs.
HISTORY 2- learned about the spread of Buddhism in Medieval China. read a story about a Chinese monk who traveled to India and brought back 500 boxes of Buddhist books and started a Buddhist school. we talked about how China took over Tibet (they asked if China had taken over any countries because it's so big - go figure) and they wanted to send our troops there to set Tibet free, just like we're doing in Iraq. moral discussions will follow, I'm sure. TUES. SUZY WILL DO LESSON 5, I'LL DO 6 ON WED. AND WE'LL DO 7 ON OUR OWN.
SCIENCE K - they played so well today that I hated breaking it up. we started the new unit on motion. they had fun going on a trip to the petting zoo and following my directions (right, left, up, down, under). we played "Simon says" and a concentration game. I think this unit will be very easy - we might want to try to make it more challenging. I had them use the directional words to describe changes made to a tableau and that seemed to be a little better. they had fun with everything we did today.
Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - took the unit assessment for plant life cycle - they aced it. we began the unit on animal life cycles and had interesting conversations about how death is part of the cycle and how plants and animals feed each other and are useful in death as humus. Isaac asked how chickens make eggs (good questions) and I thought for a minute that we'd vier off into reproduction but I was saved from that! we learned about the insect life cycle (egg, larva, pupa and adult - good terms to review) and reviewed insect body parts and how to identify insects from other bugs.
HISTORY 2- learned about the spread of Buddhism in Medieval China. read a story about a Chinese monk who traveled to India and brought back 500 boxes of Buddhist books and started a Buddhist school. we talked about how China took over Tibet (they asked if China had taken over any countries because it's so big - go figure) and they wanted to send our troops there to set Tibet free, just like we're doing in Iraq. moral discussions will follow, I'm sure. TUES. SUZY WILL DO LESSON 5, I'LL DO 6 ON WED. AND WE'LL DO 7 ON OUR OWN.
SCIENCE K - they played so well today that I hated breaking it up. we started the new unit on motion. they had fun going on a trip to the petting zoo and following my directions (right, left, up, down, under). we played "Simon says" and a concentration game. I think this unit will be very easy - we might want to try to make it more challenging. I had them use the directional words to describe changes made to a tableau and that seemed to be a little better. they had fun with everything we did today.
Rachelle
Science and History
Good day for all! Everyone had a good attitude and worked hard writing their words for their books, shared snack and played at free time without squabbles.
Science- we talked about corn, from the beginning of plowing the field through eating it from a can at the table. We focused on the harvesting and processing of it. Other kinds of farms (crop or livestock) got reviewed.
History- Thomas Edison and how he was an inventor. We learned three things that he invented (lightbulb, phonograph and movies).
Science- we talked about corn, from the beginning of plowing the field through eating it from a can at the table. We focused on the harvesting and processing of it. Other kinds of farms (crop or livestock) got reviewed.
History- Thomas Edison and how he was an inventor. We learned three things that he invented (lightbulb, phonograph and movies).
Friday, April 4, 2008
WED AND THURS APRIL 2 &3
SCIENCE K - we reviewed all the parts of Ella's model farm. we talked about caring for crops and planted some corn and peas in my yard. if Nadia and Quinn's corn plants sprout in the baggies, you can plant those too. we made scarecrows and corn chips (turned out really bland, but they had fun making them). THEY NEED THE NEXT UNIT HANDOUTS FOR NEXT THURS.
SCIENCE 2 - reviewed plant parts, flower parts and pollination. we learned about how seeds get dispersed (wind, water, people, animals, gravity) and did some experiments with different seed forms. they saw photos on-line of the whirly-gig seeds that come off of maple trees - i grew up with those and had forgotten about them. they thought those were really cool. we learned about the other ways plants reproduce - traveling vines (strawberries), tubers (potatoes) and bulbs (onion). we planted the tulips bulbs I had and cut apart an onion to see the sprout inside. we looked at my sweet potato which is growing like crazy. THEY NEED THE NEXT UNIT HANDOUTS FOR NEXT THURS.
HISTORY 2 - took the unit assessment and aced it. we learned about King Lalibela of Ethiopia (the only Christian country in Africa) and how he built these churches carved out of single boulders. really amazing. no one knows how they were built.
THEY NEED THE NEXT UNIT HANDOUTS FOR NEXT WEEK. NEXT WEEK, we'll do Unit 13 Lesson 2 (on our own before Wed.), Unit 13Lesson 3 (Rachelle on Wed) and Unit 13 Lesson4 (Suzy on Fri.)
WRITING 2- worked on the next section of their stories. talked about keeping to the story line and how to work funny parts into the story (and not go off in some crazy direction for no reason :)). the stories are taking shape and they have very good ideas. they are getting good at critiquing each other by asking the writer good questions to clarify the story. they are started to use the vocabulary I've given them and it's so cool. ("the reader would be confused because those new characters don't have names"), that sort of thing. I told them we would try to publish these in a student journal and if they aren't accepted we'll "publish" them on our own.
Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - reviewed plant parts, flower parts and pollination. we learned about how seeds get dispersed (wind, water, people, animals, gravity) and did some experiments with different seed forms. they saw photos on-line of the whirly-gig seeds that come off of maple trees - i grew up with those and had forgotten about them. they thought those were really cool. we learned about the other ways plants reproduce - traveling vines (strawberries), tubers (potatoes) and bulbs (onion). we planted the tulips bulbs I had and cut apart an onion to see the sprout inside. we looked at my sweet potato which is growing like crazy. THEY NEED THE NEXT UNIT HANDOUTS FOR NEXT THURS.
HISTORY 2 - took the unit assessment and aced it. we learned about King Lalibela of Ethiopia (the only Christian country in Africa) and how he built these churches carved out of single boulders. really amazing. no one knows how they were built.
THEY NEED THE NEXT UNIT HANDOUTS FOR NEXT WEEK. NEXT WEEK, we'll do Unit 13 Lesson 2 (on our own before Wed.), Unit 13Lesson 3 (Rachelle on Wed) and Unit 13 Lesson4 (Suzy on Fri.)
WRITING 2- worked on the next section of their stories. talked about keeping to the story line and how to work funny parts into the story (and not go off in some crazy direction for no reason :)). the stories are taking shape and they have very good ideas. they are getting good at critiquing each other by asking the writer good questions to clarify the story. they are started to use the vocabulary I've given them and it's so cool. ("the reader would be confused because those new characters don't have names"), that sort of thing. I told them we would try to publish these in a student journal and if they aren't accepted we'll "publish" them on our own.
Rachelle
Thursday, April 3, 2008
April 3 K science and history
Sorry it's been so long since a post. I actually remembered today! :)
Science- we talked about cows and the milking process. They enjoyed making the butter and it didn't seem redundant from the other times we've done it for them.
History - the lesson was on immigrating and the family from China that crossed the Pacific to get to San Fransisco to live in an apartment and start a restaurant downstairs.
I took some pictures, so maybe I'll try to get them onto the blog later (ha ha).
Cindy
Science- we talked about cows and the milking process. They enjoyed making the butter and it didn't seem redundant from the other times we've done it for them.
History - the lesson was on immigrating and the family from China that crossed the Pacific to get to San Fransisco to live in an apartment and start a restaurant downstairs.
I took some pictures, so maybe I'll try to get them onto the blog later (ha ha).
Cindy
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tues. Classes & Drama Performance
The jailbird Toucan who got beat up.....hee,hee. I think she looks cute!
Hi Everyone. Here is what we did yesterday:
K History- Learned about the Statue of Liberty and how she greeted the immigrants coming into the country. Very simple lesson, but good info.
K Music- I introduced staccato and legato (Ella had heard this before in piano). We played, identified, and danced these two different styles. I tried to review some glock songs. It is getting hard because they don't have their glocks to practice, and I really don't want to push the practicing, so I am just touching on that part, but leaving a lot out. Lots of other good stuff to do though.
Drama- We really pushed them this week with their stage behavior to get them ready for the performance. If was much better, but still needs improvement. The little ones get very distracted on stage, so we are working on that. I actually got them to blend their voices on a couple of songs, and it sounded great. Shaylene is doing terrific on her solo. If I could make a request for the girls---please no skirts on Tues. or if they do wear them, please make sure they have shorts underneath. I am getting a lot of views of the land down under if you get my drift and we are on the floor a lot at my house :-)
How would May 31st be for the play? It is a Saturday. If that doesn' t work it will have to be the 2nd Saturday in June or a Friday night. We could do the performance followed by ice cream or something. The kids could even swim afterwards. It looks like it will be at my house. Our church has some openings, but they are all in April and I just don' t see them ready by then. Let me know what you think and how many will attend.
See you later!
Friday, March 28, 2008
FOR WED. AND THURS. APRIL 2 & 3
I forgot to write about this...
We'll swap Wednesday and Thursday schedules.
WED. - I'll teach SCIENCE K Unit 13 Lesson 4 (Cindy will teach Science K Unit 13 Lesson 3 on Thurs.) and HISTORY 2 Unit 12 Lesson 7 (we'll be doing Unit 13Lesson 1 on our own)
THURS. - I'll try to fit in the optional lesson in the plant unit for SCIENCE 2 so that I can finish that unit next week and start the next one. Would it be ok with everyone if we went a little longer that day since we'll be at my house and I won't have to get everyone over to the Organic Store? let me know...
Rachelle
We'll swap Wednesday and Thursday schedules.
WED. - I'll teach SCIENCE K Unit 13 Lesson 4 (Cindy will teach Science K Unit 13 Lesson 3 on Thurs.) and HISTORY 2 Unit 12 Lesson 7 (we'll be doing Unit 13Lesson 1 on our own)
THURS. - I'll try to fit in the optional lesson in the plant unit for SCIENCE 2 so that I can finish that unit next week and start the next one. Would it be ok with everyone if we went a little longer that day since we'll be at my house and I won't have to get everyone over to the Organic Store? let me know...
Rachelle
THURS. MARCH 27
SCIENCE K - we did Unit 13 lessons 1 & 2, the farm lessons. learned about what you might find on a farm - barns, animals, crops, a silo. we looked at Ella's farm model. we learned about the different types of farms - livestock or crop farms. chicken farms are poultry farms (see if they remember that!) and the farmer will sell eggs and chicken meat. dairy farms are for selling milk or milk products only - they kept wanting to say that they would sell the cows for meat, too. we looked at wheat farms and cotton farms (they've all see those around here). they had fun with the worksheets.
SCIENCE 2 - we reviewed the bean experiments and since the bean sprout in a box didn't work out, we just talked about what would have happened. the experiment with the roots growing down was different for everyone, so we recorded those results. we learned about the parts of a flower and what their jobs are - pistil, sepal, and stamens. I'll go over this again because it was a little hard to get them to focus. I'll try to find a better flower to dissect also. and we'll make the model (I forgot my bag o'materials for that!). I'm going to try doing 2 Science lessons on Wednesdays because I think I'll have better results with History in the afternoons on Thursdays.
Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - we reviewed the bean experiments and since the bean sprout in a box didn't work out, we just talked about what would have happened. the experiment with the roots growing down was different for everyone, so we recorded those results. we learned about the parts of a flower and what their jobs are - pistil, sepal, and stamens. I'll go over this again because it was a little hard to get them to focus. I'll try to find a better flower to dissect also. and we'll make the model (I forgot my bag o'materials for that!). I'm going to try doing 2 Science lessons on Wednesdays because I think I'll have better results with History in the afternoons on Thursdays.
Rachelle
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Lessons for WED. MARCH 26
I want to thank everyone for all your help over the last couple of weeks. I am really grateful to have such good friends.
I also want to make sure I have the lessons right for tomorrow since I feel like my brain is a sieve at the moment.
On our own for 2nd Grade - History Unit 12 Lessons 4 and 5
On our own for K - History Unit 15 Lesson 2, Science Unit 13 Lesson 1
For Thurs. I'll do K Science Unit 13 Lesson 2 and 2nd Grade Science Unit 9 Lessons 4 and 5 (if I can't get to both of these, I'll make it up on Wed. next week).
If I'm wrong on any of these, could someone just let me know? Thanks for your patience with my weary mind!
Rachelle
I also want to make sure I have the lessons right for tomorrow since I feel like my brain is a sieve at the moment.
On our own for 2nd Grade - History Unit 12 Lessons 4 and 5
On our own for K - History Unit 15 Lesson 2, Science Unit 13 Lesson 1
For Thurs. I'll do K Science Unit 13 Lesson 2 and 2nd Grade Science Unit 9 Lessons 4 and 5 (if I can't get to both of these, I'll make it up on Wed. next week).
If I'm wrong on any of these, could someone just let me know? Thanks for your patience with my weary mind!
Rachelle
Friday, March 14, 2008
Lessons March 11-13 and Info.
2ed History and Science completed lessons
Science Unit 9 lesson 3 (Do we need boxes for next week?)
History Unit 11 lesson 8 (on black death and unit assessment.)
Unit 12 lessons 1 and 2
PLEASE SEND - Sundiatia -Lion King of Malia for Tuesdays lesson
2ed Art - Mark off unit 6 lessons 1-9. We will do lesson 10 assessment on Thursday and finish the landscape paintings. Rachelle you may want to go back this summer and do the lessons in this unit on seascapes. I hope to do the cityscape with them if we go out and draw.
March 29, Rock Art Expo 10:00 - 4:00
The Hobbit Play is on April 25, in Tempe. There is a 10:00 and 12:30 show. The tickets are 5.00
each. I need to know by next week who wants tickets so I can reserve them.
Blessings to Rachelle and here family- we miss you.
Take care, Suzy
Science Unit 9 lesson 3 (Do we need boxes for next week?)
History Unit 11 lesson 8 (on black death and unit assessment.)
Unit 12 lessons 1 and 2
PLEASE SEND - Sundiatia -Lion King of Malia for Tuesdays lesson
2ed Art - Mark off unit 6 lessons 1-9. We will do lesson 10 assessment on Thursday and finish the landscape paintings. Rachelle you may want to go back this summer and do the lessons in this unit on seascapes. I hope to do the cityscape with them if we go out and draw.
March 29, Rock Art Expo 10:00 - 4:00
The Hobbit Play is on April 25, in Tempe. There is a 10:00 and 12:30 show. The tickets are 5.00
each. I need to know by next week who wants tickets so I can reserve them.
Blessings to Rachelle and here family- we miss you.
Take care, Suzy
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Art Day
Spring flower drawing by Ouinn March 2008
Nadia- March 2008
Ella March 2008
Suzy's Little Artists
Shaylene
Today we had fun making our Easter bowls! Everyone got into it and enjoyed creating their bowls. We also did the 2nd History lesson of the unit with the 2nd graders, so we are all caught up to where we need to be. Rachelle--we didn't have time to do the 2nd Science lesson on the inside of the flower. Let us know if we should do it over break, or if you would like to do it??
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Classes This Week
The bug jar that eventually showed up at Rachelle's house. Jeff seemed VERY excited about the new additions to the family
Searching for bugs.
The worm that Ella and David rescued and found its way to my backyard
Working on the tree
Monkeys in the tree
Singing their hearts out!
First of all---Rachelle, you are in our prayers! We miss you! Here are some pictures from Tues. that turned out cute. Here is what we did:
K History- We learned about Abe Lincoln and his role with the slaves and helping our country become great. We read "Abe Lincoln's Hat" and colored some pictures of him.
K Music- We learned new note "F" on the Glock and in notation. We sang a new song "10 in the
Bed" and learned the Glock part to that. We also reviewed other songs. We learned a cirlce dance called "Circle Round the Zero" and reviewed string instruments as well as read notes.
Drama- We are coming along with our play. We worked on the end of the play with position on stage and what will be happening with scene changes. The songs are coming along. We just need to work on projection and blending now. Suzy worked on the trees (they are going to be cool!) and had Mark finish his explorer map. The girls were the only ones that wanted to help with scenery, so they helped with the trees a little bit. We are adding props and costumes to our practice. Thanks to Shaylene, we have our wooden bowl! I found some great army ant hats that I am going to order. They are 5$, I hope that is ok with everyone. You will love them. We also found some snake hats we thought were cute. They are 6$. You will be able to use both of these even after the play. We need brown shirts for the monkeys and sloths. Rachelle- I forgot to send home your hats. I will next week.
After drama everyone got some playtime outside. They had a blast finding rolly pollys and riding bikes. It was cute because they found what they insisted was a black widow (it wasn't, I checked) and David was telling Ella is get away from it! Ella asked why David wasn't getting away from it if it was so dangerous. David replied that he would much more rather he got bit than Ella and Isaac pipped in that they would do ANYTHING to protect her. It was too cute!
2nd Grade History and Science- I started the unit on Africa today. This went well, we talked about all the parts of Africa and their climates. It was so fun to listen to them talk and throw out their ideas. In science, they spent so much time discussing things. They were MORTIFIED at the idea of putting their bean plants in a box where they might DIE. Isaac insisted that gravity didn't exist once you closed the lid and what would happen THEN. I really had to try hard to be serious! I think I convinced them that they could take out the plants if they saw any signs of yellow leaves. We will all have to make a box for our plants, because I didn't have enough.
Off the suject, but would you guys be interested on doing the Lemonade stand for Cancer on the May 29th date. I think it would be a great service project for our group--maybe we could get in front of Safeway or something. I guess we still don't know piano recital dates. Just a thought
See everyone tomorrow!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
WED. AND THURS. MAR. 5-6
HISTORY 2 - Learned about Joan of Arc and how she had 2 visions telling her to lead the French in battle. She fought the English and made it possible for the French Prince Charles to be crowned king. The French rallied and won the war. Joan had been captured by traitors to King Charles and handed over to the English, who burned her at the stake after a year in a dungeon. Lots of good discussion about this subject. See their summaries for my comments. We also learned about how medieval markets grew into towns where former serfs became craftspeople and opened shops. The towns were dirty and crowded but because so many serfs came there and learned trades, feudalism ended. For extra credit, the boys can do research and write a short essay (2-3 paragraphs) about one of the trades (weavers, iron workers, bakers, stone cutters, etc.).
SCIENCE 2 - Began the unit on plant life cycle. Learned about the stages - seed, seedling, flower, fruit and then repeat. They had a lot of good questions about how different plants make seeds and how they grow. We reviewed parts of plants and what plants need to live and photosynthesis. We also talked about the parts of seeds (seed coat, cotyledon and embryo). Learned that gravity lets the seed know which way to grow roots. We started an experiment to demonstrate this - we put bean seeds in a jar and after they grow roots to 2-3 cm. we'll turn the jar upside down and see what happens to the roots (they should turn to grow downward again).
SCIENCE K- Learned about water and air pollution and how we can prevent it. Demonstrated water pollution by putting different objects on a tray to represent trash, pesticides and other pollutants and poured water on them to see that washed into the bowl (a lake or pond). We demonstrated air pollution by putting a white mug over a flame and seeing the black grime that formed there. They wiped it off to see how the pollution is hard to see in the air but is there anyway. They had good ideas for how to keep the earth clean - pick up after yourself and other people, don't put poison on the ground, and go diving to clean the lakes, to name a few. They are excited that the sunflowers we planted at the beginning of the year are growing. Good class.
WE NEED NEXT UNIT SCIENCE K HANDOUTS FOR NEXT WEEK.
WE CAN DO PRIZE BOXES TOMORROW IF EVERYONE BRINGS THEIR POINT FOLDERS.
Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - Began the unit on plant life cycle. Learned about the stages - seed, seedling, flower, fruit and then repeat. They had a lot of good questions about how different plants make seeds and how they grow. We reviewed parts of plants and what plants need to live and photosynthesis. We also talked about the parts of seeds (seed coat, cotyledon and embryo). Learned that gravity lets the seed know which way to grow roots. We started an experiment to demonstrate this - we put bean seeds in a jar and after they grow roots to 2-3 cm. we'll turn the jar upside down and see what happens to the roots (they should turn to grow downward again).
SCIENCE K- Learned about water and air pollution and how we can prevent it. Demonstrated water pollution by putting different objects on a tray to represent trash, pesticides and other pollutants and poured water on them to see that washed into the bowl (a lake or pond). We demonstrated air pollution by putting a white mug over a flame and seeing the black grime that formed there. They wiped it off to see how the pollution is hard to see in the air but is there anyway. They had good ideas for how to keep the earth clean - pick up after yourself and other people, don't put poison on the ground, and go diving to clean the lakes, to name a few. They are excited that the sunflowers we planted at the beginning of the year are growing. Good class.
WE NEED NEXT UNIT SCIENCE K HANDOUTS FOR NEXT WEEK.
WE CAN DO PRIZE BOXES TOMORROW IF EVERYONE BRINGS THEIR POINT FOLDERS.
Rachelle
Monday, March 3, 2008
EASTER EGG HUNT, ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder that I'll bring the reward boxes tomorrow.
Also, we should probably decide on a date for the Easter egg hunt, if we're doing that this year. I was thinking we could do it at the playground by my house after school on either Fri. 14 or Fri.21. Let me know what you think, just comment to this blog or we'll talk tomorrow.
I sent an email about the ice cream social with Carrie O'Donnell, let me know about those dates, too. I heard from Suzy already, she chose Mon. May 5. The other date was Fri. May 16.
See you tomorrow,
Rachelle
Just a reminder that I'll bring the reward boxes tomorrow.
Also, we should probably decide on a date for the Easter egg hunt, if we're doing that this year. I was thinking we could do it at the playground by my house after school on either Fri. 14 or Fri.21. Let me know what you think, just comment to this blog or we'll talk tomorrow.
I sent an email about the ice cream social with Carrie O'Donnell, let me know about those dates, too. I heard from Suzy already, she chose Mon. May 5. The other date was Fri. May 16.
See you tomorrow,
Rachelle
Thursday, February 28, 2008
WED. AND THURS. FEB. 27-28
HISTORY 2 - learned about Robin Hood. He was actually the Earl of Nottingdon but had his land and title taken illegally by King John while King Richard was fighting the crusades. He became Robin Hood and took over Sherwood Forest and charged the rich coming through a toll (or he just took their money for safe passage) and gave it to the poor. Maid Marion joined him there after the Sheriff of Nottingham threatened to have her married to a his cruel friend Sir Guy. Robin Hood and Marion were married by King Richard when he returned and lived peacefully for 5 years until Richard died. Robin Hood was soon after mortally wounded by Sir Guy and was buried in Sherwood Forest. This was a good lead-in to the next lesson on King John and the Magna Carta. King John was such a dishonest and selfish king - people had no right to a trial or to protect their land and money from seizure by the king - that the nobles finally captured him and forced him to sign the Magna Carta. It was the "great charter" which ensured that the king still has to follow the rule of law and that people have a right to a trial. It was signed in 1215 and became a model of justice for most democracies. The boys were concerned about Robin Hood being killed and also that he stole (was it ok since he gave the money away?) Makes for a good discussion on vigilante justice, I think. We talked about other important dates in history 476, 1492 and they included the end of the each world war. I'll pass around the Robin Hood book - it's very interesting.
SCIENCE 2 - Learned about erosion and how it can be prevented by planting. Plants roots help hold the soil together. We did an experiment outside where we poured water on soil with plants and without to see which had more run-off. We also measured the leaves and stems of 2 different plants to compare them and talked about the difference between plants growing in desert soil and richer loam. They did very well on the unit assessment. Had fun talking about the sun absorbing the earth in 27 billion years. Be prepared to hear about that! Next unit is on plants, I'll be having them start a potato to root and we'll be doing the bean experiment again.
SCIENCE K- Began the next unit. Talked about why we need trees, what we use them for and how we can conserve them (only take what we need, replant when we do chop them down, use sustainable wood like bamboo). Explored the house to find wood products and made a drawing of a tree and how they like to use them (Quinn's whole family, including grandparents and me, are climbing his apple tree, Nadia had herself on a tree fort picking apples and Ella's tree has apples and animals). They are so cute! We talked about how we use and conserve water, also.
WE NEED THE NEXT UNIT HANDOUTS FOR SCIENCE 2 NEXT WEEK
Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - Learned about erosion and how it can be prevented by planting. Plants roots help hold the soil together. We did an experiment outside where we poured water on soil with plants and without to see which had more run-off. We also measured the leaves and stems of 2 different plants to compare them and talked about the difference between plants growing in desert soil and richer loam. They did very well on the unit assessment. Had fun talking about the sun absorbing the earth in 27 billion years. Be prepared to hear about that! Next unit is on plants, I'll be having them start a potato to root and we'll be doing the bean experiment again.
SCIENCE K- Began the next unit. Talked about why we need trees, what we use them for and how we can conserve them (only take what we need, replant when we do chop them down, use sustainable wood like bamboo). Explored the house to find wood products and made a drawing of a tree and how they like to use them (Quinn's whole family, including grandparents and me, are climbing his apple tree, Nadia had herself on a tree fort picking apples and Ella's tree has apples and animals). They are so cute! We talked about how we use and conserve water, also.
WE NEED THE NEXT UNIT HANDOUTS FOR SCIENCE 2 NEXT WEEK
Rachelle
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tues. Classes
OK--so I am seriously late posting this! I hope Cindy and family and Holden are doing better!
Here is what we did on Tues.
K History- We learned about Lewis and Clark and read the Sacagawea book. They enjoyed the pictures and had questions about her adventures. It was very quiet without Ella there :-).
K Music- We reviewed dynamics and learned about the crescendo-going from soft to loud. We sang "John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt" with dynamics. We played the 6 elephant game, did more notation with our staff and note chips, and galloped like horses to different styles of music.
Drama- We played some drama games (all review since we were missing so many people). We worked on tapping the rhythm of "Rumpus in the Rainforsest" and saying the words so we could stay with the music. We learned our places on stage in the first scene, I worked with the explorers on their song, the sloths on their song, and David on his song. If you have any explorer things (binoculars, back packs, compass, etc. ) start sending those in. We need to start practicing with our props. I think it is going really well.
Recorder. We worked on their challenge song. David was able to do it and will get a candy bar--go David!
Hope everyone is better for This next week!
Here is what we did on Tues.
K History- We learned about Lewis and Clark and read the Sacagawea book. They enjoyed the pictures and had questions about her adventures. It was very quiet without Ella there :-).
K Music- We reviewed dynamics and learned about the crescendo-going from soft to loud. We sang "John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt" with dynamics. We played the 6 elephant game, did more notation with our staff and note chips, and galloped like horses to different styles of music.
Drama- We played some drama games (all review since we were missing so many people). We worked on tapping the rhythm of "Rumpus in the Rainforsest" and saying the words so we could stay with the music. We learned our places on stage in the first scene, I worked with the explorers on their song, the sloths on their song, and David on his song. If you have any explorer things (binoculars, back packs, compass, etc. ) start sending those in. We need to start practicing with our props. I think it is going really well.
Recorder. We worked on their challenge song. David was able to do it and will get a candy bar--go David!
Hope everyone is better for This next week!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
TUES. AND WED. FEB. 19-20
SCIENCE 2 - we learned about weathering (the wearing down of rocks by wind, water, earthquakes, plants) and erosion (when wind or water moves the particles of rocks and soil caused by weathering). did an experiment using plaster of paris to show how water expands and creates cracks in rocks and one where beans are soaked in water and they expand and break a cup open. did an experiment placing soil on a clay "mountain" and blowing it off to simulate wind, then pouring water over the soil to demonstrate how wind and water move soil/rock particles. they had fun with these and they want to paint the plaster of paris!
SCIENCE K - learned about the different types of water on earth - rivers, streams, lakes, oceans, and ponds. talked about how streams and rivers can flow together and flow into lakes or oceans. finished the models of land and water by adding rivers, ponds and waterfalls. reviewed land shapes and continents. they had fun and were excited about their models.
HISTORY 2 - learned about the fairs that took place when people made pilgramages to cathedrals. the fairs had merchants from all over Europe, jugglers, jousting tournaments, musicians and acrobats. there where processions to the cathedral where a Mass would be held. they wrote good summaries for me about this. we also learned about Eleanor of Aquitaine who became queen of France, got divorced and became queen of England. she was feisty and fought in wars and also ruled England while King Henry was away at war. she had 8 children and many grandchildren and so many of them became kings and queens in Europe (by her doing) that she became known as the Grandmother of Europe. she lived to be 88, extremely old for medieval times. the boys aced the unit assessment. they are very upset that this unit if over :(
We need the next unit handouts for History 2.
Rachelle
SCIENCE K - learned about the different types of water on earth - rivers, streams, lakes, oceans, and ponds. talked about how streams and rivers can flow together and flow into lakes or oceans. finished the models of land and water by adding rivers, ponds and waterfalls. reviewed land shapes and continents. they had fun and were excited about their models.
HISTORY 2 - learned about the fairs that took place when people made pilgramages to cathedrals. the fairs had merchants from all over Europe, jugglers, jousting tournaments, musicians and acrobats. there where processions to the cathedral where a Mass would be held. they wrote good summaries for me about this. we also learned about Eleanor of Aquitaine who became queen of France, got divorced and became queen of England. she was feisty and fought in wars and also ruled England while King Henry was away at war. she had 8 children and many grandchildren and so many of them became kings and queens in Europe (by her doing) that she became known as the Grandmother of Europe. she lived to be 88, extremely old for medieval times. the boys aced the unit assessment. they are very upset that this unit if over :(
We need the next unit handouts for History 2.
Rachelle
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tues. Feb. 19 Art
2nd grade Art Unit 6: lessons 8 and 9 complete
We drew a still life set up in color pencil. We looked at Paul Cezanne's still life paintings. Under resources in the art lessons you can pull up artists work if you have some time. We view them often. I think the kids relate to Paul Cezanne's work. Its colorful, simple and homey.
We will start Landscapes lesson 1 next week - Hopefully we can work outside. Get well every one!
K Art lesson 3 still life
We drew a still life set up the kids put together. We looked at Paul Cezanne's still life paintings in a book and online. We talked about his life as a painter. They always ask how the artists become so good. I tell them that some artists choose to do art a s a profession. They find this fascinating.
Suzy
We drew a still life set up in color pencil. We looked at Paul Cezanne's still life paintings. Under resources in the art lessons you can pull up artists work if you have some time. We view them often. I think the kids relate to Paul Cezanne's work. Its colorful, simple and homey.
We will start Landscapes lesson 1 next week - Hopefully we can work outside. Get well every one!
K Art lesson 3 still life
We drew a still life set up the kids put together. We looked at Paul Cezanne's still life paintings in a book and online. We talked about his life as a painter. They always ask how the artists become so good. I tell them that some artists choose to do art a s a profession. They find this fascinating.
Suzy
Thursday, February 14, 2008
THURSDAY, FEB.14
SCIENCE 2 - Learned about the differences between clay soil, sandy soil and loam. Clay has smaller particles than sand and loam has more humus than both clay and sandy soil. The types of minerals and the amounts of water and humus affect the color and texture of soil. We did an experiment pouring water into sandy soil and loam and comparing the amount of water each holds. We planted seeds to be used in future lessons. They need to keep the plants moist. They had fun with the experiment even though David for some reason got the wrong results - I must not have given him enough loam in his cup!
SCIENCE K - We learned about land shapes - mountains, valleys, plains, hills and islands. Cindy will do her continents lesson on Wed. because they didn't need to have that lesson first. They had fun making the clay model of the land shapes. Next Thursday we'll add rivers, streams and waterfalls and I'll be sure to take pictures. It was a good lesson.Publish Post
Get better Harrimans, we'll miss you at the Estrella War tomorrow!
Rachelle
SCIENCE K - We learned about land shapes - mountains, valleys, plains, hills and islands. Cindy will do her continents lesson on Wed. because they didn't need to have that lesson first. They had fun making the clay model of the land shapes. Next Thursday we'll add rivers, streams and waterfalls and I'll be sure to take pictures. It was a good lesson.Publish Post
Get better Harrimans, we'll miss you at the Estrella War tomorrow!
Rachelle
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Art Thursday Feb. 7th
K-Art Unit 7: lessons 1 and 2 Still Life
We had a great lesson. It started with a drawing of an apple, and they were able to add the background with a shadow. If it keeps going this well we may stay her a little longer they did awesome. I did not send home an assessment because they could not pick out the still life painting. Next week I will have a lot of samples for them to look at. In lesson 3 they will be introduce to the artist Paul Cezanne and his still life drawings.
On Friday the 29th Cindy and I will be taking the K's and Harrison to Ollie's Story Time. Rachelle, Ella is signed up.
The Touch a Truck event is going to be at Glendale Community College Saturday, Feb. 23rd from 10a.m. to 1 p.m.
Prospectors Day is Feb. 23rd at 10a.m. 1052 W. Washington St. 602-771-1600
I need everyone to sign to forms for the art show.
2nd Grade Art
We made a sample Triptych and tried to finish the rock art pictures. I thought of one more way to do the hand prints - use a sponge and dab around their hands. I will give it a try on Tuesday. I want to hand them in next week.
Suzy
We had a great lesson. It started with a drawing of an apple, and they were able to add the background with a shadow. If it keeps going this well we may stay her a little longer they did awesome. I did not send home an assessment because they could not pick out the still life painting. Next week I will have a lot of samples for them to look at. In lesson 3 they will be introduce to the artist Paul Cezanne and his still life drawings.
On Friday the 29th Cindy and I will be taking the K's and Harrison to Ollie's Story Time. Rachelle, Ella is signed up.
The Touch a Truck event is going to be at Glendale Community College Saturday, Feb. 23rd from 10a.m. to 1 p.m.
Prospectors Day is Feb. 23rd at 10a.m. 1052 W. Washington St. 602-771-1600
I need everyone to sign to forms for the art show.
2nd Grade Art
We made a sample Triptych and tried to finish the rock art pictures. I thought of one more way to do the hand prints - use a sponge and dab around their hands. I will give it a try on Tuesday. I want to hand them in next week.
Suzy
Friday, February 8, 2008
THURSDAY FEB. 7
SCIENCE 2 - learned about types of soil - clay, silt and sand. clay has the smallest particles and sand has the largest. we looked at the jars of soil we had added water to so that they could separate out elements and types of soil. they found humus, silt and sand. they remembered silt from the history lessons about the Nile River and the Yangtze River. we watched a story about Arctic Terns who travel to different locations and experience the different types of soil. they really liked that, it was silly.
SCIENCE K- began the new unit on the earth. we talked about the difference between using a map and a globe. they understood that you can see all the continents at once when you look at a flat map but not when you look at a globe. discussed the difference between a circle and a sphere. made a model of the earth using a tennis ball (it's in their backpacks if they want it.) we talked about where the earth is in the solar system and how we have day and night because the earth spins on it's axis (not in the lesson, but they seemed interested.) when we were looking at my model of the solar system, Nadia pointed out that Pluto was not a planet anymore, just a dwarf planet - go Nadia! they had fun with the lesson and I think Shaylene actually got some work done, too!
Publish Post
Rachelle
SCIENCE K- began the new unit on the earth. we talked about the difference between using a map and a globe. they understood that you can see all the continents at once when you look at a flat map but not when you look at a globe. discussed the difference between a circle and a sphere. made a model of the earth using a tennis ball (it's in their backpacks if they want it.) we talked about where the earth is in the solar system and how we have day and night because the earth spins on it's axis (not in the lesson, but they seemed interested.) when we were looking at my model of the solar system, Nadia pointed out that Pluto was not a planet anymore, just a dwarf planet - go Nadia! they had fun with the lesson and I think Shaylene actually got some work done, too!
Publish Post
Rachelle
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
WEDNESDAY FEB. 6
SCIENCE 2 - began the new unit on soil. learned about the 4 elements found in soil: mineral particles, water, air and humus (decaying organic matter). we looked at soil samples and found examples of mineral particles and humus, and did experiments to show that there is water and air in the soil. I have the jars of soil mixed with water that I'll send home tomorrow. we went outside and dug in the soil to find the elements. they found great examples - Suzy, look in David's folder for leaf samples that show the stages of decay. of course, they found evidence of past civilizations and buried palm tree forests. it was fun and they kept at it for a long time.
HISTORY 2 - read the book St. George and the Dragon - it was great, lovely illustrations and detailed and creative descriptions of the dragon. they really enjoyed the story and we talked about how legends help reinforce the Code of Chivalry by giving examples of knights following the Code. they remembered a lot from yesterday's lesson. we made a die showing the Code, also. we learned about lives of serfs during the feudal time and how they were attached to the land and could be bought and sold with the land. they worked from sunrise to sunset everyday except Sunday and holidays, when they would do whatever work they had to for their own sustenance. they could gain freedom if they left the master's land for 1 year and 1 day, but most didn't out of fear of starvation or attack. we made a serf hovel out of mud, sand, sticks and dry grass. they did very well writing their summaries by including details - check them out. it was a very good day.
See my comment under the Valentine Party blog for the new plan for the party.
Rachelle
HISTORY 2 - read the book St. George and the Dragon - it was great, lovely illustrations and detailed and creative descriptions of the dragon. they really enjoyed the story and we talked about how legends help reinforce the Code of Chivalry by giving examples of knights following the Code. they remembered a lot from yesterday's lesson. we made a die showing the Code, also. we learned about lives of serfs during the feudal time and how they were attached to the land and could be bought and sold with the land. they worked from sunrise to sunset everyday except Sunday and holidays, when they would do whatever work they had to for their own sustenance. they could gain freedom if they left the master's land for 1 year and 1 day, but most didn't out of fear of starvation or attack. we made a serf hovel out of mud, sand, sticks and dry grass. they did very well writing their summaries by including details - check them out. it was a very good day.
See my comment under the Valentine Party blog for the new plan for the party.
Rachelle
Tues. Classes
Here is what we did yesterday. It was a fairly good day, and I think we got a lot done!
K History- the part of the lesson on Betsy Ross took only about 15 minutes to present, but the star cutting activity got them so excited that we spent 25 minutes on that. Quinn cut out one start and spent the rest of the time coloring it. Ella cut out one for each member of the family, even Dailey, and Nadia and Shaylene got into it. Too cute.
K Music- I gave them a paper staff and they used note chips to write melodies I sang to them using 3 notes "C, D, and A". They did really well with this. We learned the rhythm to "Lucy Locket" and how to play the first 2 measures on the Glock. We also learned a hand jive to help them remember the notes in the song. We learned a fun elephant song and danced to it.
Drama- Did our projection warm-up. Everyone did really well with being loud. We practiced isolations for our warm-up to get them focused and then played another focus game called "Zip, Zap, Zot", you'll have to ask them how to play. We worked as a group on "Rumpus in the Rainforest". I worked with the explorers on their song and added Ella as an explorer to help with the song. Ella and Holden did awesome on their cat song and it is almost ready to add the stage part too. Listen to the CD. The more they know the music, the more comfortable they will be. Suzy worked on art and helped Shaylene start her mask and got the Shaman's table started.
K History- the part of the lesson on Betsy Ross took only about 15 minutes to present, but the star cutting activity got them so excited that we spent 25 minutes on that. Quinn cut out one start and spent the rest of the time coloring it. Ella cut out one for each member of the family, even Dailey, and Nadia and Shaylene got into it. Too cute.
K Music- I gave them a paper staff and they used note chips to write melodies I sang to them using 3 notes "C, D, and A". They did really well with this. We learned the rhythm to "Lucy Locket" and how to play the first 2 measures on the Glock. We also learned a hand jive to help them remember the notes in the song. We learned a fun elephant song and danced to it.
Drama- Did our projection warm-up. Everyone did really well with being loud. We practiced isolations for our warm-up to get them focused and then played another focus game called "Zip, Zap, Zot", you'll have to ask them how to play. We worked as a group on "Rumpus in the Rainforest". I worked with the explorers on their song and added Ella as an explorer to help with the song. Ella and Holden did awesome on their cat song and it is almost ready to add the stage part too. Listen to the CD. The more they know the music, the more comfortable they will be. Suzy worked on art and helped Shaylene start her mask and got the Shaman's table started.
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