SCIENCE 2 - Learned about Florence Bascom, the first female geologist. She discovered how the Appalachians were formed and she made geological mapping an important part of the field. The boys were really surprised that women weren't allowed at most colleges in the 1800's (good to know that they find it mystifying!). They each mapped their own "field" using 9x12 pans of soil that I made grid lines on and they had to dig for minerals and fossils. They really got into it. They asked great questions about diamonds - how they are formed, where they are found - so I'll be researching that tonight. We took the unit assessment and they did very well. Terms to review - sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock. They know the layers of the earth.
SCIENCE K - Learned about spring. Talked about how animals come out of hibernation and begin having babies and building nests. Talked about plants blooming and flowers growing. Colored pictures of crocus, daffodil, and snowdrop flowers and added them to the mural, along with green leaves and pastel-colored squirrels (for Easter!). They made their own squirrels nest, too. It was a fun lesson.
SCIENCE 2 - NEED UNIT 8 HANDOUTS FOR NEXT WEEK. THE FOSSIL BOOK, ROCK BOOK AND ROCK COLLECTION CAN STAY HOME NOW.
SCIENCE K - NEED UNIT 11 HANDOUTS FOR NEXT THURSDAY.
Rachelle
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
K science and history
Science was mostly a review of animals in winter, we read the book about it. They had fun making the bird houses I think. I'll get bird seed for tomorrow. Then we made a food project that was to resemble woodchucks home for hibernation in the winter. They had peanut butter on their plates and made tunnels and chambers (they of course got a kick out of the idea that there is a bathroom chamber- which was news to me, I did'nt realize they were so particular about where they did their business, or let alone would use one while in hibernation). We put marshmallows to represent the soft bedding, chocolate syrup to fill in tunnels and chambers and a gummi bear to represent the woodchuck.
History was a review of the 13 colonies, William Penn, Philadalphia and then how the country began on it's own as a democracy away from England. They learned the words democracy and American Revolution.
As for assessments, science they know, history I think once talking about it again they will know all the terms.
Cindy
History was a review of the 13 colonies, William Penn, Philadalphia and then how the country began on it's own as a democracy away from England. They learned the words democracy and American Revolution.
As for assessments, science they know, history I think once talking about it again they will know all the terms.
Cindy
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30
HISTORY 2 - Learned that castles were built of stone and took 5-10 years to build and often weren't completed even then (one castle took 45 to build and still wasn't completed!). They used moats, cliffs, hills and high walls for protection. When an enemy laid siege, it would last months or years. We learned about life in the castle and what the different rooms were used for. The great hall was where the feasts were held and minstrels, acrobats and jesters performed. They really enjoyed the lessons and asked good questions about how servants were treated and why people would be punished in the dungeon. We made our own catapults (really fun, they had a battle afterwards!) and colored some drawings of castle life. They remembered a lot about feudalism even though they had a hard time pronouncing it!
SCIENCE 2 - Metamorphic rock is formed when igneous or sedimentary rock are exposed to heat and pressure for a long time and they change into a different type of rock. For example, limestone becomes marble and shale becomes slate. We did an experiment different colored clay to represent limestone and pushing and twisting it then slicing it open to see that it had changed. They are still fascinated that all our digging never gets past the earth's crust. They really want to know how humans could survive going to the mantle layer. We'll look at David's fossils tomorrow because we ran out of time today.
They are really missing their playtime with just the 3 of them. We'll have to set up some days for that.
Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - Metamorphic rock is formed when igneous or sedimentary rock are exposed to heat and pressure for a long time and they change into a different type of rock. For example, limestone becomes marble and shale becomes slate. We did an experiment different colored clay to represent limestone and pushing and twisting it then slicing it open to see that it had changed. They are still fascinated that all our digging never gets past the earth's crust. They really want to know how humans could survive going to the mantle layer. We'll look at David's fossils tomorrow because we ran out of time today.
They are really missing their playtime with just the 3 of them. We'll have to set up some days for that.
Rachelle
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tues. Classes
We had a fun day today. It was nice having that extra French time. We had drama for about 1 hr. and 20 minutes and then baked chocolate chip cookies with the girls and Ian's help. Yum, yum. Then we watch the rainforest part on the "Planet Earth"series. Here is what we did:
K Music- we reviewed dynamics (loud and soft) by dancing, clapping, and singing. We used a staff to find "c" and "a" and used note chips to write out the rhythms that I sang to them. They did awesome with this. We learn a new note "d" which is on the 4th line. We also learned a new song game called "Mousie" which uses dynamics in it.
K History- We learned about Junipero Serra, a Spanish man who came from Spain to Mexico as a Catholic priest. He then traveled to San Diego and started the Spanish missions there and in L.A and the surrounding areas. We marked his journey on our maps. I wanted to have them build a mission with blocks, but we just ran out of time. By the time I got Ian over his "lost Deet" crisis and Eve in her bed we only have 30 minutes to do History. But, we did get most of it done.
Drama- We worked on projection today. So, if you hear "Those old boats don't float" while they are in the shower or bath you know why. I challenged them to practice this using their diaphrams to be loud, but not screaming. The vowels are held out like you are calling to someone across the ocean. They had fun with this and Holden and Quinn where able to be the loudest. They are all going to try and beat them for next week. We worked on a new part of the play with the monkey and ants and then broke into small groups to work on the songs. This worked out well. Suzy was able to pull out Holden and Isaac to do Art assessments and whoever I wasn't working with went outside to play for about 10 minutes at a time. We worked on Ella and Holden's cat song solo and the Sloth solos for Quinn, David, and Nadia. Just keep listening to the CD so they can learn the songs. Shaylene, David, and Isaac were begging me to do drama on Friday too, so maybe on the days we have time they can work on a few scenes at Rachelle's house after lunch. They seem excited about it.
K Music- we reviewed dynamics (loud and soft) by dancing, clapping, and singing. We used a staff to find "c" and "a" and used note chips to write out the rhythms that I sang to them. They did awesome with this. We learn a new note "d" which is on the 4th line. We also learned a new song game called "Mousie" which uses dynamics in it.
K History- We learned about Junipero Serra, a Spanish man who came from Spain to Mexico as a Catholic priest. He then traveled to San Diego and started the Spanish missions there and in L.A and the surrounding areas. We marked his journey on our maps. I wanted to have them build a mission with blocks, but we just ran out of time. By the time I got Ian over his "lost Deet" crisis and Eve in her bed we only have 30 minutes to do History. But, we did get most of it done.
Drama- We worked on projection today. So, if you hear "Those old boats don't float" while they are in the shower or bath you know why. I challenged them to practice this using their diaphrams to be loud, but not screaming. The vowels are held out like you are calling to someone across the ocean. They had fun with this and Holden and Quinn where able to be the loudest. They are all going to try and beat them for next week. We worked on a new part of the play with the monkey and ants and then broke into small groups to work on the songs. This worked out well. Suzy was able to pull out Holden and Isaac to do Art assessments and whoever I wasn't working with went outside to play for about 10 minutes at a time. We worked on Ella and Holden's cat song solo and the Sloth solos for Quinn, David, and Nadia. Just keep listening to the CD so they can learn the songs. Shaylene, David, and Isaac were begging me to do drama on Friday too, so maybe on the days we have time they can work on a few scenes at Rachelle's house after lunch. They seem excited about it.
Friday, January 25, 2008
St. Valentine's Day
How about having a party and lunch at my house on that Thursday before class at 10:30. I thought I would have the kids make heart shaped waffles in my waffle iron and we could throw on some berries and whipped cream. Then they can exchange simple hand made cards.
Also Rachelle and I came up with a fun idea of the children decorating their own boxes at home, that would represent something about themselves. Then could be used in a guessing contest.
Keeping it simple and fun.
Let me know what you think.
Suzy
Also Rachelle and I came up with a fun idea of the children decorating their own boxes at home, that would represent something about themselves. Then could be used in a guessing contest.
Keeping it simple and fun.
Let me know what you think.
Suzy
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thursday Art Jan. 24
K-Art Unit 6: lessons 3 and 4 Reviewed symbols we discussed last week and looked at an American artist (Jasper Johns) paintings of flags.
Next we looked at American Indian art from the eastern woodlands and southwest such as masks, designs on pottery, patterns on blankets, southwest rock art. Focusing on symbols used and their meanings.
We finished with a project using rock art symbols.
Please send Come Look with Me: Animals in Art in backpacks next Tuesday. I might have to start some assessments because the boys have theirs too. I will do David's this week-end.
2nd grade Art Unit 8: lessons 7 and 8 Today we looked at three cathedrals of the Middle Ages and stained glass windows. The Pisa Cathedral has rounded arches like the Romans used in their buildings. We learned something new to us today, that the leaning tower of Pisa is the bell tower the Pisa Cathedral. The Cathedral of Notre Dame has pointed arches which most cathedrals of the Middle Ages from that time on have. It also has huge circular windows which are called rose windows. The Chartres Cathedral was famous for the blue color of glass used in its windows. Cathedrals of the Middle Ages are shaped like a cross.
I really do think this information was soaked up by the boys through all the silliness and loudness. We will see next week on the assessment.
Suzy
Next we looked at American Indian art from the eastern woodlands and southwest such as masks, designs on pottery, patterns on blankets, southwest rock art. Focusing on symbols used and their meanings.
We finished with a project using rock art symbols.
Please send Come Look with Me: Animals in Art in backpacks next Tuesday. I might have to start some assessments because the boys have theirs too. I will do David's this week-end.
2nd grade Art Unit 8: lessons 7 and 8 Today we looked at three cathedrals of the Middle Ages and stained glass windows. The Pisa Cathedral has rounded arches like the Romans used in their buildings. We learned something new to us today, that the leaning tower of Pisa is the bell tower the Pisa Cathedral. The Cathedral of Notre Dame has pointed arches which most cathedrals of the Middle Ages from that time on have. It also has huge circular windows which are called rose windows. The Chartres Cathedral was famous for the blue color of glass used in its windows. Cathedrals of the Middle Ages are shaped like a cross.
I really do think this information was soaked up by the boys through all the silliness and loudness. We will see next week on the assessment.
Suzy
THURSDAY JAN. 24
SCIENCE 2 - learned about fossils and how they are plants, animals or the imprints of plants and animals. they are usually bones, teeth or shells because they are formed when a porous material absorbs a mineral and hardens into stone. we excavated our fossils from yesterday (I baked them alone today, so they're hard now!) and made an imprint of a fossil in clay. we'll fill those with Plaster of Paris when they harden. Isaac and David really had fun digging apart the pieces of sand that had hardened from the Epsom salt. Isaac wants to rebuild his and bury it for someone to find in a million years.
they were rowdy but we made it through reading the book!
SCIENCE K - learned about winter and how squirrels and other animals have to dig up or eat their stored food because there are not enough plants growing to eat. we cut out the snowflakes and them and squirrels eating nuts to the mural. Cindy, I took the nuts off from fall and they put them under leaves to bury them! they seem to really like this project. we reviewed deciduous and coniferous trees and talked about their favorite winter activities: Ella - playing in the snow, Nadia - eating fresh, white snow, Quinn - having snowball fights. pretty good for desert kids!
SCIENCE K NEEDS UNIT 10 HANDOUTS IN THEIR FOLDERS.
see you tomorrow, Rachelle
they were rowdy but we made it through reading the book!
SCIENCE K - learned about winter and how squirrels and other animals have to dig up or eat their stored food because there are not enough plants growing to eat. we cut out the snowflakes and them and squirrels eating nuts to the mural. Cindy, I took the nuts off from fall and they put them under leaves to bury them! they seem to really like this project. we reviewed deciduous and coniferous trees and talked about their favorite winter activities: Ella - playing in the snow, Nadia - eating fresh, white snow, Quinn - having snowball fights. pretty good for desert kids!
SCIENCE K NEEDS UNIT 10 HANDOUTS IN THEIR FOLDERS.
see you tomorrow, Rachelle
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wed K Science and History
We had a good day and it was nice to have Quinn back. He didn't seem too tired. He did stop on the trampoline and went inside before everyone else.
History- we reviewed Pilgrims and the Mayflower and the reason why the Pilgrims wanted to leave England. We learned how Pennsylvania was made a colony through William Penn and his agreement with the king. Then we went and identified the 13 original colonies. (at this point Maine was part of Massachusetts).
Science- we introduce the seasons and started with fall. We learned about deciduous and evergreen trees and talked about the leaves changing color and falling and the temperature being cooler, and about hibernation and how the squirrels hide their nuts.
Cindy
History- we reviewed Pilgrims and the Mayflower and the reason why the Pilgrims wanted to leave England. We learned how Pennsylvania was made a colony through William Penn and his agreement with the king. Then we went and identified the 13 original colonies. (at this point Maine was part of Massachusetts).
Science- we introduce the seasons and started with fall. We learned about deciduous and evergreen trees and talked about the leaves changing color and falling and the temperature being cooler, and about hibernation and how the squirrels hide their nuts.
Cindy
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23
HISTORY 2 - Great lesson on how the Vikings took over the part of France that became Normandy (named after them, the "Normans"). The king gave the Vikings Normandy and made their leader the Duke of Normandy in exchange for them becoming Christian. William (the Duke) had a battle with King Harold of Britain (the battle of Hastings) and became King of England. I found a couple of great websites with the Bayeux Tapestry - this amazing 230 feet long tapestry made in 1066 right after William became king that depicts the relationship between Harold and William and the battle at Hastings. One website shows a panoramic view of the whole tapestry and the other is this very cool animation made with scenes from the tapestry complete with music and sound effects. You have to check it out - I'll send you the websites if you're interested. We also learned about a Viking myth Sigurd the Dragonslayer and then we took the Unit Assessment which was easy.
SCIENCE 2 - learned about sedimentary rock which is made from layers of the particles of larger rocks, sand, mud and water. Sandstone and limestone are examples. We made a "fossil" that we'll use tomorrow and made a conglomerate of sand, rock and glue that will hopefully be ready by tomorrow. They had good questions and good focus today.
WE NEED HISTORY UNIT 10 HANDOUTS IN THE FOLDERS FOR NEXT WEEK
See you tomorrow, Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - learned about sedimentary rock which is made from layers of the particles of larger rocks, sand, mud and water. Sandstone and limestone are examples. We made a "fossil" that we'll use tomorrow and made a conglomerate of sand, rock and glue that will hopefully be ready by tomorrow. They had good questions and good focus today.
WE NEED HISTORY UNIT 10 HANDOUTS IN THE FOLDERS FOR NEXT WEEK
See you tomorrow, Rachelle
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tues. Classes
History Class
We had a nice day today. We crammed a lot into a short amount of time :-). It was fun having Shaylene here today. She was a great example and a good helper. Here is what we did...
K History- reviewed Christopher Columbus and learned about the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving. We sang the Columbus song several times to reinforce 1492 and the ship names. I hope they remember them! I also read them a book called "The First Thanksgiving". They all were able to answer the assessment questions while we colored. It was really cute because everyone was in there on the floor coloring together even Shaylene, Harrison and Ian.
Drama- We did several drama games and practiced stage direction again. I introduced the end of the play and we worked a little on the last song. They got a little crazy the last 5 minutes, but what can you expect with no running breaks :-). I am going to make the CD's this week and get them to you so you can start listening. Shaylene has great stage presence and is very animated. I think she will be a great example of how to act on stage!
Cindy---Nadia completed the Math lesson on pictographs today. That worked really well for them to do their Math while everyone was at piano.
Monday, January 21, 2008
SCIENCE BOOK NEEDED FOR WED.
Hi Everyone!
Suzy and Ranae - I need the book "Fossils tell of long ago" for Wed.
See you tomorrow,
Rachelle
Suzy and Ranae - I need the book "Fossils tell of long ago" for Wed.
See you tomorrow,
Rachelle
Friday, January 18, 2008
Art Jan. 18th
K-ART Unit 6: lessons 1 and 2 Introduced symbols and learned pictures are used to stand for something, the boy and girl symbols on bathroom doors, a heart is a symbol of love etc......
We looked at pictures of the Statue of Liberty, an American symbol of freedom. We looked at the symbol of the eagle on a quarter. We looked at Robert Rauschenbergs art work, Estes. His art work shows symbols you might see in a city. He used mixed-media of photographs and paint. The art project was modeled after his painting. Great productive day.
We you missed Quinn, get well soon.
2nd grade-Art Unit: 8 lessons 6 and 7 Vikings were master wood-carvers and ship builders. We looked the craftsmanship of ships and carts that were built by the Vikings. We also looked at picture stones the Vikings made to let other people know of their important achievements. The picture stones were put outside in public areas for all to view.
The art project was modeled after the pictures and carvings of animals that twist around and overlap. Save them for the art show.
Have a great week-end, Suzy
We looked at pictures of the Statue of Liberty, an American symbol of freedom. We looked at the symbol of the eagle on a quarter. We looked at Robert Rauschenbergs art work, Estes. His art work shows symbols you might see in a city. He used mixed-media of photographs and paint. The art project was modeled after his painting. Great productive day.
We you missed Quinn, get well soon.
2nd grade-Art Unit: 8 lessons 6 and 7 Vikings were master wood-carvers and ship builders. We looked the craftsmanship of ships and carts that were built by the Vikings. We also looked at picture stones the Vikings made to let other people know of their important achievements. The picture stones were put outside in public areas for all to view.
The art project was modeled after the pictures and carvings of animals that twist around and overlap. Save them for the art show.
Have a great week-end, Suzy
Thursday, January 17, 2008
THURS. JAN. 17
SCIENCE 2 - learned about how melted rock in the mantle layer is called magma until it reaches the earth's surface and then it's called lava. learned that hardened formerly melted rock is called igneous rock and the earth's crust is made of igneous rock. read from the K12 rock book and also a volcano book that I brought. we looked at 3 igneous rocks out of the kit - granite and basalt (which is formed from undersea volcanoes.) we found some rocks outside to look at next week and try to name. we did an experiment with melted chocolate to see how it hardens like igneous rock - it was a big hit, of course, because they got to eat it! I have a volcano kit I was going to do tomorrow but we'll do it next week.
SCIENCE K - finished their weather chart - Nadia looked on Ella's because I didn't see it in her folder. we made a graph using the chart - it's Arizona so there wasn't much to see - all sunny days and short sleeves :) we learned about severe weather - drought, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. they were relieved that we don't have to worry about hurricanes or tornadoes here in the desert. we did an experiment in the back yard making a flood and they had fun with that. they were very cute playing together and they are "going to start where they left off" tomorrow!
Rachelle
SCIENCE K - finished their weather chart - Nadia looked on Ella's because I didn't see it in her folder. we made a graph using the chart - it's Arizona so there wasn't much to see - all sunny days and short sleeves :) we learned about severe weather - drought, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. they were relieved that we don't have to worry about hurricanes or tornadoes here in the desert. we did an experiment in the back yard making a flood and they had fun with that. they were very cute playing together and they are "going to start where they left off" tomorrow!
Rachelle
Wed K science and history
Once again we missed Quinn. The girls are sure all feeling out their spots now with Shaylene here. What drama!
Science- we learned how clouds are formed and then how the clouds become so full that it rains. They got to see on the wax paper how the raindrops connect and then in the cotton ball how the water becomes so heavy that the water drops out. We made a rainbow outside with the mirror, water, paper and sun (it actually worked). We attempted the painting of the rainbow but I think at that point they thought they were in Ranae's drama class, so it didn't get too far.
History- we talked about Christopher Columbus, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. I think they understood how it happened that the America's were found (this land being in the way of a direct route from Europe to Asia going west)
Cindy
Science- we learned how clouds are formed and then how the clouds become so full that it rains. They got to see on the wax paper how the raindrops connect and then in the cotton ball how the water becomes so heavy that the water drops out. We made a rainbow outside with the mirror, water, paper and sun (it actually worked). We attempted the painting of the rainbow but I think at that point they thought they were in Ranae's drama class, so it didn't get too far.
History- we talked about Christopher Columbus, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. I think they understood how it happened that the America's were found (this land being in the way of a direct route from Europe to Asia going west)
Cindy
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16
SCIENCE 2 - looked more closely at the rock collection. learned that rocks are made of many different minerals and that minerals form different types/shapes of crystals. David knew that salt is a mineral and we looked at salt through magnifying glasses and saw that it's shaped like a cube. We looked at my diamonds and some other crystals to compare shapes. Learned about Moh's Scale of mineral hardness - talc is the softest and diamonds are the hardest. We had a good discussion about this and started an experiment to make crystals from sugar and water.
HISTORY 2- Reviewed Leif Erickson and Erik the Red. Learned about Viking village life and that their alphabet is made of runes (letters). Learned that they built their villages on fjords (water inlets surrounded by high stone cliffs) so that they could easily and secretly dock their ships. We'll make runes when we get some better clay. Learned about Viking trade practices. We also learned about Viking gods and goddesses. Odin was the king of the gods, Thor was his eldest son and makes thunder and lightning with a hammer, Tyr is the wise and brave god of war, Loki is the mischief maker, and Freya is the goddess of love and beauty. Tuesday is named for Tyr, Wednesday for Odin (pronounced Wodin by the Anglo-Saxons), Thursday for Thor and Friday for Freya - who knew? We looked at the Viking book for awhile to show illustrations village life.
After the "writing" assignment, which happened after the first two lessons were really chaotic, they all said that "I will be respectful in class" was going through their heads. I told them that that was the point - to help them remember that rule. They really pulled it together after that and our last lesson was much better :)
Rachelle
HISTORY 2- Reviewed Leif Erickson and Erik the Red. Learned about Viking village life and that their alphabet is made of runes (letters). Learned that they built their villages on fjords (water inlets surrounded by high stone cliffs) so that they could easily and secretly dock their ships. We'll make runes when we get some better clay. Learned about Viking trade practices. We also learned about Viking gods and goddesses. Odin was the king of the gods, Thor was his eldest son and makes thunder and lightning with a hammer, Tyr is the wise and brave god of war, Loki is the mischief maker, and Freya is the goddess of love and beauty. Tuesday is named for Tyr, Wednesday for Odin (pronounced Wodin by the Anglo-Saxons), Thursday for Thor and Friday for Freya - who knew? We looked at the Viking book for awhile to show illustrations village life.
After the "writing" assignment, which happened after the first two lessons were really chaotic, they all said that "I will be respectful in class" was going through their heads. I told them that that was the point - to help them remember that rule. They really pulled it together after that and our last lesson was much better :)
Rachelle
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tues. Classes
Today was a fun day.
We got to celebrate Harrison's birthday, so that was fun! Here is what we did.......
K Music- talked about music that is special for specific occasioins (like "Happy Birthday" and "Take Me Out To The Ball Game"). We played musical baseball using the glockenspiel, we learned that "p" means soft and "f" means loud and sang songs loud and soft and danced to music that was loud and soft. We reviewed Lucy Locket. Good Class.
K History- The Indians of the Eastern Woodlands. We learned how they used the forest around them to make thier homes (wigwams) and hunted animals for food and clothing. They used porcupine quills to decorate thier clothes which they thought was funny. The wigwams turned out to be better hats. Oh, well....you know my track record with crafts!
Drama- we learned the 6 sections of the stage and played a game using the 3 directions (center, right and left) and the positions (down stage, center stage, and up stage). We warmed up our bodies and tongues with some fun tongue twisters and songs. We handed out scripts and read through the first 2 scenes and listened to the songs that go with those scenes. Once we got into the reading of the scripts they really got into it. The scripts are in the green folders. They don't need to be worked on yet until they have the Cd. I will have those for next week. It is going to be very cute :-).
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Art
2nd grade art - we will be finishing Unit 8 next. We did lesson 1 - 5 Roman art earlier in the year and will now finish lessons 6-10 Middle ages viking art. Which is about viking art, cathedrals, stained glass and triptychs.
K art - Unit 6 is next: American Symbols and American Indian Art
Last week was nice they all produced wonderful projects. We are off to a great start.
Suzy
K art - Unit 6 is next: American Symbols and American Indian Art
Last week was nice they all produced wonderful projects. We are off to a great start.
Suzy
Thursday, January 10, 2008
THURSDAY JAN. 10
SCIENCE 2 - Reviewed yesterday's lesson and introduced the book and the rock collection. We talked about rocks' properties (characteristics) and how you can sort them according to property. We sorted them by texture, color, weight, shininess and then by combinations of properties. They are really excited about the rocks. We read all the names of the rocks they have and I told them they could bring some rocks from home for us to look at next Wed. They can't wait to pull out the magnetite and see if it's really magnetic :) I kept Isaac's box with me, so let me know Ranae if he wants it at home. We read the first few pages of the rock book and it's in their backpacks if they want to see it.
SCIENCE K - Learned about clouds - how they are made from water and why they have different shapes. I started talking about them in the car on the way home so they could look for different shapes. We cut out the paper camera and went outside to "take pictures" of clouds. They got really into this! We learned about cumulus, stratus, cirrus and cumulonimbus clouds and I showed them pictures from my weather book. They had fun looking at the pictures and doing the worksheet where they had to match the cloud shape with the weather. It was a good day.
Rachelle
SCIENCE K - Learned about clouds - how they are made from water and why they have different shapes. I started talking about them in the car on the way home so they could look for different shapes. We cut out the paper camera and went outside to "take pictures" of clouds. They got really into this! We learned about cumulus, stratus, cirrus and cumulonimbus clouds and I showed them pictures from my weather book. They had fun looking at the pictures and doing the worksheet where they had to match the cloud shape with the weather. It was a good day.
Rachelle
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Wed K science and history
We had a good day. We missed Quinn, but had enough drama with Shaylene being here now and added to the mix.
Science- more on weather - wind today. They learned how you know the air is blowing since you can't see wind. We experimented with different objects to see if the "wind" of a hairdryer would blow them. We found that objects we didn't think would blow, did if they were able to be blown over and then roll.
History - we did a really short lesson, didn't do option of building tipi. Talked about the Great Plains and buffalo and how the Native Americans would use all of the animal after killing it.
Cindy
Science- more on weather - wind today. They learned how you know the air is blowing since you can't see wind. We experimented with different objects to see if the "wind" of a hairdryer would blow them. We found that objects we didn't think would blow, did if they were able to be blown over and then roll.
History - we did a really short lesson, didn't do option of building tipi. Talked about the Great Plains and buffalo and how the Native Americans would use all of the animal after killing it.
Cindy
ESTRELLA WAR
I heard back from the coordinator and the tour this year is Friday, Feb. 15. The times available are 9:30, 10:00 and 11:00. I think we should sign up for the 9:30 slot, then we'll have more time to stay if we want to. I need to respond back with a head-count and I'd like to get us signed up soon, so let me know tomorrow or Friday. Suzy suggested we ask the dads if they're interested in taking a day off for this seeing as it's free and totally amazing and fun. I think they should dress up, too.....Let me know what everyone thinks....
Rachelle
Rachelle
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9
HISTORY 2 - On Tues. we finished the Islamic Empire with the Muslims taking over Spain. They invaded after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and built a palace called Alhambra that is incredibly beautiful. Having them write their own summary using 4 key words worked out well, despite some protesting. I think that will be a good format to use in the future. Today we reviewed the entire semester and took the Semester Assessment. They did very well and only had difficulty with reading a couple of words in the exam. We began the unit on Vikings, which they found very interesting and we had good discussions about the subject. The Vikings really were ruthless and the story from the Reading Room was a little bit upsetting - they kept trying to make it different somehow (but the villagers could defend themselves a little bit with that hoe, right Ms. Rachelle?). They did like the Viking ships with dragons on the front and the fact that some Vikings wore bear skins and screamed to scare the people they fought. They were called "berserkers" which means "bear skin" and is the origin of the word "berserk," which the boys thought was hilarious.
SCIENCE 2 - Began the unit on geology (the study of the earth). When I asked what they thought the scientists were called who studied the earth, David answered, "Earthologists." What a great answer! We learned about the 3 layers of the earth - crust, mantle and core. We made a diagram that is drying at my house tonight and took an elevator through the layers in the Reading Room 3 times. It's fun if they want to do it at home it's in the first lesson. Lots of good questions and discussion. I think a trip to the Mining Museum would be good while we're studying this unit. Any thoughts?
See you tomorrow! Rachelle
SCIENCE 2 - Began the unit on geology (the study of the earth). When I asked what they thought the scientists were called who studied the earth, David answered, "Earthologists." What a great answer! We learned about the 3 layers of the earth - crust, mantle and core. We made a diagram that is drying at my house tonight and took an elevator through the layers in the Reading Room 3 times. It's fun if they want to do it at home it's in the first lesson. Lots of good questions and discussion. I think a trip to the Mining Museum would be good while we're studying this unit. Any thoughts?
See you tomorrow! Rachelle
Art -2008
Hi Girls,
The boys will need - How Artist See Play, for Thursday. They will be finishing unit 5, making a self-portrait and brain storming for the rock art project. Shaylene will be joining them for these projects.
K - will be doing unit 6 lessons 7 & 8. Meet the artist Faith Ringgold.
Cindy, I still need to talk to Rachelle about Thursdays schedule. I will get back to you.
It feels great to be back. Happy New Year!
Suzy
The boys will need - How Artist See Play, for Thursday. They will be finishing unit 5, making a self-portrait and brain storming for the rock art project. Shaylene will be joining them for these projects.
K - will be doing unit 6 lessons 7 & 8. Meet the artist Faith Ringgold.
Cindy, I still need to talk to Rachelle about Thursdays schedule. I will get back to you.
It feels great to be back. Happy New Year!
Suzy
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
First Day Back
It was great to get back in the swing of things today. I know my kids were excited! Poor Harrison, we sure hope he feels better. Thanks Rachelle for subing today! Here is what we did---
KMusic- we started the 2nd semester---book 2. The green disk for those of you who have all the disks. We reviewed for last semester notes, staff, songs, glockenspiel, and instrument families. We will be learning 4 new notes on the glockenspiel and many songs this semester.
K History- introduced Native Americans as the first Americans. We focused on the Southwest Indians (the Anasazi). We read "When Clay Sings" and colored our own pot. We also talked about their daily life. I think it would be great to visit the Heard Museum or Montezuma's Castle to reinforce this. What do you guys think?
Drama- I am going to love this class! We have 9 kids, which is the perfect # for theatre. Today I introduced my class. We did some warm-up body excerices and some diction activities to work on pronunciation. I had them do a short charades activity to get them use to performing in front of others. We have a lot of work to do here! I introduced their play "Rompus in the Rain Forest" and listed all the characters. They each chose their favorite character they wanted to be, then I will assign them 3 others to be. They all seemed to pick different ones, so that is good. Hopefully the play will be here this week so I can start next week.
KMusic- we started the 2nd semester---book 2. The green disk for those of you who have all the disks. We reviewed for last semester notes, staff, songs, glockenspiel, and instrument families. We will be learning 4 new notes on the glockenspiel and many songs this semester.
K History- introduced Native Americans as the first Americans. We focused on the Southwest Indians (the Anasazi). We read "When Clay Sings" and colored our own pot. We also talked about their daily life. I think it would be great to visit the Heard Museum or Montezuma's Castle to reinforce this. What do you guys think?
Drama- I am going to love this class! We have 9 kids, which is the perfect # for theatre. Today I introduced my class. We did some warm-up body excerices and some diction activities to work on pronunciation. I had them do a short charades activity to get them use to performing in front of others. We have a lot of work to do here! I introduced their play "Rompus in the Rain Forest" and listed all the characters. They each chose their favorite character they wanted to be, then I will assign them 3 others to be. They all seemed to pick different ones, so that is good. Hopefully the play will be here this week so I can start next week.
Monday, January 7, 2008
INFO. FOR WEEK OF JAN. 7
STUFF I NEED FOR WED. JAN. 9 - Suzy and Ranae, I'll need the boys' rock collection from K12 and the book "Let's go rock collecting" for the rest of this unit. We'll be sorting their rocks and storing them in egg cartons - I can either keep them here or you can take them home, but be sure to keep them organized the way we have them until the end of the unit. Next week have them bring any other rocks they have at home that we can compare to the ones from K12.
SCHEDULE CHANGE - If it works out for everyone, I'd like to start Creative Writing and Recorder this Friday. Creative Writing for the 2nd grade would be from 9:30 - 10:30 and Recorder from 11:00 - 11:30 or 11:30 -12:00 depending on Quinn's violin lesson, Ranae will know by tomorrow. Everyone can bring lunch and stay for a bit after. Cindy, does this time for Recorder work for you with Shaylene? I'll bring a working schedule tomorrow.
Happy First Week Back!
Rachelle
SCHEDULE CHANGE - If it works out for everyone, I'd like to start Creative Writing and Recorder this Friday. Creative Writing for the 2nd grade would be from 9:30 - 10:30 and Recorder from 11:00 - 11:30 or 11:30 -12:00 depending on Quinn's violin lesson, Ranae will know by tomorrow. Everyone can bring lunch and stay for a bit after. Cindy, does this time for Recorder work for you with Shaylene? I'll bring a working schedule tomorrow.
Happy First Week Back!
Rachelle
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Ballet Arizona
Sorry gals,
I thought I was doing a new post, but it went under comments.
Please check out comments on the woodworking post.
Cindy
I thought I was doing a new post, but it went under comments.
Please check out comments on the woodworking post.
Cindy
Woodworking Day for the Boys
Here are some pictures from the 2nd graders "Woodworking with Mr. Paul" :-). I had to laugh because I went out there about 15 minutes into it and all the boys were in the garage planning their projects and wearing all their protective gear. I went out about 45 minutes into it and the 3 men where in there playing with the tools and cutting out weapons and the kids were running all over the place---Ian was riding his bike down the middle of the street, Quinn was riding his bike barefoot with no helmet, and kids were everywhere. It was pretty funny--where was the ADULT supervision--hee,hee. Gotta love men. Anyway. I hope everyone liked their weapons of mass destruction. I think Holden was the only one who actually had a life savor. Everyone else had rifles and pistols. I was thinking along the lines of birdhouse, but I guess the guys had a great time. Paul said they need to do this more often. He had a great time. I guess the girls are going to have to plan something so Cindy can get in on this :-).
Friday, January 4, 2008
Tues. Schedule
Here is the schedule for Tues. that we all talked about:
8:30- K Music
9:30- piano
10:30- lunch and recess
11:15- History
12:00-French
1:00- Drama
2:00-School Ends
Thurs.--recorder would start 3 or 3:30 depending on if Shaylene joins or not.
Should be fun!
Ranae
8:30- K Music
9:30- piano
10:30- lunch and recess
11:15- History
12:00-French
1:00- Drama
2:00-School Ends
Thurs.--recorder would start 3 or 3:30 depending on if Shaylene joins or not.
Should be fun!
Ranae
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