The kindergartners have started a dinosaur unit. This week they recited “Five Little Dinosaurs Jumping on the Bed,” learned facts about some very large dinosaurs by reading Giant Dinosaurs by Erna Rowe, and did the “Dinosaur Dance.” They also got to see and touch a replica of an Allosaurus footprint!
Since the end of the school year is near, all kindergarten students are asked to return their library books the week of May 24, 2010. Thank you for your cooperation.
The first graders continued their fox unit this week. The lesson started with a group reading of the poem “Sly Mr. Fox.” The poem was followed by a reading of What’s in Fox’s Sack: an Old English Tale by Paul Galdone. After the hearing the folktale, the children identified the story problem and sequenced the events. At the end of the tale, the characters enjoy some gingerbread so Mrs. Miliano served freshly baked gingerbread to all who wished to try it. Many children were not familiar with gingerbread, but most enjoyed the tasty treat.
Miss Mallon’s second graders were amazed by a math magic number-guessing game. After correctly guessing volunteers’ numbers a few times, Mrs. Miliano divulged the secret. Sets of number cards were distributed so students could perform the magic trick at home.
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Sturtevant’s second graders learned about simple machines. This week they showed their understanding of the devices by sorting objects into one of three categories: inclined plane, wedge, and screw. Many items had not been discussed in previous lessons, but the class was able to sort them correctly. Bravo, second graders!
Miss Kimball’s second graders have their latest book projects on display in the library. As a class, the students did an author study of Beatrix Potter. They read many of her stories featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and Jeremy Fisher. Then each student picked his/her favorite story to illustrate in a box. The delightful dioramas adorn the counters in the story area. Come take a peek!
The kindergartners finished their frog unit this week. After reading and recalling the sequence of events of Jump, Frog, Jump by Robert Kalan, the children used their frog puppets to help retell the story of “The Wide-Mouth Frog.” Have you heard the story yet? If not, just ask a kindergarten student to tell it! “Wide-mouth frog, wide-mouth frog, gee, it’s great to be a wide-mouth frog!”
The first graders have started a unit about the fox as it is portrayed in children’s literature. The stereotypical fox, as in the folktale Henny Penny, is sneaky and clever. In the picture books Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins and Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens by James Marshall, however, the cunning fox is outfoxed! All three stories were a hit with the first graders.