Working together and Farming

I am happy to report that week 1 of my solo weeks has gone smoothly and has been a lot of fun! I have planned my own unit for these weeks that connects a math unit on farming with reading and writing strategies. Everything is brought together under the central life concept of "Interdependence."

So far, this week, we have started to learn about the different interdependent parts of a farm, which work together to produce the food we eat. The class is really enjoying building model farms and adding to it, as we learn about buildings, machines, and jobs on a farm. They have also made farm folders and used farm money to pay for everything they "buy" for their farms.

In reading, we are reading about and discussing the word "interdependence"? We have been reading some really good stories about different examples of how people count on each other, such as family, friends, and community. In writing, we are working relating these examples to our own lives, by writing letters about interdependent groups of people we belong to. Everyone has been having a great time talking and writing about how they help others and what their responsibilities are in different areas of their lives.

I have a lot of fun and exciting things planned for next week to continue learning about farms and how we all work together to be successful. The class will be split into groups and creating different projects together about farms. They will all be writing a song, acting in a skit, and building a model farm over a span of three days. These model farms will be based on the ones they are making individually, but they will have to pool their ideas together and create one group farm. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have up their sleeves!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Ali

Week of April 2nd

Wow it's hard to believe it's April already! Our week began with a presentation from Madeleine on "African Animals". Madeleine told us some interesting facts about several animals that you will find in Africa such as the zebra, giraffe, cheetah, and crocodile. We found out that her favorite is the cheetah. Great Job Madeleine! Last week Max began our week with a presentation on Ocean Life. He shared some shells, coral and had a great video that students watched during Choice time. He even made up a game that students could play where they learned about various sea life from a book brought in by Max. Great job Max! Check out their pictures above.

Last week on Thursday we went to a concert in the gym which was performed by an orchestra called "VYO Sinfonia". It was a real treat! The students were excited to hear some music from "Harry Potter" and learn about the different instruments found in the orchestra.

For the past 2 weeks Ali has worked on some lessons with the students on cooperative learning. They have worked together to direct each other in making pattern block patterns without looking, having to trade puzzles pieces to make 3 circles without talking and this week they were each given a specific job (facilitator, reporter, recorder, and materials manager) and together designed a pattern block picture. They will be using these skills over the next 2 weeks during Ali's solo weeks. They have done a terrific job working together.

In math we wrapped up Unit 5 and will begin our Farm Unit next week. This will be an interdisciplinary unit like the Penguin unit. It should be a lot of fun for the students. They will be building farms, learning about the different farm animals and having to earn money in order to purchase items for their farms. It will be a great learning experience.

In writing we will be wrapping up our Opinion writing by vacation. When we come back we will start a unit on Poetry.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Nancy