It felt great to be back to school this week! The kids kept asking if they could hug me! I feel like I'm good as new!
This week we began the first of several science units for this year. As an introduction, we discussed some of the "rules" of being a scientist. I began by explaining that many of the objects and materials in science may appear to be something other than what they really are and so scientists NEVER put things in their mouths! We also talked about how scientists are very curious and ask lots of questions and wonder a lot about the world around. This is a very curious bunch, so I think we've got that part covered! Our unit is about Properties. This week they examined many different materials (buttons, styrofoam, feathers, rubber bands, wooden blocks, rocks, sandpaper, marbles, etc.) and we made a chart of words describing the properties of the objects. We'll be examining the properties of more objects and then water in its various states.
We finished our math penguin unit this week. The next unit is a geometry unit. The class has been learning the names of 3-D shapes during our calendar routine and sorting shapes by properties (nice connection, eh?). Because the focus is less on math facts and more so on geometry, some future homework will have math fact practice to keep up those skills.
On Tuesday, I sent home (via email) a sign up sheet for parent/teacher conferences. Conferences are being held on April 7th and 8th. I've included several 7:30am times for those of you who can't make it in the afternoon. If you'd like to schedule a conference, please let me know...you can send an email or paper note!
Have a great weekend!
