November 16th already! It has been too long since I have posted on this blog, so I will add some pictures over the next few days.
I don’t think any of us are quite ready for the snow and Arctic temperatures (that are forecast for tomorrow and Tuesday morning). Please remember to dress your children warmly this upcoming week. Also, since the air is getting noticeably drier, it would be great if you could send a tube of lip balm for your child to keep in their desk here at school.
We have been reading and learning about the Pilgrims and the voyage on the Mayflower to the New World. It is agreed by all of us that we are so thankful that we live now, and not back then. Hopefully, your child has told you some things about this voyage and their settlement here in the US. If you go to Plimoth.org, you can see lots of great photos about this subject.
Another topic that has been of interest, are ‘true animal hero’ stories. The kids love these, and this led us to learn about Binti Jua – a gorilla that rescued a 3 year old boy who had fallen into his enclosure at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. You may have heard about it on TV. I remember seeing it. You can also find the videos about in on Youtube. We found out that Binti Jua was an aunt to Koko, the gorilla (who has learned lot of sign language). So, we listened to two books about Koko, and have enjoyed holding our class stuffed Koko, and also Michael (Koko’s gorilla friend). You can go to Koko.org and see lots of videos of Koko signing. Koko still lives in Woodside, CA.
This past Friday, Frank Slabaugh came in and helped the children with a digital story telling activity. They had already written a sentence or two about a turkey disguise, so typed their sentences into the story-telling app on the ipad. Then, those who had time drew their turkey’s disguise. Next week, Frank will help them record their ‘story’ into the app, and they will be able to listen to themselves tell their story. Plus, I think they can save it and share it with you somehow. (I will have to wait and see if that is right.)
In our Benchmark Reading lessons, we have been learning about Main idea, details, sequence of events, character analysis, and being able to visualize what is happening in the story. Also, the kids have had a couple of Reader’s Theater stories that they can ‘act out’. Right now, they are working on Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, and some of them will perform it for the 2nd graders tomorrow. We are working using fluency, expression and keeping your place in the script while others are talking.
Our Math unit is about measurement now. You have probably surmised this from the Home Links they have brought home. Thanks for doing these with your children. It really helps them a lot!