March 31, 2009

Thanks to Mr. Sullivan's class for sharing their Science projects with us this morning. We got to try out several simple machines.

March 26, 2009

Today we start the last unit in our Second Step lessons. These lessons are all about handling anger. There is important information in the planner pocket today. This adds to what is in the planner.

Anger is neutral. It is neither good nor bad. It is simply a signal that something is wrong.

We feel anger when we are frustrated or feel threatened in some way. It is important to know when we are angry so we can fix whatever is wrong. Our lessons will be helping children to calm down, not because the anger itself is bad, but because we don't think well when we are at the top of Anger Mountain.

In his excellent book, Make Anger Your Ally, Neil Clark Warren says that anger is like nuclear power, it can blow up a city or light up a city. Learning how to identify and harness our anger is one of life's most important lessons.

March 25, 2009

Today we took the challenge of measuring to see which curved path was longest and which was shortest. We used string because we could bend it. 

At home you can collect things with curves and use a string to see which things are longer and which are shorter.

March 24

Mr. Heidebrecht dropped in this morning and caught us dancing.

On the academic front, we have been comparing measurements using words that end in -er. We are using words like taller, shorter, wider, longer, thinner, heavier, lighter, bigger, and smaller.

Today we thought about whether it would be better to be big or little.

We will be talking about how something can be both big and little at the same time.

Not everyone was able to come to class on Thursday. Our door is open. You should know that you child made a hanging and left a place for you to write what your child is doing in school that makes you feel proud. When you come in, your child will help you to add your comments to that of the other parents.

March 10, 2009

Today we practiced Mental Math. We made pictures in our heads to help us solve story problems. You can help by asking simple questions we can figure out by making pictures in our heads.

For example, today we thought about 10-frames and how they help us to add up numbers like 5+6. 

We also practiced showing our work to each other so we will be able to show it to you when you come on Thursday.

March 9, 2009

With all the snow at the north end of the coast, there were some changes in who was in our building.  Mr. Heidebrecht stayed snuggly safe in Halfmoon Bay, while Mr. Walters, the principal from Halfmoon Bay was here. He came into our room just before lunch to read Scribbleville.

Today's Good Math Question:

Some summer bears are roaming. Winter comes.

Some bears go into the cave.

3 bears are left out.

How many might have been summer roaming bears?

How many might be in the cave?

The big idea was to learn how to write a number story like:

5-x=3  

Except that we drew a box instead of writing an x, and I haven't figured out how to make the box on the Web.

For those whose children did not bring home the notice this week about coming to the school, here is the information:

I will be in the classroom this Thursday from 1:30 to 6:30. During that time you are welcome to come with your child who will show you his or her work. 

I will be available to answer specific questions about student work, but will not be having private interviews at that time. 

If you want a private interview with me, please let me know what time works for you, and I will do my best to accommodate you.

March 6, 2009

Today was report card day. Remember to sign the card cover and return the cover and the envelope. We'll need them at the end of the year.

We had a great time this morning with our special guest from the Knotty Daughters. Each child had a chance to play a marimba-xylophone duet with Katherine. The video camera didn't cooperate, but I'll create a slide show of all the kids playing and post it here when I get a chance.

March 5, 2009

We had a great Math question today and most children used the strategy of an ordered list to find lots of answers. Here is our latest good Math question:

There are some frogs in a pond.

Some jump out.

There are 6 frogs left in the pond.

How many might be in the pond at the start?

How many might jump out?

March 3, 2009

The children are writing their own report cards. First we looked at the reports they produced back in November. Then we listed the main things we've learned since then. That's quite an impressive list! Each child is drawing or writing about the things (s)he is most proud of.

The Good Math Question we posted yesterday will be our topic for today because we didn't finish thinking about it yesterday.

I hope everyone had a look in the planner pocket last night. There were several important notices in the pocket.

March 2, 2009

For those who were wondering, the chickaDEE contest closes April 30.

On Friday we said good-bye to Kaliya who is off on a great adventure.

Today our Good Math Question is

There are 10 marbles in a box. Some are green. Some are yellow. There are 2 more yellow marbles than green marbles. How many marbles are there?

We work with two-sided counters to solve a problem like this one.

Duke is wondering who will take him home for Spring Break. If your family is ready for a small house guest, please fill in the form coming home today for the draw on Friday morning.