April 3rd-6th

Hello parents!

We have had a great week before spring break.

Math Workshop:

This week we finished part/part total fact families. We finally rotated through everyone! We also made "bead counters." Each child received a string with 20 beads of two different colors. 10 dark beads and 10 light beads are strung onto a necklace. We use these for even/odd numbers, counting by 2s and 3s, addition and subtraction, tens and ones, and more. It's a tangible way for kids to experience the math topics that we are learning. We practiced using them with addition and subtraction this week.

Reader's Workshop:

We have many kids who have started working on typing their bear books pages! Lots of kids are editing their writing pieces and publishing things. It's so neat to see them working so hard on such a big project.

Each child received their leveled book this week. There were no word study words this week. It was a short week and we are ahead of the other classes so we took a short break this week. :)

Thematic Centers:

We are still studying artists and this week we studied Henri Matisse. He "painted with scissors." He made bright and bold pictures as well as more serious/darker pictures. Two of his art pieces are at the top of the blog. We rotated through 4 centers:

1. Make a replica of the dancing woman (these are at school)
2. Make a replica of the flower vase using bright colors, paper and tissue paper (these are at school)
3. "Dance" with scissors. Use bold paper and cut out different shapes to make a paper collage
4. Make a replica of Matisse's fish bowl using paper cut outs, paint and tissue paper (these are drying at school but will be sent home next week)

Play: We are working on songs here but need your help practicing play lines at home! Thank you for working with your child on their lines each week. It doesn't have to be "homework." You can simply practice while riding in the car, waiting at the grocery store etc.

Earth Day: We will need a few supplies for this day and we will be sending out a sign up genius soon. We will also need a few volunteers for that day so sign up if you are able!

I  hope everyone has a wonderful break!
Mrs. Schultz