Sunday, December 2, 2012

Hello Families!

I sit here today thinking how it could possibly be December 2nd already? I feel like the first day of school was only yesterday! I guess time does really fly when you are having fun.

The first graders have been really interested in learning about pollution and the harmful effects it has on our environment. They thought it was pretty cool that they could do things to reduce pollution simply by not littering and remembering to recycle. For the school-wide Thanksgiving feast, the children decided they wanted to show the other students what we have been learning so they decided to make "trash can mashed potatoes." They used recyclable pudding and fruit cup containers to serve as the trashcans, and the mashed potatoes represented the litter. They wanted to show everyone that trash belongs in the trash can, not on the ground. It was a joyful time making the mashed potatoes and homemade butter. Some children really enjoyed smashing the potatoes, where as some children enjoyed peeling the potatoes. The children helped each other with each of the jobs, working as a team. Thank you to Mrs. Neel who came to help with the process!












Above: (Left) Kaydence, Marlo, Aaliyah and Isabella peel and cut the potatoes.
(Right) Melania and Andrew wash the potatoes











Above: (Left) Claire, Andrew, and Sophia shake the butter! We used whipping cream, a marble, and a jar!
(Right): The children finally get to enjoy the feast!

The children are at the beginning stages of investigating the different properties of water. We started off by looking at the globe and examining how much water was on the earth compared to land. Because the earth is made up of 70 percent of water, we have come to the conclusion that it is very important to learn about water. The children have been creating a model to show the different ways water can be observed. Some made models of the ocean, some made models of lakes, and many of the children made a snow scene. Marlo even came up with the idea of the observation of water through a swamp.... Miss Leslie even learns from the children! We have also been studying the characteristics of solids and liquids. Jordan made the request of doing a science experiment he previously did at his house and that he wanted to share with the class. Responding to his request, the class made "gloop" on Friday! Gloop, or oobleck, is a mixture of cornstarch, food coloring, and water. Gloop has interesting properties of both liquids and solids. It normally behaves like a liquid, but if you squeeze it in your hand it acts as a solid./As you can imagine. the students absolutely loved it! Here is a link that will teach you how to make gloop at home:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Oobleck

ENJOY!









Above:
 (Left) Miss Leslie. Sophia, Marlo, J'Lyn, and Michael learn about how much water is on Earth.
(Right) Alexis, Sophia, Melania, and Isabella experience the gloop experiement! Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? No one really can tell!


Mark your calendars: On Saturday, January 12th at 11:00 am, the Green Branch Library will be having "Pete the Cat and Popcorn Pizzazz!" Your child will hear Pete the Cat stories, songs, and they will be able to create their own popcorn treat! Because it's all good! Sign-ups begin January 2nd. I am telling you now because the children LOVE Pete the Cat, and what a great connection it would be for them from our Pete the Cat author study that occurred last year! \


Pete the Cat Saves Christmas  -     
        By: Eric Litwin
    
    
        Illustrated By: James Dean

Another reminder: The Daisy's are having a hat/glove drive for both the families at our school and the families in our community who are in need of these items.  There is a box that is set up at the office. Please, if you are able, send in with your child any hats or gloves that are not being used at your house. Look for sales at stores as well! Spread the holiday cheer here at GSCELC!


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