The students could not have been MORE excited to see snow falling on the ground this week. One by one, they would enter the classroom wanting to tell me all about the snow, their car ride, and how they would be going sled riding after school. Disregarding my original morning plans, the students bundled back up and we took a nature walk. They took their cameras out and took photographs of the beautiful snow-filled trees and bushes. The children noticed the puddles in the parking lot, which led into a discussion about the sun. The children made their observations and we compared the weather patterns that have been occurring.
The children have been investigating the difference between day and night. What are the objects found in the sky during the day and night? Why is it light outside during the day? What are the different animals we might see during the day and night? The children have had a blast learning about nocturnal and diurnal animals. They used clay, paint, and pipe cleaners to represent a nocturnal and diurnal animal, and have been working hard at their first "play." The play will teach other classes about nocturnal and diurnal animals. Luke has been so kind to take the role as our narrator, and the other students are taking the role as the animals. Nina made a mask of a pig, Charles made a mask of a fox, Sophia made a mask of a lamb, and Aurora made a mask of a mouse. They are having fun acting their part and making their puppet creations come alive!
Above (Left:) Drew, Charles, and Sam show off their nocturnal animal masks!
Above (Right:) Luke, Aurora, Mackenzie, Isaac, and Lucia work together on the collaborative day/night mural
The children are learning to be brave and sound out those "scary" words. They are learning strategies to hear past the first sound. I have demonstrated how writers decide what they will write, isolate the first word, say it and stretch it out, write the first sound, reread it, and listen for more sounds until the word is satisfactorily represented on the page. The children know that an alphabet chart can help them locate letters for sounds they have not yet internalized. Each child has their own alphabet chart nestled in their writing folders for easy access.
Other Photos:
Above (Left:) Avery was kind enough to let her chickens come to school! The children were thrilled! Luke, among many others, now wants to live on a farm.
Above (Right:) Mr. Morber did a terrific job as our mystery reader today. He read a book about bats, which fit perfectly in with our nocturnal animal investigation! Thank you, Mr. Morber!
For another activity to do with your child, check out this one! They recently created animal sculptures using clay, so this will be a great extension!
Enjoy! Thank you for all your support!
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