Dear Families, 

Just a few highlights of a fun week in the K/1 classroom and our beautiful school:

Math
Our mathematicians celebrated Pi Day on Friday with the entire school. The K/1 children worked collaboratively during the week to explore a “bit of pi.” They learned about the attributes of a cylinder and measured the circumference of circles by wrapping string around each circle and cutting it to show the length of the circumference. The children stretched the “string circumference” across the diameter then cut it to discover that not matter what the size of the circle, they always got three cuts (well, almost always).

 
Science
Emily introduced the stethoscope to the children, talking about safe ways to use it, and having the children listen to their heart beats. The children had a discussion about the heart while looking at a book about the human body. As the children looked at the book, they also became interested in pictures showing how a baby grows in the womb. Because Emily is pregnant and children are naturally curious, it became a very fun and lively discussion.

The children continue to show lots of interest in their study of birds. They are fascinated with the type of materials birds choose to build their nests. The nests in our classroom show bits of string, ribbon, lint from dryers, and pieces of plastic. We decided we would help the birds build their nests by hanging similar materials (except plastic) on branches. One of the materials the children chose is felt because they thought the birds would like its soft feel. There are numerous pieces of felt hanging from branches and bushes on the school’s grounds. The children were very excited to go outside daily and check the materials and the suet treats. On one such outing a few chickadees sat on branches close to us as they sang. The children thought they were thanking them for the goodies. It’s all very exciting and so much fun for all of us! On Friday the children completed their research on birds with the help of their middle school buddies. The research and the children’s drawings will be compiled into a class book. Originally it was going to be a book about birds’ beaks, but the children wanted to add other facts about birds as well.

In a week or so we will begin our study of Mexico, but the study of birds will continue as a side theme. As spring enfolds, it will be very interesting to see where the children will go with the theme. Of course there are birds in Mexico…….I am sure the children will surprise me – they always do.

Language Arts
There is always so much going on in this area, but I will be brief. Michelle, the pre-k teacher, visited us Thursday and taught the children two songs about birds. It was fun having Michelle in our classroom. We are continuing to read daily from books in our classroom library, and lately from books the children bring to class. I always welcome books from home, particularly if they are age appropriate picture books. We don’t always have time to read every book so please let your child know that he/she might have to leave the book in the classroom for a time, or bring it back. The children continue to enjoy Pippi Longstocking, and because the book is so popular we have been trying to read about a chapter a day. We are also continuing to work on writing, letter sounds, and decoding by using books at each child’s instructional level.

Reminders:
Student-led conferences are Thursday, March 20. Your child will be your guide during this time. Please call Natalie to schedule a time if you have not already done so. Let me know if this day is not convenient for you. The children will be doing a bit of practice this week and I know they will be excited to talk with you about their work.

It’s mud season! Please send extra clothes for your child to keep at school, if you have not already done so. It is impossible to keep children out of mud and puddles during their time outside. Some of the children have been borrowing items such as socks and underwear from the pre-k room. I ran out of extra socks and underwear in the classroom and now the pre-k is running out. Boots or appropriate shoes for mud and water are recommended, and they must have shoes to change into when they come in from their outside adventures. The children go out twice per day, but in good weather they go out more. Thank you so much!

The next update will be in a couple of weeks. I will be celebrating Easter with my family next weekend. Spring is arriving this week and I wish everyone a very happy beginning of this wonderful season.
Liliana