New Class Pets: October 4, 2007

New Class Pets
We have a new addition to our classroom!  Thanks to the Imoto family (BI was a student in Mr. K's class), who donated a fish tank, complete with a filter, light, rocks, fish, and fish food! 

First-Grade Math
The first graders are continuing to explore features of shape in math workshop.  In particular, we have been focusing on identifying characteristics of triangles and quadrilaterals and developing language to describe 2-D shapes.  This week, the students were introduced to the Shapes computer software that accompanies the geometry unit in Investigations.  Using the SmartBoard, we explored various geometric ideas such as the combination of different shapes, geometric transformations (rotation and reflection), patterns, and symmetry.  The software uses three different shape sets (Pattern Blocks, Power Polygons, and Tangrams).  During math workshop, the students use these different shape sets, and the computer software provides yet another context for learning.  Compared to the "real" blocks that students manipulate, the Shapes software makes students be even more precise and intentional when manipulating geometric shapes.  When deciding how to fit a block into place, students must think about how much to rotate a shape and select a tool to complete the operation.  The computer software is also great for exploring vertical and horizontal reflection and the repetition of geometric shapes to create patterns.  While demonstrating the various features of the Shapes software on the SmartBoard, the students also practice describing shapes using geometric vocabulary.

"Diary" Stories
A number of groups began typing their "Diary of (an Animal)" stories this week.  After writing a first draft, reading their story aloud to the class, receiving peer feedback, conferencing with a teacher, editing their story, and writing a second draft, the students were ready to start typing their final drafts on the computer.  The students are using Pages, which is a word-processing program designed by Apple.  Compared to the previous Apple Works, this new program is user-friendly and very exciting to use!  We modeled typing and formatting a piece of writing on the SmartBoard, and then the students started to type away.  Quite a few groups have even elected to come in and work on their writing during recess.  Whenever I do not have supervision duty, the children are invited to work in the classroom. Nothing can stop these authors - not even recess.

Aquarium Field Trip
Our class will be visiting the Waikiki Aquarium next week Tuesday, October 9th.  Details about the field trip will be sent home with your child on Friday.  In preparation for our trip, we have been talking about vertebrates and invertebrates with respect to ocean animals.  The class is also reading The Magic School Bus On the Ocean Floor.

Thank You
Thank you to SA for donating the book You Are Special to our classroom library!  Thank you to AW for being a super scientist and finding a dragonfly nymph to bring in and share with the class.  With a Jackson chameleon, a dragonfly nymph, and fish, our classroom is turning into an animal exhibit!  We researched dragonfly nymphs yesterday (yeah, SmartBoard!) and KJ expanded on our learning by bringing in an insect book with information about dragonflies today.  Our learning never ends!

Thank you to the Yamada family for having an Edible Bouquet delivered to our class in celebration of SY's birthday.  What a delicious, nutritious birthday treat!  The students devoured the strawberries, grapes, honeydew melon, canteloupe, and pineapple!

Posted on October 4, 2007 11:50 AM | Permalink