The Love of Learning is Alive in the Magic Stone Classroom!

Year-End Dates to Remember:

Thursday, May 1 - Family Science Night at MPI

Potluck dinner in classroom, 5:30-6:00 pm

Science Festival in elementary dining room, 6:00-8:00 pm

Friday, May 2 – China Mini-Inquiry Wrap-Up by Ms. Revard and the Trowbridges from 12:30 to 1:30.  We will be using photos and stories to compare and contrast China in early post-Maoist times (1978) with today. Please come if you can!

Friday, May 9 - Opera Performances at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm (regular school day)

Opera Performances at MPI gym

For 6:00 pm performance, students arrive at 5:00 pm to get ready.

Saturday, May 10 - Opera Performance at 6:00 pm

        Students arrive at 5 pm to get ready

Friday, May 16 - No School for Students, Conference Preparations for Teachers

Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23 - Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Monday, May 26 - No School in observation of Memorial Day

Tuesday or Wednesday, May 27 or 28 – Paddy Party at the park near the entrance to MPI. Gramma Jeanne will bring Paddy for the children to pet and play with, and we will have lunch and celebrate summer birthdays and being together as our school year ends. Details soon!

Thursday, May 29 - Last day of school, Field Day

***Further details regarding Opera and other events will be coming as information becomes available.***

Inquiry

Wailele

This week we finished up our study of the water cycle by revisiting our original Mind Map, checking our previous assumptions, and discussing what we have learned. The children’s assessment of their learning required them to redraw the water cycle, compare it with the drawing they had made at the beginning of the unit in February, and reflect on their learning. They were all amazed by how much their understanding had changed with the study of Wailele and Manoa Valley and Matter in Physical Science.

Physical Science

As we began our unit on Sound, the children came up with some interesting observations for their Mind Map: “Sound goes in one ear and out the other” and “Echoes happen in empty spaces like my living room when we were moving out and all the furinture was gone.” Most of their discussion centered on “vibrations” and many came to the board to draw their interpretation of sound waves and how they work.  

It is very exciting to observe the children learning to think and write like scientists. They ask questions, form hypotheses, conduct experiments, record observations in words and drawings, and write conclusions. Most importantly, they continue to work collaboratively with their peers. Your children are developing a love of science and a different way of looking at everything around them. Without a doubt, this is the breeding ground for future scientists who will change the world!

Incredible Generosity!

The Magic Stone Kids and their parents have helped us raise over $400 for leukemia patients in the Pennies for Patients Drive. Mahalo nui loa for your generosity. Children mopped floors, gave up some of their savings, asked family and friends to help, and found money in parents’ cars to donate to the cause.  They also collaboratively created a unique concept for the donation-box art contest.  Be sure to check our photo gallery to see it and other photos of your children’s activities!

Math

The 2nd Graders will be bringing home their last sets of “combination fact cards” (Plus 9 and Remaining Combinations) on Monday. The goal is to know all of their combinations fluently by the end of the semester in order to be prepared for 3rd Grade math.  Most are proficient with the previous cards, but some still need a lot more practice. Please, take time to work with your child on these and encourage self-study. By writing the answers on the back of the cards, they can check themselves. Practicing in the car on the way to and from school is a great time for this! There will be an assessment on the previous sets of combinations (Plus 1 and 2, Make 10, Doubles, Near Doubles, and Plus 10) on Friday, April 27, and on all sets the week of May 12th.

As we move more quickly through the units in order to cover everything by the end of the year, there is more homework. Your support at home is appreciated by your child and me!  Mahalo nui loa!

A Belated Mahalo

I want to thank Mrs. Meyer for the wonderful Easter-egg activity she planned and supervised for the children.  They always have so much fun when she comes to do crafts with them.  Mahalo for sharing your time and energy with us!!