October 10-13

October 14, 2023

Math

This week in math we tried a lesson from the program "Math-Up." We focused on representing numbers (grade 1s to 20, and grade 2s to 100) and talking about these numbers. I forgot to take a photo of the grade 1 work, but students were using math racks or tens frames to represent numbers and practiced talking about them - I'll add a photo of the activity below!

We also continued working with tally marks and counting by 5s. Students learned how to use the Montessori Bead Chain material to practice their skip counting. We used a hundreds chart to notice patterns in the numbers we use for counting by 5s. We also learned a math game called Spider Legs which is one of my favourites and is easy to play at home as well!

Here's a link if you'd like to use it.

Literacy

We reviewed the letters B & E this week as well as practicing reading CVC words. We spent a little extra time on the short e sound as students frequently mix up 'i' and 'e.' During our Daily LA groups, we introduced the teacher table station. We practiced sounding out CVC words in grade 1, and grade 2s were working on blends and digraphs. Some students learned how to play a connect 4 game to practice the short i and e sound. Our characters for b and e are Baby Barnaby and Ellie Elephant & Edgar Elf. Ask your child if they know the action! (Check last weeks blog post if you need a reminder!)

Library Books - students can keep books for up to 2 weeks. Please return books to school when you're done with them and students can visit the learning commons during any day that Mrs. Smith is here to exchange books. We do not visit the library as a whole class and do not have a designated day!

Students enjoyed learning different sketching techniques and used these techniques to sketch gourds. They were also asked to provide describing words for each gourd.

Since we ran out of time last Friday for our Thanksgiving art, we worked on it this week! Students used crayon to draw their turkeys and then used water colour paint in small groups!

This week we also continued talking about big and small problems. We learned about Kelso's Choices were are ways we can try to solve our small problems on our own! I was so happy to hear the next day that one of the students used their Kelsos Choices at home with a sibling!

This week students also spent some time working with Ms. Rooke and Mrs. Watson learning about the Montessori Tenants of grace and courtesy, and belonging and community. Here are some of the ideas to support community. Students also learned about having two-way conversations!