Day 100 is almost here! If we do not have any snow days, Tuesday, February 11th, is Hastings’ 100th day of school! The cherubs are beside themselves with excitement and anticipation! That same day will be our 100th Day Parade! All three Kindergarten classes will march down the halls of Hastings wearing their vests they made at home as well as their 100 Noodle Necklaces and Crowns that we made at school. Around 10:00 we will all congregate in the gym to sing a song! Mark your calendars now and join us if you are able!
For the next three weeks, many of our Math stations are centered on 100th Day. This is a big deal for the Kindergarteners, and they are eager to visit each station.
· Noodle Necklaces – The students made their very own necklaces using 100 noodles. This was a multi-step process where the kiddos counted out 10 noodles of one color. In order to ensure they had the correct amount, they used 10 frames. Next, they strung these noodles, adding additional groups of 10 colored noodles to make multi-colored necklaces! They went all the way to 100. Wowza! Super practice to improve finger dexterity!
· Comparing Numbers #2 – At this station, students practiced using the greater than, less than, or equal to signs to compare various numbers. The kiddos loved seeing those “alligators” eat greater numbers!
· Towers, Towers, Towers – This activity gives children an opportunity to see number relationships while they practice counting. Given prepared towers, students figured out how many cubes were in each tower by using invisible buddy lines and the knowledge they already have. For example, if they knew that one tower had ten cubes in it, they could then figure out that the other one that had one less cube had a total of nine! Room #7 is full of math detectives!
· Spin and Write Teen Numbers – Tallies – Last week, the kiddos learned how to form tallies and that they are always in groups of five. This week, they practiced reading those tallies! Taking this oldie but goodie station, the boys and girls used spinners with tally marks instead of ten frames. They did great!
· Sorting Colors – Given a tub filled with cubes of mixed colors, the kiddos spilled the cubes, sorted them by color, and determined how many they had of each color. Next, they recorded those numbers. Finally, as an added twist, they had to choose 2 colors to compare – which was greater or less? Were there any two colors that were equal? And, of course, record!
· Addition Crossout – With a partner, a cherub rolled two dice. He/she then added those two dice together (counting on!) and crossed out that particular number on their sheet. The partners went back and forth until all the numbers were crossed out. The partner who crossed out the final number won!
· iPad – Park Math – Addition! – For this new game, the students practiced their addition skills by adding two groups of ducks together!
I am happy to announce that the kiddos in Room #7 are Mo Willems fanatics and experts. Everyone eagerly awaits a new book for me to read. Every day, they observe new aspects that this fantastic author includes in his books. From noticing the relationship between facial expressions and feelings, discovering the difference between speech and thought bubbles, spotting circle words, and of course, finding where Mo Willems “hides” loveable characters throughout his books (e.g. Pigeon!!), the children are spellbound and engaged.
During Open Circle this week, Room #7 learned about a new Unthinkable: Space Invader! When he invades someone’s brain, he makes that person pop another person’s comfort bubble. To begin our discussion, we read the book Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook. This relatable tale describes a self-proclaimed space expert and young boy who is constantly invading his peers’ and family’s personal space. He is invited to attend “Personal Space Camp” at his school and soon learns that this “camp” has nothing to do with lunar landings! We then chatted about ways to defeat this tricky Unthinkable. In order to defeat Space Invader, one could use the following language: “You have Space Invader and are popping my bubble. Please move (or scootch).” In order to ensure that you don’t have Space Invader, one could also use his/her arm to see how much space to allot! The kids were tickled to learn about a new Unthinkable! Next week, we will practice scenarios during DramaRama school!
We are starting a new unit in Writing this week – opinion and persuasive writing! We have been talking a lot about opinions – what they are and the importance of giving a reason to support that opinion. To begin this unit, the kiddos practiced first by orally expressing their opinion and supportive reason. This week, they will begin writing their opinion. Have your child practice different opinions with you at home! What’s your favorite color? Food? Season? Game? Book? TV show? Stuffed animal? And why? The list goes on and on! Next up, we will transition to persuasive writing. Stay tuned for more!
Have a wonderful weekend! Stay warm!