Reading- In reading we have been working on understanding an author's reasons to support text, and we have looked at who is talking at particular points in a story. Hey Little Ant is a great book in which to do that.. This upcoming week, we will look at comparing adventures and events that characters have in stories. We will look at the different Magic TreeHouse books that we have read throughout the year, as well as other books in a series. In the grammar department, we are looking at conjunctions and compound sentences. The conjunctions For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So are our FANBOYS that help us remember these conjunctions. Next week we will work more on forming our compound sentences to help get our writing more sophisticated. In writing, we are writing opinion pieces, specifically reviews. The children have learned that some people get paid in real life to write reviews about restaurants, games, movies, and places. (This really sparked their interest!) We have been focusing on writing interesting introductions, catchy conclusions, adding small moments to make our review more meaningful, and giving reasons for our opinion within our review. We have also used a writing checklist to check over our own writing and our writing partner's writing similar to that of a doctor doing a checkup. ;)
Science- We are wrapping up our unit on plants. Ask your child how their lima bean is doing. We have been growing lima beans in ziplock bags in our window. The children have learned the different parts of a plant (flower, leaves, stem, roots) and the functions of each part. We have also learned that plants need air, sun, soil, and water.
Today was our Special Day for our character counts reward. All the children had a great time at their chosen activity. Activities they could have chosen from include: bubbles/chalk, board games, art, tug of war, relay races, parachute, and dance party. It was so much fun!!!
Next week, we will have our Science lab on Tuesday at 1:15-2:00. If you are volunteering and plan to check your child out afterward, please write a note in the morning, and wait in the lobby or outside the front doors for your child will be dismissed as a walker that day. (ONLY if you write a note stating that. Your child CANNOT leave with you from the science lab.) Thank you for understanding and for volunteering!!!
Additionally, Tuesday we will have PE, instead of music, so Kindergarten can prepare for their musical. We will still have PE on Wednesday and Friday as well.