It's been a busy few weeks since out last newsletter and it feels like we've hardly had time to catch our breath. There was an issue with the Weebly website and you may encounter one as well if you try to access it from a University of Chicago computer or Wifi. The Lab Schools are working on this. We apologize for the delay in getting this newsletter to you.
Everyone has been so happy to finally welcome the spring weather. We go outside everyday unless there are severe storms or heavy rains and we'd like to remind you of a few helpful tips. If you'd like your child to be protected with sunscreen, we strongly recommend that you apply it before he/she arrives at school. Also, with the warmer weather, the children are drinking more water. A well-sealed water bottle is helpful to have at school to lessen the trips to the drinking fountain. Pop-top spouts or lids are the best to prevent spills. Your child can refill it as needed and keep it at his/her desk.
INSECTS
For our final science unit this spring, we are learning all about insects and metamorphosis. In our classroom, we are observing harvester ants, painted lady caterpillars, ladybugs and three mystery insects (see photo above). Our Mystery Insects all belong to the same family of moths and the children have become detectives trying to figure out the exact kind. Two of the moths have emerged. As entomologists, the children will observe, research and hypothesize about our insects. Clues have been revealed about the Mystery Insects and while the children have many guesses, we encourage them to find evidence and facts for why they think it's a specific insect. As a part of the study, we are also learning the difference between moths and butterflies.
Almost all of our painted lady caterpillars are hanging from the lids of their containers in a "J" shape - a sure sign that they are beginning to transform into the pupal stage. We expect to find them in chrysalids soon!
Our ladybug larvae have emerged as adults and are busy exploring their habitat and eating grapes!
The harvester ants have been busy digging tunnels in their bright blue gel habitat. This gel was created by NASA so they could observe ant behavior in space without the dirt tunnels collapsing due to the lack of gravity. The gel contains all the food and water the ants need to survive. Since our study began we have learned that all the worker and soldier ants are females. These include any ants you might find outside or in your home. The males' purpose in the colony is to mate with the queen and then they die shortly after. We also learned that ants communicate to one another by touching their antennae together. They also use scent and sound. Be sure to ask your second grader what other amazing insect facts he/she has learned!
READING WORKSHOP
Last week, we started Book Clubs. Each child is reading the same fictional book with a group of 4-5 other children. Guided by the teacher, this is an opportunity for children to read and discuss the stories in a group. We make predictions, inferences, talk about character traits and main ideas. We are focusing on comprehension but the children also have a chance to practice their fluent reading independently. Sometimes they even record themselves using the iPad. So far, the children are enjoying the stories and are quite unhappy when it's time to stop. They are especially upset when we don't let them read ahead! It wonderful to see their enthusiasm!
Everyone has been so happy to finally welcome the spring weather. We go outside everyday unless there are severe storms or heavy rains and we'd like to remind you of a few helpful tips. If you'd like your child to be protected with sunscreen, we strongly recommend that you apply it before he/she arrives at school. Also, with the warmer weather, the children are drinking more water. A well-sealed water bottle is helpful to have at school to lessen the trips to the drinking fountain. Pop-top spouts or lids are the best to prevent spills. Your child can refill it as needed and keep it at his/her desk.
INSECTS
For our final science unit this spring, we are learning all about insects and metamorphosis. In our classroom, we are observing harvester ants, painted lady caterpillars, ladybugs and three mystery insects (see photo above). Our Mystery Insects all belong to the same family of moths and the children have become detectives trying to figure out the exact kind. Two of the moths have emerged. As entomologists, the children will observe, research and hypothesize about our insects. Clues have been revealed about the Mystery Insects and while the children have many guesses, we encourage them to find evidence and facts for why they think it's a specific insect. As a part of the study, we are also learning the difference between moths and butterflies.
Almost all of our painted lady caterpillars are hanging from the lids of their containers in a "J" shape - a sure sign that they are beginning to transform into the pupal stage. We expect to find them in chrysalids soon!
Our ladybug larvae have emerged as adults and are busy exploring their habitat and eating grapes!
The harvester ants have been busy digging tunnels in their bright blue gel habitat. This gel was created by NASA so they could observe ant behavior in space without the dirt tunnels collapsing due to the lack of gravity. The gel contains all the food and water the ants need to survive. Since our study began we have learned that all the worker and soldier ants are females. These include any ants you might find outside or in your home. The males' purpose in the colony is to mate with the queen and then they die shortly after. We also learned that ants communicate to one another by touching their antennae together. They also use scent and sound. Be sure to ask your second grader what other amazing insect facts he/she has learned!
READING WORKSHOP
Last week, we started Book Clubs. Each child is reading the same fictional book with a group of 4-5 other children. Guided by the teacher, this is an opportunity for children to read and discuss the stories in a group. We make predictions, inferences, talk about character traits and main ideas. We are focusing on comprehension but the children also have a chance to practice their fluent reading independently. Sometimes they even record themselves using the iPad. So far, the children are enjoying the stories and are quite unhappy when it's time to stop. They are especially upset when we don't let them read ahead! It wonderful to see their enthusiasm!
MATH
There has been so much learning in math since the last newsletter! Thanks to Yaseens's mom, we had a wonderful introduction to fractions. We have talked about equal groups, wholes and parts, and conceptually, the children have been introduced to division. We have also worked on making symmetrical shapes and have modeled both line symmetry and rotational symmetry. The children have been applying some of their visual/spatial skills by playing a wonderful game on the iPad called Symmetry Shuffle.
This week, Mrs. Olander introduced multiplication using arrays. An array is an arrangement of objects into rows and columns as in the photo above. The cars above are arranged into an array - in 6 rows with 4 cars in each (or in 4 columns). From this we can say that 6 x 4 = 24 cars altogether. We introduce multiplication in second grade and much of it is conceptual, using manipulatives and numbers stories. For example, we may show the children an egg carton with 2 rows of 6 eggs each (2 x 6 = 12 eggs). In third grade, children will learn and practice multiplication facts to build automaticity just as they have been working on addition and subtraction facts in the first and second grades.
PICNIC FRIDAYS
Starting this Friday and every Friday for the rest of the year (weather permitting), we will have Picnic Day during our lunch time12:00-1:15 across the street in Jackson Park. On these days, please do not send heat ups. Children can still bring lunch boxes and will be able to pick up their milk. If your child does not receive milk from school, please send a beverage. Children are welcome to bring beach towels to sit on. They can store them in their cubbies until the end of the year. We invite you to join us as well!
MICROWAVE UPDATE
We should be receiving our new microwave tomorrow. Children are welcome to bring heat-ups. We
can use the microwave in the pantry if needed.
FINAL KINDNESS MISSION/CHAPERONES NEEDED
For our final kindness mission with our Kindergarten Buddies in Ms. Stowe-Grant's class we are planning a fundraising event for the Ronald McDonald House at the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital. The Ronald McDonald Houses
provide a supportive residence for families while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. Offering comfortable, private rooms where families can get a good night’s rest knowing their child is close by, our Houses give them the opportunity to connect with others going through similar experiences. In this ‘home away from home,’ parents can exchange stories over a cup of coffee in the kitchen while siblings bond with new friends in the play room. Volunteers arrive daily, offering their smiles, cleaning and cooking talents. Laundry and computer facilities provide accessibility and convenience. The folks who work at the House are always there, providing comfort and care to families during their greatest time of need.
For our fundraising event, we will have an in-school walk-a-thon to Promontory Point and back. On Thursday May 29th, we will walk with our buddies to The Point, enjoy a picnic lunch and walk back to school - a total of about 1.5 miles! More details will be coming soon about the fundraising piece of this activity and the walk. Before our walk-a-thon, we will visit the Ronald McDonald House on May 21st and make welcome cards for new families.
We need parent chaperones for both days. For Wednesday, May 21st, we need 2-3 parents to help supervise children at the RMH and help with the making of welcome cards. We will take a bus over to RMH in half-groups. The time is 10:30-12:30. Everyone is welcome to join us for the walk-a-thon to The Point on the 29th. I will let you know the exact time soon, but it is likely between 11:00-1:00. Just let us know if you are interested!
Enjoy your week!
There has been so much learning in math since the last newsletter! Thanks to Yaseens's mom, we had a wonderful introduction to fractions. We have talked about equal groups, wholes and parts, and conceptually, the children have been introduced to division. We have also worked on making symmetrical shapes and have modeled both line symmetry and rotational symmetry. The children have been applying some of their visual/spatial skills by playing a wonderful game on the iPad called Symmetry Shuffle.
This week, Mrs. Olander introduced multiplication using arrays. An array is an arrangement of objects into rows and columns as in the photo above. The cars above are arranged into an array - in 6 rows with 4 cars in each (or in 4 columns). From this we can say that 6 x 4 = 24 cars altogether. We introduce multiplication in second grade and much of it is conceptual, using manipulatives and numbers stories. For example, we may show the children an egg carton with 2 rows of 6 eggs each (2 x 6 = 12 eggs). In third grade, children will learn and practice multiplication facts to build automaticity just as they have been working on addition and subtraction facts in the first and second grades.
PICNIC FRIDAYS
Starting this Friday and every Friday for the rest of the year (weather permitting), we will have Picnic Day during our lunch time12:00-1:15 across the street in Jackson Park. On these days, please do not send heat ups. Children can still bring lunch boxes and will be able to pick up their milk. If your child does not receive milk from school, please send a beverage. Children are welcome to bring beach towels to sit on. They can store them in their cubbies until the end of the year. We invite you to join us as well!
MICROWAVE UPDATE
We should be receiving our new microwave tomorrow. Children are welcome to bring heat-ups. We
can use the microwave in the pantry if needed.
FINAL KINDNESS MISSION/CHAPERONES NEEDED
For our final kindness mission with our Kindergarten Buddies in Ms. Stowe-Grant's class we are planning a fundraising event for the Ronald McDonald House at the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital. The Ronald McDonald Houses
provide a supportive residence for families while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. Offering comfortable, private rooms where families can get a good night’s rest knowing their child is close by, our Houses give them the opportunity to connect with others going through similar experiences. In this ‘home away from home,’ parents can exchange stories over a cup of coffee in the kitchen while siblings bond with new friends in the play room. Volunteers arrive daily, offering their smiles, cleaning and cooking talents. Laundry and computer facilities provide accessibility and convenience. The folks who work at the House are always there, providing comfort and care to families during their greatest time of need.
For our fundraising event, we will have an in-school walk-a-thon to Promontory Point and back. On Thursday May 29th, we will walk with our buddies to The Point, enjoy a picnic lunch and walk back to school - a total of about 1.5 miles! More details will be coming soon about the fundraising piece of this activity and the walk. Before our walk-a-thon, we will visit the Ronald McDonald House on May 21st and make welcome cards for new families.
We need parent chaperones for both days. For Wednesday, May 21st, we need 2-3 parents to help supervise children at the RMH and help with the making of welcome cards. We will take a bus over to RMH in half-groups. The time is 10:30-12:30. Everyone is welcome to join us for the walk-a-thon to The Point on the 29th. I will let you know the exact time soon, but it is likely between 11:00-1:00. Just let us know if you are interested!
Enjoy your week!