Explorations!

Each unit of our math curriculum (Everyday Math), there is an Explorations lesson.  In this lesson, the students use math are introduced to a variety of math tools that they will learn to use in the unit or some time this year.  This allows them time to experiment and have free time to discover what is the purpose of the tool.  And, they have fun, too.



Linker Cubes

Base Ten Blocks

Geoboards

The firsts had a blast visiting all the centers and trying out the new tools.  Next job, learn how to use them in math!

Reminder:  Back-to-School Night is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd!

Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht

Just a Little Test...

I haven't posted here for awhile...Learning new tricks has not been easy for me in the area of technology.  So, let's give the blog another chance.  I'd love for this to be a place where my parents can get a window into Room 12.  My lovely little firsts sometimes have some difficulty bringing home details about their day.  Their brains swim with all sorts of thing and yet, nothing comes out of their mouths except, "I don't remember," or "I don't know." (I have personal experience with this as I have a first of my own this year.)
I will try my best to give you a little glimpse this year.  Hold on to your computers...it's going to be an exciting and fun filled year.  I can feel it in my toes!

Catch you soon,
Mrs. Sienknecht

Catching up!

Hello!  We've all been very busy in Room 12.  I have so many projects to share with you, so here goes....  First, the kiddos did some A-mazing writing about their favorite jammies.  I didn't get to join in the festivities that day, but I was so impressed when I came back and read their writing.  They are growing up!  <<sniff, sniff>>

 The, we read a book called Tacky the Penguin  by Helen Lester.  It's a hilarious book about a penguin that wears a hawaiian shirt and does things a little differently than the other polite and orderly penguins.  We just had to make some tacky penguins of our own. This is one of my favorite activities.  The kids are always soo creative.

Time to get a little more serious.  While many of you were enjoying your three day weekend this past week,  I attended a half day training on writing.  I now have sooo many ideas that my brain can't handle it!  I am soo excited.  I am someone who needs to implement things right away, or I will forget all the details required to make it successful.  So, here's a picture of two kids sharing their work after a writing session. We worked on sequencing and using transition words to write our weekend news.  They learned to listen to each other and compliment one another's writing.

Finally, there's math tubs for this week.  We are having a blast reviewing addition and subtraction skills and learning more about greater than, less than, and equal to.




Adding Skills with a game



What's Missing?



Go Fish for Tens





Greater Than, Less Than, Equal to



Whew!  Hope you enjoyed your sneak peek.  Oh yes, I am preparing some new math tub activities and I am in need of plastic bottle caps.  If anyone drinks soda from 2 liter bottles or uses plastic water bottles, could you please collect them for me?  I need quite a few.  Thanks!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht



Gung Hei Fat Choy!

Happy Chinese New Year!  It is the first day of the Asian New Year, the year of the Dragon.  I love teaching the kids about my cultural background.  We have read a few books about chinese new year.  The students have learned about some of the traditions.  They even tasted some traditional chinese snacks served in the new year.  I saw some happy faces when something tasted good, and some not so delightful tastes when it didn't taste so yummy.  Ask your child today what they tasted.  You may be surprised at what they ate!  Here's a few pictures of our time with Chinese New Year.

Happy New Year!  I'll be posting again soon-er!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Math Tubs: Make-up day for Week of 11/7-11/10

Here is a recap from last week's math tubs.  The students had a make-up day today because we had Veteran's Day off last week.  And, I got to use my dad's camera.  I recenty inherited the camera because my dad had always wanted me to have a "nicer" camera.  Now, I need to learn how to use it in my spare time.  :)  I already love the new lens. 



+/- with feathers!



How Much is the Doggie?  (Money)





Turkey Probability





Math Family Turkeys (+/-)

 

The kiddos especially loved working with the feathers and turkeys. The probabilty task was a follow up activity for an earlier whole class activity called Candy Grab from October.  We are continuing to work on a variety of math skills.  Keep counting money, practicing math facts, and telling time at home!  I am looking forward to discussing all of your children's successes this week at conferences.

Thanks for peeking!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Veterans Day

Today, I decided to introduce Veterans Day to my class.  In the past, I have not taught the meaning of this holiday to the students in much detail because I was afraid they would not be able to grasp so many unknown concepts.  I don't know what really possessed me to try this year, but my confidence grew as I saw other teacher blogs sharing their projects and power point presentations.  I read about some ways to introduce the idea simply and with such ease!  So, after lunch, I confidently walked my class in from recess and was determined to have a great discussion on Veterans Day armed with my simple Veterans Day Holiday book in hand.

Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice yet?  I was so naive!  The discussion started out wonderfully.  I read the first page of the book and it spoke about honoring the people in the armed forces and named the different groups.  It spoke of celebrating the national holiday.  Then, I stopped to ask the students, "Did you hear me read any words that you know?"  (Looking for national, holiday, army, navy...you get it.)  Most students understood and I was sooo delighted. Then, I called on one student and she said, "Mermaids!"  (hmmm....maybe we're not getting this)  Then, another student said, "Christmas?"  Uh-oh.

I steered the class quickly away from Christmas and mermaids and brought the class back from "dancing sugar plums."  Our final discussion was who is a veteran.  I named my dad who served in the army.  Other students spoke about their grandfather or uncle.  Yeah!  We're on topic.  A hand raised up.  I called on the student that said excitedly, "Every Thursday, I go to the Navy!"  Hmmm...I am going to have to work on this lesson for next year.

On the other hand, it gave me a good giggle inside!  Thanks for peeking.

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht

Math Tubs: Week of 10/31-11/4

Here I am!  I have returned to tell you about this week's math tubs.  In our math adopted program, the students are learning about reading the half hour on an analog clock.  We have also added dimes to our coin jar and are practicing counting coin combinations.  Please practice this skill at home.  It is also a good idea to give your child some practice in using money at a store.  Allowing them to purchase a small item will help them understand the monetary system.
Now, here's our math tubs...


Nickel Penny Grab (counting combinations)



Pumpkin Number Compare (greater and less than)



Fall Graphing



Scarecrow Sort (addition and subtraction practice)













We only have a few more weeks of pumpkins and fall, then we move on into winter!  Time is flying fast.  Enjoy peeking!

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht