Here are a few of the new and exciting things we are learning:
Science: Now we are focusing on animals. Our main focus is learning what animals need to survive: food, water, air, and shelter. We have also talked about reptiles, birds, insects, arachnids, fish, and mammals. I didn't think the kids would be so engaged, but they are extremely interested in all of the new facts about animals. Plus, they get to tell stories about their own animal experiences at the end of every science lesson.
Reading: This week our story is about Antarctica. The book is non-fiction and has photographs and information about life in Antarctica. Our "amazing words" or vocabulary words include: penguins, seals, whales, continent, Antarctica, and icebergs. The students have enjoyed this non-fiction book more than many of the fiction books we have read in the past. In order for the kids to get a better understanding of the geography of Antarctica, I brought in a globe from the library, and we explored the different areas on it. The students now know a little about the location of North America compared to the location of Antarctica. Also, Miss Thomason is going to present a slide show to our classes to give them more information and display additional pictures of life in Antarctica. It is nice to see the boys and girls excited to learn about things in their environment and in the real world! It is also good to be able to tie reading and science together. This whole week while the boys and girls have been learning about life near the south pole, they have also been utilizing reading strategies without even knowing it-- and having fun too!
Next week: I hope to have some student posts on here next week. I will ask them a question and type their responses-- exactly how they said them. This could get very interesting!
