We look forward to seeing you all in the classroom for our final Celebration of Learning on Monday, June 6, from 8:45 until 10:15. The morning will include a potluck so watch for an email on how to sign to bring some end-of-the-year goodies to share.
Last Friday, art and science converged as we explored light waves through stations. First we discussed what we already know about light waves and how they are similar and different from sounds waves. We also listed natural and artificial light sources. The four stations focused on how light interacts with solids (transparent, translucent, and opaque), how light bounces (reflects) and goes out at the same angle it goes in, and we looked through a cylinder of water at diagonal stripes to see refraction in action. Julianne led the children in drawing light and shadow on three-dimensional shapes, which dovetails nicely with our current geometry work in math. We had a spontaneous and organic learning moment when one student noticed that the trash can looked like it was on fire! By using what we were learning we deduced that what was really happening was sunlight coming in the window and reflecting off of something orange inside the trash can.
Earlier we wrapped up our study of sound waves. Temescal scientists experimented with how to muffle or amplify sound with different materials. We explored how sound travels through solids, liquids, and gases, and cannot travel in a vacuum. Light waves, however, can travel through empty space.
Typing Club continues . . . this is our second week of the third grade typing intensive led by Susan and we are WOWed by the students motivation and diligence. We see them continuing to focus on form, posture, and correct finger placement. Please refrain from any typing program practice at home while we monitor their progress for the rest of this week. Our third grade typists get teacher checks before moving on to the next level. On Friday they will received a certificate and you will see their progress so far, along with a login and password for how your child can continue to practice at home.
In math we finished up our unit on measurement, and were challenged by measuring the area and perimeter of an irregular shape . . . our foot! We learned how to measure to “the nearest” and also measured accurately to halves and quarters with rulers. Continue to estimate and measure things at home and keep using those Handy Measuring Tools.
During Information Literacy students learned how libraries are organized according to the Dewey Decimal System and they tried sorting materials themselves. Rebecca is sharing current book recommendations and hooking the third graders into new book choices.
Friday morning with our grown ups. Always lovely!
Other happenings in Temescal Creek . . .
We so enjoy celebrating birthdays with families, learning more about our third graders, and enjoying a birthday treat at the back table area . . .
You may have noticed that this week was the last homework packet. Things are really wrapping up! Next week the Walkathon is on Thursday and Beach Day is Friday. We still need drivers for our trip to Alameda Crown Beach. Join us if you can . . . also if you would like to volunteer for the Walkathon here is more information:
Thursday, June 2 is our fifth annual TBS Walkathon, raising awareness about the many service learning partnerships that classrooms have had all year. All K-8 students will walk to the ECC with their buddies in different classes, be greeted by our cheering ECCers with thirst-quenching lemonade to offer, then walk to Ohlone Park for lunch and a field day celebration.
We would love for families to show students your support, cheering along the Ohlone park walking route (map here), anytime between 10-11a. It’s a visible way of showing students their efforts are meaningful–the more the merrier!!!
As a reminder: That day, K-8 students will need to bring a bag lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and wear good walking shoes.
We need adult volunteers the day of the Walkathon–can you help? Please sign up here
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Drive lunches & equipment to/from park 10:30-11:30a or 1:30-2p
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Clean up Ohlone park 1:15-1:45p
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Be on call to drive students too tired to walk (“Sag Wagon”) 9:45-11:30am or 1:30-2:00p
