The Halloween parade last week really got us in the spirit of the holiday . . . we loved seeing all of the creativity and fun costumes on display. Thank you to all the grown ups who came and cheered us along.
How much excitement can we pack into one day? Well last Friday we found out! After the Halloween parade we went on a field trip to the Oakland Museum of California for docent led tours of the galleries on the art, history, and natural science of California. We also attended a workshop where we learned about the past and present of the Ohlone, who are the native people who first lived in our area.
We were thrilled that Iris and her baby visited Temescal last week! To prepare we talked about how to be around a baby and made sure we were calm, quiet, and careful when she was in the classroom. We asked questions and collected data about her weight, length, and milestones. We will be incorporating this data into our math time and predicting future growth. We can’t wait until they visit again.
Temescal scientists made observations of the celery in colored water for over a week and then recorded their findings in their S.T.E.A.M. journals. We noticed that food coloring doesn’t seem to be very healthy for the plants. We also noticed that the teal color showed up the most as it traveled up the xylem and settled near the top edge. One stalk of celery was dissected and we took a closer look. We also observed colored water traveling up rolled up coffee filters as a model for what is happening inside the celery. After this study of transpiration we are moving into photosynthesis.
In math we worked on ratio tables as one strategy to approach multiplication. We also drew arrays to help us answer multiplication word problems.
In writing we continued to draft our expository essays on what we are most thankful for. When students exclaimed “I’m done!” they worked with teachers and peers to find at least three places to expand their writing with more details, examples, and juicy words. In the author’s chair the Temescal writers share their writing in progress, as well as their Rocket Write journaling and comics.
The book order came in and even if your child didn’t purchase any there were plenty of new additions for our library for everyone to enjoy.
Please complete the order form from Spanish class that went home last week and return by Mon., Nov. 6th. You can purchase your own copy of a bilingual book written and illustrated by Temescalians. We hope you opt to purchase a copy (great gift idea, too)! If you prefer to decline, just specify box at the bottom and send form back to school. Any questions about this project contact Jessica: jferrar@
