In math, we have been learning about customary and metric units of measurement, and used a balance scale to measure and compare the mass of two clay spheres of different sizes. The entire package of clay that we started with was 1,000 grams, or 1 kilogram, and we learned that one jumbo paperclip is equal to 1 gram. We discussed that weight is the measurement of the gravitational pull on an object and can be different depending on where you are (in the universe), while mass is always the same and is measured with a balance scale. With our understanding of mass, and a feel for grams and kilograms, we set out with partners to estimate, measure, and compare the mass of objects in the classroom like a pencil, stapler, and even a rock. Another focus in math was on measuring liquid volume and we discovered for ourselves how many milliliters and cups are in a liter. Then we answered measurement story problems, which spiraled us back to adding and subtracting three-digit numbers using different strategies. Our number corner calendar work has us predicting color, shape, and fraction patterns. This week we will focus more on fractions and continue to work with measurement.
We have a dream . . . we learned about Martin Luther King’s life and his dream. Partners analyzed a portion of his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech at the the March on Washington, looking up new words in the dictionary and explaining the meaning in their own words. Then we recited the speech all together. We then drew out our own interpretations of his dream and these are on display in our classroom window. Come take a look!
In writing workshop, we finished up our new year’s pieces where we wrote and illustrated our hopes for 2018 in a snow globe display. These are on display inside Temescal Creek. We also had time to extend our Rocket Writes and do free writing. We shared our writing with partners and to the whole class, giving compliments, making connections, and asking questions. Temescal has become a community of writers that encourage and support one another.
For super science and art of Friday, Julianne came into the classroom to lead us through a thinking routine on a mysterious found object that turned out to be a gear from an old bicycle. Then we rolled in a student’s bike to take a closer look at the gear in action. We started the process of making our own gears and will continue this week in art studio.
In information literacy we worked with atlases . . . and in cultural studies we compare creation stories from different parts of the world with the Ohlone creation story.
Out on the yard at recess and during choice time, Temescalians get many opportunities to work together and play together!
Iris (a Blackberry Creek teacher on maternity leave) and her baby visited Temescal Creek for the third time. It’s amazing how many changes happened in one month! The baby is sitting up, laughing, and making eye contact and tracking from across the room. We are documenting our observations, questions, and predictions. This work is building our empathy and scientific skills.
We celebrated another birthday in Temescal Creek!
This Friday morning, Temescal grown ups are welcome to join us in the classroom from 8:30 to 9:00. Also look for an announcement scheduling at least two Friday Family Reading mornings in February. Monday, January 29, we will be taking the bus to and from Zellerbach for the Peking Acrobats performance. Thank you to the chaperones who volunteered to join us . . . please make sure your child is dressed for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes, as well as a packed lunch.
