I hope everyone has enjoyed the snow! My little ones have been outside sledding on boogie boards and building snowmen all day today – so fun! We also made some yummy cookies and enjoyed some delicious homemade hot chocolate. What could be better?
This week the firsties have been focusing on using their schema to help them make connections. What we already know can help us to predict what we think a book, character, or plot line might be about. Making predictions and checking them against our schema not only helps us to learn new things; it also builds our comprehension and helps us to understand what we read!
We have been thinking about how God gives us the gift of His Word in our study of the Bible, and what He expects us to do with it. Whenever anyone is reading from the Bible, our school uses the words, “God is talking.” It is a simple way to focus on the fact that God’s Word is truly His, directly from Him, and that when we are reading His Word, it is like God is talking directly to us. This week we reviewed our study of Moses and the Israelites that we covered last quarter, and dove into the Ten Commandments. We talked about how God is really specific about some things, and when God is really clear, He is clear for a reason. The students are working on memorizing the Ten Commandments so that they are saved in their hearts, and will be quizzed on them on Friday, Feb. 2nd.
In math, we are focusing on measurement. We learned how to use and read a thermometer, and started using non-standard units to measure different objects. We will then use what we know about non-standard units to discover why we use standard measuring tools, and learn how to use them.
In science and social studies, we are developing our mapping skills through a study of habitats! This week, we focused on polar regions, and learned about the Arctic and Antarctic. Ask your child to tell you about an animal that lives in one of the polar regions, and what is special about them. You might learn about blubber, which keeps these animals warm in the freezing temperatures, or that most of these animals have fur or hair that changes color to help with camouflage. You might also ask what they know about the Tundra, icebergs, or the Northern Lights.
In writer’s workshop, we studied lists. We read books in which characters used lists to help them to do something, and learned that people make lists to help them remember something. We practiced making lists, and many students incorporated them into their story writing! We are also building a class book of lists to help us learn that people make lists for many different reasons and to help them to many different things. If you find yourself making a list at home, share it with your child, or ask them to help you write it.
I almost forgot about our awesome, polar habitat-inspired art projects! We painted the Northern Lights as a background on construction paper, then made the most adorable Emperor penguins you’ve ever seen floating on icebergs in the foreground. Check them out on the primary bulletin board!
Stay warm this weekend!
The {Patience} Fruit Stand 