Research and Bulbs

Today was a busy day in our classroom.  We had a lot to do and learn.  This morning at Library we reaserched the Bald Eagle and Great Seal of the United States.  It was fascinating to learn about these two things.  Ms. Zbacnik complimented us on our excellent research skills. 

We had time this afternoon to write about the Bald Eagle in our Symbol Books.  Ask your child what he/she remembers about these two symbols.

Busy researchers!

This afternoon we went to Mrs. Rowan's room to learn about bulbs.  Ask your child what he/she watched and did with Mrs. Rowan.

Bulbs!

Plants We Eat

Today the student stayed in our classroom and learned about the plants we eat.  First we talked about the parts of plants we eat.  Then we read the book Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens.  Ask you child if he/she can tell you the secret lesson in the book.

We talked about some examples of plants we eat and what they might look like as they grow.  We made our own examples of plants we eat in this chart.  Ask your child what special thing we are growing and observing now. 

Potato Plants

Today we went and learned about plants and potatoes from Mrs. Kath.  Ask your child about what they did and learned.  We got to keep the potato plant and we will watch it grow over the next few weeks.

Plant Update and Life Cycle

Our Brassica plants are growing in nicely, well, those that are growing that is.  We had a bad batch of seeds this year and only about half of the planted seeds started growing.  It is okay though.  We are pretty good at sharing.  Notice how we can see the different parts of a plant.  I think we may see flowers soon.

Our grass is really growing too!  Here are the grass cups from last Friday when we mowed.

Here is what they looked like today!  They really grew over the weekend!  We may have to mow them again soon.

Today, we went with Miss Olson to learn about the life cycle of a plant.  Ask your child what they made and learned.

Grammar

Wednesday and Friday this week we took some time during our morning to talk about a few grammar topics.  It may not sound that fun, but we managed to make it fun!

First, we learned about homophones.  We watched a video from Between the Lions.  Click here to watch the video with a special guest.  We also read the book Dear, Dear.  It gave us lots of examples of homophones.

Last, we created homophones on a pair of pears.  Each student made at least one set of homophones.  Ask your child about which pair they made.

Today, we learned about adjectives.  Again, we watched a video from Schoolhouse Rock.  Click here to watch the video.  We then read two books and created a list of adjectives.  It was really fun!  We also wrote adjective poems.  Ask your child what noun they described with adjectives.

Field Trip - Como Conservatory!

Today we went to Como Conservatory and Zoo.  First, we had our Plants that Care class with Chelsea.  She talked to us about how plants help us and how we help plants.

Plants That Care Class

We played a game too!  We had to listen to a clue, figure out what plant was being described, pick out the name of the plant and what the plant looks like.  See if your child can tell you something they learned.  For example, cotton is woven in to the dollar bill so that it will not tear as easily.

We also got to make bath salts.  We took one scoop of salts and then had to decide what to add to it.  We could add lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus. 

Making bath salts.

We also did a scavenger hunt through the North Garden.  We looked for various facts about plants as well as looking for plants of all colors.  Last, we had time to explore different areas of the conservatory and look at the animals.

Chinese Money

Today we went with Mrs. Kath and learned about Chinese money compared to money from the United States.  Ask your child about what they made and learned.

Chinese Writing

Today we learned about the Chinese characters and writing.  We went to Miss Olson and she taught us about the characters, writing and even read us some books.  See if your child can tell you about what they learned and made.

Chinese Calendar

Today we continued comparing the countries of China and the United States.  We learned about the Chinese calendar and Zodiac with Mrs. Hinderer.  Ask your child about what they made and learned.

Comparison Chart

Friday

Today was very exciting in the plant world in our classroom.  Our seeds have sprouted and there is noticeable growth.  We did an observation of our Brassica plants today.  We are very good observers.

The Brassica has sprouted!

The grass is growing!

We started our unit on comparing countries Wednesday by talking about a few different birthday traditions from around the world.  Yesterday, we looked at what happens in different cultures when you lose a tooth.  We also started learning about one country in particular, China.  We read a few books and watched a video. 

Today, we talked about the food traditions and learned about chopsticks.  We even learned how to use chopsticks.

An old wok used for cooking.

Fancy chopsticks and regular chopsticks.

Extra Recess!

Today was a beautiful day!  We have worked hard these past few days and earned some extra fun! 

Grass Seed Planted!

Today we planted our grass seed.  We planted two types of grass seed, rye and alfalfa.  We will be observing them as they grow.  We will even get to mow our grass a few times. 

Rye and Alfalfa Seeds

Grass cups!

Soaking up sunshine!

Plants!

Today we planted our brassica seeds.  These are fast growing plants and we will keep them under the grow light in our classroom.  We also planted dill, basil and cilantro.  These are herbs and if they grow before school ends, we will get to sample them.  We also started a cherry tomato plant.  We are very excited to learn about plants and watch them grow!

Plants, plants, plants!