States of Matter

Understanding the states of matter is one of the key concepts kids need for exploring chemistry and physics. This week the kids participated in various states of matter activities that helped them identify solids, liquids, and gases. We also began to discuss the physical changes that take place as matter converts from solid to liquid to gas.

STEM Challenge: Build a Hexbug Track

The students were challenged to build a hexbug track using just cardboard tubes and tape.

Write the Room - Blends

Write the room is always a fun and engaging activity that gets the kids up and moving! This week we focused on "r" blends.

Journals:

The students have been working hard on expanding their writing - increasing the length and adding details. This week the prompt was "tell me about yourself."

Math: Numbers 11-19

This week the students focused on subitizing and grouping strategies to describe the images they see. The students have the opportunity to look for and make use of structure because the 10-frame helps students see numbers 11-19 as ten ones and more ones.

Art:

Library:

PE:

Recess:

Mystery Reader:

This week our mystery reader was Leela's dad. Thank you for reading to us!

The Floor is Lava!

STEM challenges encourage kids to solve a problem in which there are multiple solutions and often children are required to build or make something with their hands. STEM challenges will require trial and error and combine elements of the 4 pillars: science, technology, engineering, math.

The best kind of kindergarten STEM challenge is one that has children working together to find a solution to a fun, engaging problem using simple supplies. Enter The Floor is Lava STEM activity for kindergarteners!

The Objective: The kids must rescue as many bears as possible from the lava by building a structure with only the materials given to them: 3 paper cups, 5 craft sticks, one index card, and counting bears!

The kids participated in 3 different rounds, 10 minutes per round. At the end of each round, all children had to freeze and then carefully count the number of bears they have rescued. After each round, we had a class discussion that gave the students new perspectives and new ideas. What helped you? What was difficult for you? Did you have any breakthroughs or 'aha' moments? What advice do you have for building a sturdy structure?

There are so many incredible benefits of STEM challenges for young kids including:

• problem-solving skills

• teamwork, group thinking

• learning about multiple ways to solve a problem

• perseverance during trial and error

• manipulating objects with hands

• vocabulary development

• learning that does not involve a "right answer"

• multiple subject thinking like math + science

Check out these amazing structures:

Art: Roll-A-Haring

Journals:

Choose something in the room and describe it.

Math:

Fundations:

Library:

Mystery Reader:

This week our mystery reader was Elodie's mom. Thank you for reading to us!

Valentine's Day!

Journals: "Donut You Know I Love You"

Valentine's Day BINGO:

Library:

“Not a Stick” by Antoinette Portis

After reading the story the kids were instructed to use their imagination to turn the stick into something new. Then they had to describe what the dog is doing. I love seeing their creativity!

"My Mouth is a Volcano!" by Julia Cook

My Mouth is a Volcano! by Julia Cook is a book that helps teach children how to manage their thoughts and words without interrupting. After reading the story the children shared ways they can calm down if they feel like they are going to shout out or interrupt. After, the students independently completed the writing and drawing activity.

Art: Valentine's Day Hearts on iPads

Art: Keith Haring Mural

PE: Olympics - Curling & Speed Skating

Math: Make 10

Parents Night Out:

Roycemore 7th and 8th-grade students, in an effort to raise funds for their spring trip to New York City, will offer several parents night-out opportunities this year for your child. Please see the flyer below for more information and click the link to access the Google Form.