This week we "dove" (pun intended!) into our new thematic unit - The Ocean! The kids learned all about the ocean zones and the animals that live there. We watched videos, read books, and participated in ocean-themed crafts and writing prompts.
Shark vs Blue Whale:
After reading a few books about sharks and blue whales the kids wrote down facts about each one. Did you know that sharks never stop swimming?! Or that a blue whale's tongue weighs the same as an adult elephant?!
Ocean Zones: Sunlight Zone, Twilight Zone, Midnight Zone
These zones are based on how much sunlight reaches them. The sunlight zone has most of the animals and ALL of the plants since plants can’t grow without enough sunlight. Dolphins, sea turtles, and most other air-breathers need to live in this zone. In the twilight zone, it’s very dimly lit – not enough sunlight for plants to grow. There are still animals here though, and they either eat each other or eat floating bits that sink down from the sunlight zone. Some animals in this zone can glow (called bioluminescence), allowing them to see what they’re hunting or lure food. Some whales can dive to this zone, but for the most part, the animals are ones that can breathe by getting oxygen from the surrounding water. In the midnight zone, it’s completely dark! The only light comes from animals that can make their own (called bioluminescence). Brrr, it’s chilly here too, and lots of pressure from the water. This zone goes all the way down to the deepest part, a trench (Mariana Trench) in the Pacific Ocean about 6.8 miles (11 km) deep.
Opinion Writing: What is the best ocean animal?
The students are working on expressing their onions in writing. Opinion writing gives students the opportunity to express a preference and gives reasons for holding it.
A-Z Countdown to Summer: Orange Day, Popsicle Day, Quiet Day, Rainbow Day, Stripes & Sunglasses Day!
The kids (and teachers!) are having so much fun with our A-Z Countdown to Summer!
Literacy Centers:
Our centers this week included: CVC Stamp & Write, Mystery Word, Magic "E" Bingo, and Sticker Stretch! Each center focused on reinforcing different phonics skills.
Self-Portraits:
1st Grade Visit:
This week the soon-to-be first graders had the opportunity to visit Ms. Hilton in the first-grade classroom! Ms. Hilton showed the kids the morning circle routine and answered a few questions.
Seashell Collage:
The kids made the most gorgeous seashell collages on canvas with liquid watercolors.
Lower School Musical: Frozen
On Friday the kids had the opportunity to watch the Lower School Musical. The show was enjoyed by all!
Mystery Reader:
Our mystery reader this week was Muchen's mom. Thank you for reading to us!
Dates to Remember!
Thursday, May 26th - Innovation Center Groundbreaking & Family Fun Celebration, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm *please read Newsletter for more information!
Friday, May 27th - Handcut Foods School Picnic - complimentary lunch for all
Monday, May 30th - No School, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 31st - Early Childhood End of Year Breakfast, 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Wednesday, June 1st - Last Day of School & off-campus field day at Lovelace Park - all students must pack a nut-free brown bag/completely disposable lunch!