This week we began our studies of Simple Machines with a visit from Anne Bateman, an educator from the Scotia-Glenville Children’s Museum. We explored six basic machines including levers, pulleys, screws, wedges, wheels and axels, and inclined planes with examples for each and many hands-on activities. Follow-up work on our shelves guides students to further explore examples of simple machines and how they work. So far the screwing and hammering work have been most sought after!
Continuing our patriotic theme, this week we discussed the history and importance of the Pledge of Allegiance. We practiced memorizing the words to this pledge as well as the words to the Star Spangled Banner. At music time we enjoyed singing additional patriotic songs including America the Beautiful, This Land is Your Land, and Yankee Doodle. We’ve also continued our studies of measurement and many interesting activities have been added to the shelves this week. Novel studies continue to help students better understand and appreciate literature.
All of the students seemed to enjoy our snow day off this week and they’ve also enjoyed the large amount of snow in the playground area. Several students have been working on fort building and skills in teamwork are being strengthened. Looking ahead, next week will be another short week with Monday off in honor of Martin Luther King’s birthday. In order to help students better appreciate that holiday we’ve taken some time this week to discuss slavery and black rights by reading more about Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and Martin Luther King’s work.
Thank you to all families who responded to our request for preferences on timing for our upcoming Gallery Showcase and Parent Education on Thursday, February 10th. Please plan to join us in the classroom from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. to see the students' artwork on display (in our gallery) and to hear about some of your child's favorite activities. We'll also have recently completed work on display. Attendance at this event is considered part of your child’s program of study as the students themselves will be taking on the role of "teacher" or "guide" and showing parents how to do some of the works they most enjoy. It is important that each student attend and we hope family members will join us as well.
Have a nice weekend,
Amy Poole and Nancy Adis
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, January 17th – No School – Martin Luther King Day
Thursday, January 20th – 9:30-11:00 a.m. - RiverRun Open House
Thursday, January 27th – 12:30 p.m. Group lunch in the RR classroom – families welcome
Thursday, February 10th – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Gallery Showcase and Parent Education Night
Friday, February 18th – No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences
February 21-25 – No School – February Recess
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