Explorers 3/17/2023

 Hello Explorer Friends and Families!

Peek at Our Week

ELA

In addition to “March is Reading Month”, Explorers are taking time to learn more about March as “Women’s History Month.” Several students asked why this matters. This was a great opportunity to help students understand that this is an opportunity to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually since 1987. The 2023 theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories,” highlights women who have used their voice and creativity to share stories that educate, inspire and entertain individuals. We have read stories about Frida Kahlo, Nina Simone, Molly Williams, and Joan Proctor, Reptile Doctor. 

If your family would like an additional resource, The Mighty Girl web site - https://www.amightygirl.com/ - has a large collection of books, toys, and movies that feature courageous women.

We are continuing to practice our how-to writing. It provides great practice in logically sequencing events to the level at which someone else can follow directions. Additionally, it gives us a chance to review and practice time order words (first second, next, also, last etc). Students are noticing that adding illustrations to their words allows the reader to “see” the steps.

Science

First grade scientists are enjoying learning about rocks and minerals. Ask your child to explain the difference to you. In addition, we are taking a look at rocks. (igneous, metamorphic, and  sedimentary)

Second grade scientists are using what they know about the wind to examine how the wind can change the earth’s surface. We will also brainstorm solutions to prevent some of these changes from happening.  

Math

We spent a wonderful week reviewing the math skills we have learned so far this year.  We worked on review math packets, played math games and spent time discussing how to problem solve using our individual white boards and math tools such as cubes and number charts.  We combined various math groups and had students teach each other how to play “new to them” math games.  It was great to see the children teaching each other!

Social Studies

Our first graders practiced their directional skills using maps and a compass rose.  We are getting very familiar with how to tell north, south, east and west.  We practiced on our white board and the students quizzed each other on a map we created ourselves.

Our second graders finished and presented their ideal community maps.  It was inspiring to see all of the hard work that went into these maps and the excitement the children shared when describing their community to the class.  We had communities with parks, public swimming pools, tree houses for all to use and some communities with a Target nearby.