Week 23 Feb.3-7

Math:

We will continue working on composing and decomposing numbers. In class we will  play with the different ways to make number arrangements in class. 

Equally important, for problem solving skills, students should understand that in math there are multiple ways to represent mathematical ideas. A representation can be thought of as a tool, such as a diagram, graph, symbol, drawings, or manipulative, that expresses a mathematical idea or concept.

Because different representations can illuminate different aspects of a mathematical idea, multiple representations should be explored and encouraged.

Strengthening the ability to move between and among representations improves students’ understand and retention of ideas.

Science:

In science we will continue looking at rocks and describing them.  We will be integrating technology to examine rocks and describe them for example, the texture, color, and size.  Below is the vocabulary we will use.

Week 22- Jan.27-31

Math:

This week we will focus in composing and decomposing numbers.  This helps students to begin to think flexibly about numbers in a way that connects between simply counting quantities to adding and subtracting them.  Once children can count quantities to 10 they need to begin to see the different ways these quantities can be broken up. At first this is done at the concrete level with students breaking apart trains of cubes or making groups of counters. Eventually students should begin to do this mentally.

We will create opportunities to play with the different ways to make number arrangements in class and you can also help with this at home. 

Science:

We will continue to look at different types of rocks and will be using some of the vocabulary we have used throughout the year to describe the different characteristics. We will be focusing on the texture, color, and size of the rocks. We also will be discussing what rocks are used for and what materials can be found in them (this includes rocks being used to build buildings/other structures and some minerals that can be used for other purposes). For home support, you can simply go outside and see what kind of rocks you have in your neighborhood.

Week 21 January 21-24

Welcome to the first blog of 2020!

Math:

This past week, we worked on joining numbers. One of the key concepts that students must learn is to solve word problems. We will begin with very basic numbers. Students should understand that in Math, there are multiple ways to represent mathematical ideas. A representation can be thought of as a tool such as a diagram, graph, symbol, or manipulative that expresses a mathematical idea or concept. While it might seem very simplistic, it is important that students are encouraged to explore different representations. You can find vocabulary below that will assist you with working on this skill at home. Also, we are including an example of the type of word problems we will working on to begin with.

Ex: There were 4 squirrels playing on a tree. 2 more squirrels came and joined them. How many squirrels are playing on the tree in total?

Science:
This week in Science, we will begin our unit on rocks. Students will be looking at different types of rocks and will be using some of the vocabulary we have used throughout the year to describe the different characteristics. We will be focusing on the texture, color, and size of the rocks. We also will be discussing what rocks are used for and what materials can be found in them (this includes rocks being used to build buildings/other structures and some minerals that can be used for other purposes). For home support, you can simply go outside and see what kind of rocks you have in your neighborhood. Ask your child questions on how they can describe what it looks like and what do they think the rock is made from. Below you can find the vocabulary we will be using this week.