The kids started the week learning about real Groundhogs. Then they drew maps of an underground burrow, complete with compass rose.
Next, we studied shadows. We bought colored lightbulbs at Lowes and made different colored shadows. It was fun to mix colors by turning on multiple bulbs at the same time. The kids loved experimenting with shadows: how to make them bigger, smaller, different colors, making shadow figures etc.
Then they made stick puppets and created a shadow puppet play.
Despite the crazy cold and snow, we did play outside as much as possible. Today feels like spring with the temperatures reaching into the 40s! This picture was from a few days ago when it was in the single digits. Got to love crazy winter weather!
Mixed in between these projects were tons of other work with shadows, too. We use a contract method for organizing lessons. We stole this idea from the Montessori school A attended last year. The kids and I do most of our science and social studies together. Then the last hour of our time, they work on their contracts. At the beginning of each week, I give them a contract that shows the work they need to complete by Friday. This is mostly math and LA since these are the subjects that they are on VERY different academic levels. This time allows me to work with one child while the other child works independently. This is just one of the ways that I balance having two children at different age groups in the same class.
Next week, we are learning about Solids, Liquids and Gasses and doing a TON of experiments. I can't wait!
No comments:
Post a Comment