This week in math we have been learning about number bonds. A number bond is a picture of the relationship between a number and its parts. We will use the concept of number bonds throughout the year to deepen understanding about both addition and subtraction. The children have been exploring various number combinations that add up to the numbers one to twelve. We have been focusing on combining two numbers to get to one bigger number under twelve although today we did do a couple of number bonds combining three numbers to make up the number nine and then the number twelve. The children have been using cubes, a math balance and “just plain” paper and pencil to explore number bonds.
In Fundations, we have completed our review of lower-case letter formation. We will continue to do some letter formation review as part of morning work but during our phonics lessons over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on practice segmenting, blending, reading and spelling basic CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words. Examples of CVC words include bug, pet, zip, hot etc. The children already have begun tapping out and writing some CVC words as part of our letter formation practice. The children also are now expected to write mostly in lower-case letters. They are beginning to understand that only the first letter in one’s name is written in upper-case. We will be learning more about when it is appropriate to use upper-case letters over the next weeks (and months).
In Social Studies this week, we read the beautiful book, This Land is Your Land, words by Woody Guthrie and paintings by Kath Jakobsen. We listened to a recording of Woody Guthrie singing the song and talked about how the song reflects Woody’s love for the USA as well as his belief that we could be doing better. He wanted us to do more to help the poor and the farmers hurt in the dustbowl. We related the song to the respect/love we show the country when we say the Pledge of Allegiance and to the symbolism of the flag. Rav Shira has been teaching the children some patriotic songs during music class as well.
The children are working hard on their All About Me books. This week, they wrote about what they like to do in their free time and what they want to be when they grow up. We read the book Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes which focuses on a little girl with a lovely but at times challenging name. We shared the stories of our names and even graphed them on large paper to compare and contrast them in terms of the number of letters in each of our names (see the attached picture).
The children have enjoyed listening to a couple of books by Jamie Lee Curtis focusing on children and how they grow and develop. A favorite was her book, My Brave Year of Firsts, about a little girl in first grade who struggles but learns many new skills.
During recess, the children enjoyed playing Gaga in the social hall. We were fortunate to have the loan of the movable Gaga pit from Knucklebones. Other favorite recess activities have included: building with Legos, playing with the horses figures and play barn, playing Fishy, Fishy Cross my Ocean and drawing pictures.
Next week, we will begin our Mission Mitzvah program. The children will earn “postcards” and points on a chart when they do something especially kind or helpful. When as a class, we have accumulated enough points, we will plan a special Mission Mitzvah party which typically includes a pajama day and a chance to bring in a stuffed animal.
Best wishes for a wonderful and warm Shabbat,
Joanne