Researching Under the Sea

The students in Preschool 5 have been working hard researching the characteristics of many sea creatures.

The students have been using the iPads to scan QR codes and reading non-fiction texts from the library.

One website which the students have enjoyed exploring is the National Geographic Kids website. It contains many interesting and age-appropriate videos about various sea creatures, as well as a range of factfiles and photographs for the children to explore.

Please see this link to one of the videos if you wish to explore this further with your child at home.

Kelso’s Choices

This past week, we introduced the students to Kelso’s Choices. We are teaching them to become empowered and confident (one of our attitudes) in themselves to solve their own small problems. A wheel of choices should have gone home with the students. Please go over it with them at home and have them practice making their own choices to resolve issues. Some of them have already been using the different choices at school. Great job, Preschool 5! We hope that you remember that you are “Smart enough and strong enough to solve your own problems.” -Kelso

kelso wheel

 

Science Experiment Excitement!!!

Our students have really enjoyed conducting science experiments during this unit. In our next unit our focus will not be on science but we would like to encourage students to keep up their enthusiasm and conduct experiments of their choice at home. Below are links to great resources with ideas for simple experiments that the whole family can enjoy. Please try to do at least one experiment with your children. Students can bring in pictures of them completing the experiment for show and tell!

Science Bob

Zoom Kids

Science Experiments for Kids

Kidz Zone Science

Science Projects for Preschoolers

Education.com

For our last experiment, students tested the affects of acid pollution on sea shells. We filled one cup with water and the other with vinegar. Next, we chose two similar looking seashells and placed one seashell in each cup. Students then observed the seashells throughout the day and recorded their findings. Here are some pictures of our investigation.

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Scientific Method

Students were thrilled to begin learning about the scientific method and conduct science experiments. Below are screen shots of the posters we use in class to explain the scientific method. Please feel free to use the same language at home when explaining them. We are also attaching photos of the students conducting the experiments. This week we inquired into the differences between fresh water and ocean water.

Kelso’s Wheel…as Demonstrated by Preschool 5

This week students were given the challenge of creating their own display to show Kelso’s Choices. We have discussed and participated in small role plays for all of the different Kelso Wheel Choices. On Tuesday, students used their knowledge to create their own wheel. Each group chose a strategy such as walking away or talking it out. The groups decided how to show the choice through a picture. Our pictures were then displayed in the main hall to help all students remember the problem solving strategies. Try to guess which choice each group is demonstrating. Feel free to post your answers as a comment.

Tricky Words

Tricky words are frequently used words that are difficult to sound out or spell phonetically (using the sounds). We describe them as words that do not follow the rules. As these words are used often, it is important for students to be able to read and write these words automatically. Tricky words are also called sight words depending on the curriculum that is followed. As we use Jolly Phonics, we will refer to them as tricky words. Currently we are working on the following words:

She, do, are, he, the, was, all, we, me, to, and be. Please practice reading and writing these words at home.

These links have wonderful online games that students can play to practice a variety of tricky words (the words included in the games go beyond what we are currently practicing in class):

http://www.familylearning.org.uk/sight_word_games.html

http://www.iboard.co.uk/activity/Phase-2-Tricky-Words-Bus-747

Light and Shadows

Students have really enjoyed our lights and shadow units. Below are links to online resources that can help your child develop their understanding of our unit. Please encourage them to visit the websites, watch the videos, and play the games.

Playing With Shadow Size

Shadows Game

Shadow Game 2

Sid the Science Kid Videos

Light Source Position

Earth, Moon, and Sun Orbit Game

Explore How the Earth Moves Around the Sun

Earth, Moon, and Sun Games

 

Poetry Resources

Students have enjoyed learning about poetry in class. We have written some great acrostic poems and will continue to study this genre. Please follow the links below for additional resources that can be used at home.

Read Poems!

Poetry For Kids

Shel Silverstein

Fizzy Funny Fizzy Poetry

Giggle Poetry

Practice Writing Poems!

Acrostic Poems

Theme (or Shape) Poems

Enjoy! 🙂