We began the day in our classroom exploring a very common math manipulative, base ten blocks. As Ms. F says, we "experienced" these blocks. We dumped them out in the middle of the carpet and the kiddos explored them and figured out what they could do with these blocks. Through this exploration they were able to discover that the "stick" has 10 little lines that are the same size as the cubes. Then they realized they could make a "stick" by lining up ten of the cubes. Then we learned that these blocks are called "Base Ten Blocks". They also learned the stick is called a ten stick and the cube is called a ones cube. These blocks are used all throughout elementary, middle, and even high school to help teach the concept of place value. After recess we went out in the hall and looked at our Animals in Winter display. We looked at each other's art and I read them everyone's facts about thieir animal. Then I asked them what else their display might need. They decided it needed a title and a sign that teaches others that animals either tolerate, migrate, or hibernate to survive winter. After lunch we had our second visit from the district art teacher Ms. Web to finish our moose art project. They had some time to look at books before getting a little choice time. During choice time I pulled my first group to begin assessing their understanding of our unit of inquiry. I asked, "How do animals survive winter?" They drew a picture and I transcribed what they said to answer the question. Then we headed off to recess, came in for snack, and had Media Arts for specials. And of course, it was another great day in K!
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I am one proud teacher of 20 amazing Kindergarteners! They have planned this project and have nearly completed it. Check out their animal creations and information they wanted to share about each animal. It never ceases to amaze me what kiddos can do when they guide their own learning! Your kiddos had a sub for the afternoon today while I met with each kiddo individually in the hall to perform 4, one minute Literacy assessments called DIBELS. It is amazing how much progress everyone has made. Your kiddos ROCK! Ms. Ploski took some great pictures of your kiddos during Inquiry Centers. Check them out. In the morning we had music where we are learning to play The Gamelon. Check out the video of them playing. Another great day in K!
We are at the end of our unit of inquiry on how animals survive winter. I asked the kiddos how they want to show what they have learned. They came up with a fabulous idea that we started today. They paired up and choose an aninmal. Two groups chose migrators, four groups chose hibernaters, and four groups chose tolerators. This afternoon they created a model of their animal with art. They got to choose their art form. They brainstormed many types of art medium they could use: clay, paint, oil pastels, recycled materials, and paper mache. Two groups chose to use oil pastels, one used paint, and the other 8 groups used clay. Their animals turned out amazing and the group collaboration process was a beautiful experience!
The next few days we will be writing facts about our animals. Then we will create a display on a table outside the classroom. An idea they got from seeing the 5th graders' planet dioramas on their way to Spanish. Your kiddos are such amazing, creative thinkers! We began the day looking at partner numbers of ten using our bodies. Ten kiddos came up and were ladybugs getting ready for hibernation. Each ladybug went to sleep one at a time. We used number equations comparing ladybugs awake to ladybugs asleep. Then we had Math and Literacy Centers. Followed by Writer's Workshop! This afternoon we listened to the book Martin Luther King Jr. We talked about how we would feel if we were restricted on what we could do based on the color of our skin. It was a fabulous discussion. Then we brainstormed what we are thankful for and what would wish for all people. Your kiddos' ideas were very heartfelt! Another great day in K!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
My name is Kyndal Ploski (Miss Ploski) and I am student-teaching in Mrs.Winter's class from January to early May. I am a student from the University of Montana, and I will be graduating this spring with a degree in elementary education. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with your wonderful children! A little about me, I was raised in Southern California in an agricultural town called Moorpark. I am passionate about teaching, traveling, and equestrian riding. I moved to Montana three and a half years ago, and I have fallen in love with Missoula and all its natural beauty. I enjoy hiking Montana's mountains and paddle boarding its lakes. If you would like to learn more about me you may contact me or come see me in Mrs. Winter's classroom! Best Regards, Kyndal Ploski [email protected] (805) 297-7292 We had our second visit from SPARK artist Jennifer Ogden on Friday. We used liquid water colors and salt to create a snowy background for our clay hibernaters we created last week. Then we did paper mache over a blown up balloon to make our dens for our hibernaters. She will visit again for our final class in two weeks where we will put our amazing creations together. We also had time for Math Centers, a visit from Ms. Meyers, a visit to the library, and a visit from big buddies. Another great Friday! It turned out to be a beautiful day for a field trip. Ask your kiddos all about it! We began the day reviewing class expectations, the 3 B's, and Kelsoe's Choices. Ask your kiddos all about it! Then we had some time for Math and Literacy Centers. After recess we had Writer's Workshop. Our little authors are making great progress in making their first books. After lunch we reviewed all that we have learned during our unit of inquiry on how animals survive winter. We brainstormed all the elements the animals will need for the different habitats they inhabit. Then we used all the collected materials to create a winter scene diorama. We finished early so we went out and had a little extra recess. Perfect day for it!
We had a great day today regardless of the full moon... on Friday the 13th. As always, Friday's are our busy day of "extras": Creative Movement, Ms. Myer's visit, library, and big buddies. Today had a couple extra "extras". We had a visit from a MLK Day Read for Peace reader who read Martin's Big Words. We also had our first of three visits from Jennifer Ogden, a SPARK residency artist. We created a hibernating animal with clay today. It was a fabulous day. Here are a few pictures: |
by Mrs. WinterKindergarten is truly the BEST and that is why I want to share our world with you! Archives
September 2017
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