There's S'now Weather Like This!

Crazy week, huh?

After losing last Friday, then losing Thursday and this Friday....AND with 60 degree weather on the way next week - it's definitely January in Virginia! :)

We studied abbreviations this week and students had fun playing games such as "I Have/Who Has," "Call Out" and sorting with fish and penguins.

We are continuing our polar unit and have moved from Antarctica to up north and the Arctic Circle.  We'll compare the two habitats, as well as the animals from each one.  We're saving all of our work we've done so far and will put it in a book for our Polar Studies!  Students will also be exploring ice floes, northern lights (aurora), mapping skills, temperature, and animal adaptations (such as blubber keeping animals warm).  The class is really enjoying what we've done so far in this unit!

Another exciting development that, unfortunately, needs to wait until next week:  our Gingerbread Project!  We've received some of them back, and will be looking at the 10 other states (as well as Bermuda) who have sent us their gingerbread!

Check out a picture of one of our 'men below!  Students had fun learning more about our state as much as decorating!

Hope you and yours are staying safe this wintry weather.  I'm sure you're like me and you're looking forward to a little 60 degree treat! :)

Diversity In Our World

Our study this week focused on Diversity - how we are all different, but united as citizens.  After we spent a few days looking at that concept, the other part of the standard is to look at how we, as citizens, choose our leaders.  Students had a blast "voting" for both state and local offices.  Did you see the nametags students wore home?  They were so proud of their positions!  I also stressed how most of the power is put in the hands of the everyday voter!  Don't like the job your representative is doing?  Don't elect them again!  They liked that idea - the power of choice!

We also got back into the swing of things here at school.  We began reviewing skip counting by using pennies, nickels, and dimes and even learned that if you don't have a "buddy" you might be an "odd number"!

In Reading, we started focusing on nonfiction and in particular, biographies.  We read about famous Virginians, such as Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, as well as important pioneers such as Ruth Law, Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart, and Ruby Bridges!

Next week, our Science unit will focus on animal habitats.  I'm incorporating a "Polar Unit" across different areas of the curriculum.  I'm excited about some of the activities I have planned for students!  Please be sure to read the weekly homework/announcements for more details!

Have a great weekend! :)