Zenger farm trip - many pictures

We continue to learn more about ants...here are some pictures of ant diagrams:

Today was the class trip to Zenger Farm.  We were able to learn more about the role ants play on a farm- as decomposers.  Enjoy the pictures, and ask your child about their day!

Enjoy Veteran's day!  See you Thursday!

Wednesday November 4

Hi everybody!
During literacy learning, one of the work centers is to design an ant to show the basic anatomy.

Later, we researched information about ant habitats:

Did you know some anthills can go 40 feet down to the ground?

Finally, we spent some time solving the ant story problems written by each other!  Here are some mathematicians, shopping for story problems.

A busy day of learning for all!

Here are some ideas from the learners:
"I liked solving the math story problems." Natalie  & Ruby
"I liked number corner when we found out that three coins can make 6 combinations." Ana
"I enjoyed being challenged by ant story problems!" Zach
"I liked the little extra math I did today." Sam
"I really liked solving the ant story problems and helping out Miles by explaining how to choose a problem." Liam
"Aiden helped me carry the choice time bucket to the carpet." Tyler
"It was kind of Zach to help me with math." Lucia
"Grace helped me dove her story problem." Ryan
"Ryan complimented by bag." Zoe
"Reading and solving story problems was fun today." Ia & Ashe & Aven

Monday, November 2

Hi everyone!
Today began with some fun turkey art to decorate our lockers.  Thanks again to Jen and Allison for the help!

The other big new of the day:  The ant farms have arrived!

The students seem pretty excited to have a chance to observe ants close up.  They are harvester ants - try doing a little research at home about this species of ant.
See you tomorrow!

Thursday October 28

Hi everyone!
This week just flew by!  We had 2 sessions of art upstairs with Kara and then with Christina.  Today we enjoyed some festive math.  We began by calculating with M&M's...

Then a festive autumn mix

Finally, a colorful snack mix:

We ended the day learning more about the role UNICEF plays in helping children in need all around the world and how we can help while we are trick - or - treating.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Monday & Tuesday October 19 & 20

Hi everyone!
We have been busy these past few days.  We have learned more about the different types of ants within an ant colony:

We have measured items using centimeter rulers based upon an army ant as the length of a centimeter:

We had fifth grade helpers visit to help use engage in literacy centers:

Then we ended our time with our first read-a-thon:  one hour of independent, cozy reading time!

The learners really seemed to enjoy this time - we may try it again sometime.
Looking forward to meeting with you all over the next few days!

Friday, October 16

Hi everyone!
We have continued our learnings about ants (myrmecology).  Ask your child about how strong, fast, and smart an ant is this weekend!

Thank you for ordering books this month.  The classroom gets new books, and the class account gets one bonus point per dollar you spend, with bonus points on top of that!.  This month there were 5430 bonus points added to the account - with the goal of 36,000 for a new iPad.

See you Monday!

Tuesday October 13

Hi everyone-

Since the last day of Special Person, the students have been asking - what are we doing now that special person is done?   Today we found out. We began with a story from Mrs. Robb about finding ants in the kitchen...

Then, the students were asked "When have you ever seen an ant?"  The all drew or wrote a story about ants, then told their story to three others before we made a poster of all of their ideas:

Finally, we discussed different ways we could learn more about ants as scientists :

Get ready scientists - time to learn more about ANTS!