Adventurers Team    

Team teachers Pam Wise/Joplin James                     

Welcome to the Adventurers Parentlink for Friday, March 16th, 2001.

At least this week wasn’t as strange as last week.  We only had one delayed opening!  They keep saying that spring is just around the corner, but we’re not convinced.  Please remember that throughout the rest of snow season, flooding season, and mud season, and until the green grass truly prevails, YOUR CHILD NEEDS BOOTS FOR OUTDOORS AND SHOES FOR INSIDE!

        Some of the books we read this week included;  “Zinnia and Dot,” by Lisa Campbell Ernst; “Midnight Farm,” by Carly Simon. Our poem this week was “Wearing of the Green” by Aileen Fisher. You can find our poem each week on our homepage or go directly from here to: http://shelburne.k12.vt.us/TEAMS/ADVENT/PoemSongs/Green.htm

 We also continued to learn the poem we began last week on the months.  The watercolor paintings of our black and white photographs are great.  The Challenge for the week was to make as many words as possible from the phrase “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.”

Cheryl filled the Estimating Jar with UVM sew-on patches.  We narrowed the range to between 25 and 150.  The estimates were very good.  There were 35 patches in the jar. Megan had the exact estimate! What will she fill it with?  We’ll have to wait until Monday to see.

First graders have been learning about polygons this week.  We began by identifying what is needed to make a polygon, recognizing which shapes are polygons, and then learned to draw many 2-D shapes.  The children were also given a chance to “name” different polygons.  We ended the week by learning about, and constructing, 3-D straw models of polygons.  The kids made cubes, pentagonal pyramids, and rectangular prisms, to name a few!   The Second graders completed their introductory unit on fractions.  We then spent some time reviewing the skills we learned and playing some math game to reinforce those skills. We also started a new unit on measurement.

The kindergarteners have been working on building their addition and subtraction skills.  This week we shared our number stories and also played some games to give them some practice to reinforce these skills.  We also closely observed a quarter with a magnifying glass.  They certainly are fascinated with coins!

        Spelling went very well for the first week.  Many thanks to all the parents who helped their child set aside time to complete these activities.  A great majority returned their booklets on time. Thank you for helping your child practice his/her words for the posttest. 

    We celebrated three birthdays this week: Troy, Heather and Josie.  We were treated to 2 batches of delicious chocolate chip cookies and some yummy muffins.  We certainly enjoy celebrating birthdays.

    In the afternoon we finished reading “Paddy’s Pot of Gold“ in time for Saint Patrick’s Day and today we began an old favorite, Stuart Little, by E.B. White. First and second graders have all been to the library this week to learn about some more research materials and to find out more information about their chosen vertebrate.  On Wednesday and Thursday each child shared one interesting fact they found as a result of their homework. Each student will continue to research their animal.

    On Wednesday March 28^th, we’re preparing for a trip as part of our “All about Me” theme unit to get to know our own town. Six of our local merchants around the Shelburne plaza have agreed to show us around and take us behind the scenes. We could really use some extra chaperones to help with small groups. Please let us know if you are able to join us that morning.

        Spring arrives officially next week and we’re beginning to see signs even though there’s still some deep snow drifts. The homework for this weekend is to find three signs of spring and draw a picture identifying them. On Tuesday we will share our observations and celebrate the vernal equinox.

We look forward to seeing you and your child at conferences next week to review their growth so far this year and discuss expectations for the remainder of the year.  Remember all students (including kindergartens) will be dismissed after lunch at 12:10 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

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Home Page maintained by Joplin James/ Pam Wise
jjames@shelburne.k12.vt.us
Last updated: March 16, 2001