Tuesday, February 9, 2010

We Saw it Through 'Till the End

This month's math unit focuses on counting, adding and measuring. When the class gets hold of measuring equipment there is a stir of excitement.
One person measures a pencil, then the next a chair, the next a classmate until five or six peers are working together to measure the length of the classroom.
The following day Sawyer proposes the longest distance of all..."How long is it between our classroom to Mr. McKie's?!?!" The class as a whole worked together to connect our one inch unifix cubes into a train reaching the total length of the kindergarten wing. But that was the easy part.
Once the measuring tool was assembled it was time to count. We thought about counting by thousands, then decided it would take too long to count out another thousand by ones. We counted by ten's all the way up to 2060! We now know that the kindergarten hallway is 2060 unifix cubes long.

HOMEWORK CHALLENGE: How can we tell others how long the hallway is using terms everyone understands?

Jame's Family Culture

James' astonishing presentation was something to be remembered and valued for years to come, or at least until third grade speech presentations are assessed. With the flair and timing of a professional speaker James systematically introduced us to life on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. He even connected with his audience after he described the importance of the Chinese New Year, and the related zodiac, when he revealed that "My mommy had an Ox in her tummy, but most of us are monkeys and Mrs. K is having a tiger." He then went on to recite a famous Chinese poem and began translating it without delay.

The Informed Voter

After meeting our new class beta fish we considered how to go about choosing a name. Everyone had such good ideas. However, only one can be chosen.

Therefore, campaigns sprang up with slogans and solid reasoning behind their choice.

Kindergarten then made some informed decisions in a private vote.

Some opinions were not so secretive.

We still have not counted the ballots so stop by Room 31 and let your voice be heard! Make sure to read all the compelling evidence for each and every Beta name. You may want to introduce yourself to the fish before voting just to make sure you are fully in the know.

The Fish Finally Makes His Debut

After months of working our way to earn each and every piece of tne environment needed to sustain a class fish...WE DID IT!!!

Kindergarten had to show extraordinary diligence to earn each part of the fish's bowl, gravel, castle, plant, food and even the water before Mrs. K went out to choose a fish for the class.

Our fish was happily received and examined before names could be considered.