Week of February 1st

For the next two weeks the students will continue exploring the topic of balls. They will 
Investigate the following questions: 
What are balls made of ? 
Who uses balls? 

Extending the topic
The students will be encouraged to explore other things shaped like a sphere, for example : 
A globe 
Planets (following week) 
Exploring 3D shapes (Materials: wooden cube, sphere,cone ,cylinder and a dry erase board) 
The students will be encouraged to make predictions and explain their thinking before they roll, slide or stack the 3D shapes on the dry erase board. 

Some of the books we will be reading this week are:

The Doorbell Rang
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
If You Let A Pigeon Drive The Bus
Have a ball
A Birthday Basket For Tia

http://planbookedu.com/s/BRW3T

Learning Centers:

Math: The students will measure balls with yarn and unifix cubes. To complete this activity the students will follow these steps:
First, measure different balls with yarn. We will then discuss which strings were the longest , the shortest and about the same length. To take it a step further the students will estimate how long the strings would be using unifix cubes and compared to our actual estimation.

Discover area (science): Students will explore what is inside a ball. A beach ball will be placed at the science table. The students will be asked what they think is inside a beach ball.  List all their guesses. Cut one open (either in advance or in front of the children).Let them explore what the balls are made of.

Dramatic play: The dramatic play area will be turned into a ball shop. Students will learn to recognize and identify money by name or value.

Blocks: The center will include different types of balls and ramp

Library: Books about balls


Writing: Students will be encouraged to draw and write the word ball.

Art: Students will be encouraged to create bubble art. This activity has many science processes such as, investigation, discovery, experimentation, observation, definition, comparison, and classification can be learned simply by playing with bubbles.


Sand and Water table:  Students will predict , practice and discuss the results as they blow bubbles with different-shaped objects. Students will use a variety of materials to construct with sand and water.

Technology: Counting balloons app. Students are encouraged to identify numbers 1-10.



Reminders:

Friday , February 5th  dismissal will be at 12:00 noon.
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held from 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the classrooms.

February 9th, 2016 is our Valentine’s Day Show!  The show will take place in the gymnasium at 9 a.m.

School be closed Friday, February 12th.

Financial Aid will be available for students entering Kindergarten here at OLQM.  Alba and Brianna in the office will be of assistance in filing for financial aid.  Through the generosity of donors to the Archdiocese this financial aid will be available for ALL students entering Kindergarten in 2016.  An information packet will be sent home this week and Mr. Woods will quickly speak to parents on Thursday, 8:30 AM in the Parent Conference room regarding registration for Kindergarten.

Link to this week's lesson plan