Week of March 27th!!

WEEKLY REMINDERS

• Easter Recess March 31st –April 14th
• Students return Monday, April 17, 2023 
• Always make sure to read the OLQM School Blog for additional information, located HERE!
• If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at mrsgonzalez@olqmnyc.org or text/call (862)248-2941 I will do my best to answer at the end of the day. 

Unit Topic:

Light

Essential Question for the Unit:

How and why do we use different kinds of light?

Focus Questions for this Week:

What are shadows?

Focused Learning Activity for this Week

Whose shadow is this?

The teacher will point student’s shadows out to them during outdoor time. They will show them how their shadows move in the same way and at the same time they do.  Student's will be encouraged to watch their shadows as they move their bodies. They will be asked to pause and pose. The teacher will take pictures of the students and their shadows.  Students will then be able to match the classmate to their shadow and discuss what makes a shadow. 

Pre-K Common Core Learning Standard Addressed:PK.SCI.9. [P-PS3-1.] Participates in an investigation to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface 

The teacher will ask the following HOTS Questions

What can you tell me about your shadow? 

How are shadows made?

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

For all children to be successful, multiple entry points will be considered. The teacher will tailor instruction to the needs of each individual student. 

For example, 

Repeat directions

Extend time 

Preview questions (if applicable)

Provide 1:1 support 

Adapt materials  

Foundational text for the week:

Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch

The link to the foundational texts HERE!

Questions that will be asked throughout the week related to the foundational text:

 Level 1: Recall 

What was Bear doing when he first noticed his shadow? 

Why did Bear want to get rid of his shadow? 

What are some of the ways Bear tried to get rid of his shadow? 

Level 2: Skill/Concept 

What makes shadows?

Why did Bear’s shadow move when bear moved? 

Is it possible to get rid of a shadow? Why or why not? 

Level 3: Strategic Thinking 

Bear felt very annoyed when he could not get rid of his shadow. Are there things that make you feel annoyed? What are they? 

Bear talked to his shadow. Can shadows listen? Can shadows answer questions? Why or why not? 

Level 4: Extended Thinking 

When it was noon and the sun was high in the sky, Bear’s shadow was gone. Why? 

When can you see your shadow?

How can you make your shadow go away? 

Lesson and activities for the week:

Blocks- Students are invited to explore how they might use blocks and a flashlight to create shadow letters.  

Pretend Play- Students will be able to use flashlights for shadow play inside a tent.  

Art- The teacher will read the book Round Trip by Ann Jonas.  After reading the book, children will be provided with black and white paper to create a picture.  Children will be encouraged to cut or rip the paper and use glue to assemble the art. The teacher will use vocabulary words such as straight and wavy to describe the lines that they make. 

Science- Students will be able to use the light table to look at x-rays and an assortment of translucent objects.   

Math- The teacher will supply translucent plastic drinking cups in a variety of colors. Children will be invited to create patterns with the cups.

Library- Students are invited to read books about our theme, light.  

Writing- The children will be invited to use a hole puncher to create letters on pieces of paper. The teacher will allow children to place the papers over the light table to explore the letters and light. 

Sensory- The teacher will line the bottom of the sensory table with tin foil and add water as well as glass beads, containers, scoops, etc. The teacher will invite children to explore, sort, and enjoy.