Oh I wish I were a rider for the pony...

Ready to ride!

You can't go wrong with a combination of a horse, a young rider, and a race across the west to deliver mail in 10 days. This week we learned all about the Pony Express, what it was, why it was started (all the new people in CA from the gold rush were impatient for a quicker mail delivery), what the riders went through, and why it ended (the telegraph was extended across the west). The kids are looking forward to their turn each morning to gallop for a letter from long ago and gallop back. They loved the read-alouds of famous Americans who rode for the pony express in their early teens (Buffalo Bill Cody, Bronco Charlie), and they showed great imagination when they wrote a journal page from the point of view of a rider. 

Saddle up!

We face every danger!

I ride like the wind!

We ride by day and by night!

                                                         
Everyone completed a booklet on the Pony Express, and one of the writing pages included a letter asking to be hired 
as a rider, including persuasive reasons of course. There was also a sketch page and a map. Here are examples:

The map page was a favorite!

Nice detail!

Check this out!

Two great, true stories

Two Pony Express read-alouds

The new book series are loads of fun to read alone or with a buddy or two. The Breyer Stable Mate series is one that some of our friends are enjoying:

We have the same book!

In phonics this week, we practiced decoding words with 'Bossy R' . Words including ar, or, er, ir, and ur are controlled by the sound of the R consonant. We read /ar/ words dressed as pirates of course. Their favorite sound is 'arrr' so that helped us out!

Arrrg! Can you read my word?

We pirates know our sounds!

Here is a word for you!

Are you ready to read?

Our shark in the park book fits right in

 Science has moved from parts of plants to parts of animals. We sorted animals into five groups: Reptile, Bird, Mammal, Fish, and Amphibian. We also played a guess my animal game while an animal photo was taped to the backs of volunteers. Clues included parts of the animal that were unique to it. 

Math has moved into measurement using non standard units of measurement as well as rulers. Everyone is up and around the room measuring away!

We wished a Happy Birthday to Elaine this week. She loved hearing her name on the morning TES news- they announce each day for birthday children.

Next week we have an early release, an author visit, and an optional picture day on the 6th. Always something going on!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Mrs. Dagley