Over the Moon

Beanstalks through the castle

Science has been very exciting this week as we have read and learned about the moon. We have watched some great clips on how the moon orbits the earth and how the sunlight reflects on it to show us the different phases of the moon as it orbits. What is the moon made of, how is it different from earth? It's hard to imagine a place with no water, air, wind, sound, or life. It was especially exciting to watch videos of the Neil Armstrong and the first steps on the moon back in 1969. We even saw his footprints! Watching the blast off and a simulation of how the rocket pulled apart to reveal the 'Eagle' was very engaging. They loved hearing, "The Eagle has landed" when it touched down to the moon. Next week we will make our own phases of the moon project. 

A whole new collection of books!

We had a short unit in math this week on fractions and symmetry. There is something about symmetry that kids love - we've had loads of fun discovering how many items and creatures in nature are symmetrical and in building and drawing symmetrical pictures using blocks or crayons. 

Our symmetrical bears

Guess who we are?!

Have you been to the Swan Boats in Boston? We read Make Way For Ducklings this week, and it was especially engaging knowing that the book takes place in Boston. A visit to the Public Gardens with its spring flowers, a ride on the relaxing Swan Boats, and the search for the group of statues of the duck family is a fun outing.

Reading Officer Buckle and Gloria brought lots of laughs as the little dog did humorous antics acting out the safety tips that the school police officer talked about. We became safety officers ourselves when we made our own safety tips.

Safety is our mission!

Read our safety tips!

 We have continued our Reader's Theater plays. This week we saw The Tortoise and the Hare and Goldilocks and the Three Bears performed. They love dressing up and are practicing projecting their voices and using expression (the one time I want them to be loud!)

The Tortoise and the Hare performed

Practicing Rapunzel

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

The buddy reading performances continue to be a big hit too as you can see.

Great expression in this one!

Eager to perform!

 Next Friday, the 8th,  is FIELD DAY! I sent home a notice with details including wearing a yellow T-shirt, bringing a water bottle, wearing sneakers, and applying sunscreen. We will have indoor activities and breaks as well.

We wished Evan a Happy Birthday this week. He counted down the days to his birthday every morning when he walked in!


The Celebration of Learning is on the evening of the 14th, so head on over to the gym to see the displays. Our poetry writing collection will be on display. Miss McGrath the music teacher, is leading the kids in a few songs in the cafeteria. A half page note went home explaining how this optional activity will unfold. Let me know if it got misplaced or lost.

Homework packets officially ended. I have sent home a one page mini story to read and answer questions just to keep up the skills - they get a sticker if they return it. I also sent home a moon observation page (voluntary) just for fun, but between kids' bedtimes and trees in the way, it can be tricky seeing the moon. (The trees were in my way too!) Maybe on the weekend? Cam's mom looked it up online one night to show Cam and Ayla's mom took a photo with her camera to show her in the morning, so some ingenious methods of tracking the elusive moon paid off!

Here are a few more Beanstalk pictures ready to go home. In the past, kids have planted them and they have really taken off - I've had a few photos sent in from former students.

Time for our beanstalks to ride the bus

They are growing!

Great fashion sense boys!

 Isn't it fun when kids discover they came to school in exactly the same outfits! Had to take a picture of that!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Mrs. Dagley