Structures

For the past 3 weeks the students have been learning about structures around the world. We learned about various structures but focused on tipis, igloos, adobe houses and Egyptian pyramids. 

To begin the unit we looked at basic shapes and buildings. Students were put into groups and had to use objects around the classroom to build a stable house. Some students used wood blocks, some used play-doh while others used lego. We discussed what objects worked the best to build a structure. We also looked at what materials we could have used instead. 

We then explored different continents/countries on google earth to find natural structures and man made structures. We found skyscrapers, Egyptian Pyramids, The London Bridge, Coliseum, Buckingham Palace, and The Grand Canyon. Some students also pointed out that we couldn't see some natural structures because they are under water (Coral Reef). We discussed the differences between a man made structure and a natural structure. We also discussed the differences between man made materials and natural materials. 

The first structure that we focused on was The Egyptian Pyramids. We found some interesting facts and we then looked at the characteristics of pyramids. Why were the made, what were they made from, are they a man made structure or natural structure?

We then made our own Egyptian Pyramids out of sugar cubes! The students learned that we can alter the appearance of a material by painting it. 

The second structure we explored were tipi's.Who made tipis, what materials were used to construct tipis and how can we alter the appearance of a tipi? 

We made our own tipi's out of tortillas! 

The third structure that we focused on were adobe houses. The students had many questions about adobe houses such as...Is an adobe house a natural structure or a man made structure? We also compared adobe houses to tipis...how does each structure stay warm? What type of insulation is used? 

We then made our own adobe houses out of clay! We learned that you can alter the appearance of a material by sanding it down. 

The last structure that we explored were Igloos! We created miniature marshmallow igloos. 

To end the unit the students were put into teams and we played Jeopardy! All the questions were based on things we learned throughout the unit. 

By the end of the unit the students were able to distinguish between objects and materials found in nature and those constructed by humans, they were able to compare properties of materials and they were able to predict characteristics of common materials. 

Readers Theatre

Our Fairy Tale & Fable unit has come to a close. The students did a wonderful job performing their Fairy Tale Readers Theatre today! Check out the performances below. 

The Three Little Pigs 

Snow White

Goldilocks and The Three Bears

Rapunzel Part 1/2

Rapunzel Part 2/2 (Camera died before it ended)

Cinderella

Little Red Riding Hood 

Thank you to Ms.Joanne for the scripts! You can buy the scripts at her TPT store.
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fairy-Tale-Readers-Theatre-for-Grades-1-and-2-201734

Star Student

March 25-April 4

Friendship

Today marked the last day of our "bucket-filling" unit. The students learned about feelings/emotions, relationships and bucket-filling. 

To introduce the unit the students had a discussion about what feelings are and what makes us feel a certain way? The students were put into groups and then were given a feeling/emotion. They had to draw pictures and use adjectives to describe the emotion/feeling they were given. They then presented their pictures to the class. 

The next day we read, "Have you filled a bucket today?" The students brainstormed ideas on how they could be a bucket filler. Throughout the unit we also read, "Bucket filling from A to Z,"How full is your bucket?" and "Will you fill my bucket?"

 

 

We then went over rule number one of bucket filling.

1. Be a bucket filler. 

 

The students then created their own buckets and came up with ideas on how they can be a bucket filler. 

 

We then went over rule number two of bucket filling.

2. Dont Dip. 

 

Before letting the students know what rule number 2 was I gave them an activity. Each group got a tube of toothpaste and some toothpicks. Each student had to try and squeeze all of the toothpaste out of the bowl. Once all the toothpaste was out, one at a time they had to use the toothpick to put the toothpaste back in the tube. The students quickly figured out that this was an impossible task. Once the toothpaste was out, it was very hard to put it back in the tube....this acts much like using hurtful words. Once we say or do something hurtful we can't take it back. We have to be careful with our words because it may be hard for someone to forgive us. 

The next day, we learned the last rule of bucket-filling. 

3. Use your lid.

What is a lid? A lid is something we use to protect our buckets. The students learned that it is important to stand up for yourself if someone is doing something that you do not like. It is also important to seek help if that doesn't work. We also learned that sometimes using your lid doesn't work and your bucket may be emptied even if no one purposely dipped in it. Sometimes we get sick, a family member may pass away or our pets run away. These are situations that we cannot control. In order for our bucket to be filled again we need time to grieve. 

 

Not only do people have buckets...but animals have buckets too! It is easy for us to express ourselves but it is harder for an animal to express their wants/needs. We talked about why some animals end up in shelters, and how we can help animals in need. We had a special guest come visit us! The students filled Tucker's bucket up...and he also filled up our buckets! 

Throughout the unit we also disucssed friendship, bullying and tattle tailing. The students came up with skits to show the difference between asking someone for help and tattle tailing.

 

To finish the unit we had a sharing circle. The students shared what they learned about bucket filling. 

Spring is in the air!

March 20th marked the first day of Spring...although it still feels like winter here in Saskatchewan! 

Fairy Tales

For the past week the students have been working hard on their fairy tale book reports. The students chose one fairy tale then, worked together as a group to read the fairy tale and create a book report.This task was completed during the Daily 5 at the "Work on Writing," station.