We have continued to study fairy tales and have engaged in projects related to fairy tales. This week, we built parachutes to help Jack escape from the giant and created a tower for Rapunzel. During the Rapunzel tower challenge, students worked collaboratively with limited resources (everyone had the same amount and type of paper) to create the tallest tower that they could. It was interesting to see how each team approached the challenge and the variety of designs that they attempted. I was also proud of the noticeable increase in their ability to work collaboratively and to deal with frustration when the original design did not work. They are become quite skilled at demonstrating communication skills and creative and collaborative problem skills.
On Thursday, June 14th we will be holding a "Fairy Tale Festival" from 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM. At the festival, students will present reader's theaters, their writing and some of the activities related to fairy tales that we have completed. Families are invited to join us for this celebration and special snack. If you are interested in contributing to the party, please let me know.
Fairy Tale Theater Costumes
The students are eager to wear "costumes" for their fairy tale readers' theater performances. We find or create most items at school but may request items from home or that they wear certain colors on the day of the Festival. If you child has ideas for his/her costume and would like it to be more involved than what we are doing at school, that is fine with me IF it works for you. It is not necessary for you to create or provide a costume for these performances.
Field Trip - Millstone
On Monday, June 4th we will have our PBIS celebration field trip to the Millstone in Barre. Students will have the opportunity to rock climb, use the slack line and play other games outdoors. It is important that students dress appropriately for being outside and active. They need sneakers or other athletic type shoes and comfortable clothing. Students should also bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. If you would like your child to wear sunscreen and/or bug repellant, please apply the first layer before school in the morning. I can help reapply at mid-day but will need you to provide the sunscreen and/or bug stuff.
Math
Have you noticed your child's increased interest in money? We have been studying coins and their values during math class. Most of the class has become quite skilled at counting out coins and showing values in multiple ways. We are still working on the counting of quarters (up to a dollar) and solving word problems that involve money. If you have a chance to have your child practice with coins, that would be wonderful.
