Week 3

The children have really enjoyed tuning-in to our first Unit of Study, "Magic Materials." We have been thinking about the question: Why do we use different materials to suit different needs? We became 'Materials Detectives' as we explored the materials used in and around our classrooms and recorded our findings using tally charts. We then transferred our findings to a pictograph (which is on the wall). This generated lots of interesting discussions about why certain materials were chosen and, in time, this led to the idea of materials having different properties. 

The children were then encouraged to consider this when they were presented with a challenge. They were invited to imagine they were the 'fourth little pig' and were tasked with designing a wolf-proof house to keep themselves safe. They were encouraged to include a list of the materials they would need and then asked to explain this selection along with their design. It was fascinating to hear everyone's different ideas. Again, these are now on display in the classroom for all to see.

Following this, the children were presented with a 'challenge.' They were invited to work in pairs to design and construct a bridge between two chairs that would withhold the weight of two of our wooden figures. They were encouraged to talk through their ideas first and come up with an agreed plan. They were allowed access to any materials in the classroom (within reason!!) and it was fantastic to observe such meaningful collaboration at this early stage of the year.

It has been a monumental week in K2 with the introduction of both Reading and Writing Workshop across the grade. In Reading Workshop our first unit, 'Readers Build Good Habits,' will introduce the children to a formal workshop model. The children will learn the routines of a Reading Workshop as they read and reread emergent story books. 

This week, the children have really impressed Miss Ida and I with how quickly they have picked up Reading Workshop routines. Together, we have created an 'anchor chart,' displaying what a strong reader does. As we build up our reading muscles and increase our stamina, it is important to read every day, to take our time and try to focus on our books. At the same time, we should try and think about our books and 'Partner Time' helps us do this by encouraging us to talk about our reading. Of course, we are also trying to remember to read quietly and to always treat our books carefully.

There is a lot to remember but we have made a great start. Similarly, our early Writing Workshop sessions have been a big success. We all now have our own Writing Folders, which have a Writing Cycle on the back and Stop and Go sections inside. This week, during "Launching the Writing Workshop," we have concentrated on introducing routines and how we set ourselves up to write. This unit focuses on how writers have routines that help them to work effectively and the idea that we can be authors using words and pictures. Thinking is the starting point of the Writing Cycle and we have spent a lot of time considering what we want to write about before committing pencil to paper.

Alongside our workshops, the children are enjoying exploring Letters and Sounds as they consolidate and expand their phonemic awareness, developing skills and strategies to use in their reading and writing.

Group rotations are an integral part of Mathematics in K2BeM. At this early stage, we have been exploring lots of different activities as we learn to rotate around the room after a set amount of time. The transitions are (slowly) becoming smoother and the children are fast becoming more independent with the activities too. Much of our focus in Mathematics is around number and many of these early rotation activities centre around counting, ordering and sequencing numbers. Activities have included “Race to Trace,” “Roll and Record,” "Racing Bears," “Number Bingo” and a variety of number matching experiences. At this stage, many of these collaborative activities require teacher input but the idea is that, over time, the children will be able to manage many of them independently.

...and finally, the fantastic Miss Imogen would like to encourage you to visit the UWCSEA Music Site to find out more about learning in music and see a few short videos of the children in action. Here is the K2BeM Music link. Enjoy.

Have a lovely weekend,
K2BeM