|
What themes/units will
we study this year?
When I am mapping
out the teaching of our Social Studies and Science standards, I try to integrate as much as we can. This means
I teach much
of our science and social studies curriculum throughout the day, such as
during read aloud, writers workshop, or an art project. However,
there are some concepts which lend themselves wonderfully to units of
study. Within these units of study, we'll do many fun things
such as perform experiments, keep Science Journals, observe our
environment over time, write about our learning with a poem, or even
dramatize a special event with Reader's Theater.
11/11/09 MRES
Science Fair
January
2010
On January 28, 2010, MRES will host its first Science Fair! It is open to
all students. There are specific requirements and registration is
required. Please click here to download
the packet. Our school will host several clinics to help you get
started. The first clinic is Friday, November 13th after school.
Good luck!
The First
Thanksgiving 
11/11/09
During the month of November, the class will learn about the First
Thanksgiving. The standard addressed is Social Science standard 6.3:
Students will understand how people lived in earlier times and how their
lives would be different today (e.g., getting water from a well, growing
food, making clothing, having fun, forming organizations, living by rules
and laws). We will read a variety of books, act out what it was like
on the Mayflower, wear Pilgrim and Indian costumes, make a book called,
"Long Ago", and have a feast!
Click on the Mayflower
to virtually visit Plimoth Rock: 
Click on the Wampanoag
to learn more about the First Thanksgiving: 
Pumpkins
10/21/09
We've started a unit on Pumpkins.
The California state standards we are addressing with this unit are Life
Science 2.a - 2.c:
Students know how to observe and describe similarities
and differences in the appearance and behavior of plants
and animals (e.g., seed-bearing plants, birds, fish, insects);
Students know stories sometimes give plants
and animals attributes they do not really have; and, Students know how to identify major structures
of common plants and animals (e.g., stems, leaves, roots,
arms, wings, legs).
We will be visiting the
Pumpkin Patch as part of this unit. The students will even make
Pumpkin Pie at school!
Click on these links to
learn more about Pumpkins:
Click
HERE to print
out, color and order the stages of the Pumpkin Life Cycle
Click
HERE to learn
about the parts of a Pumpkin
Landforms
This month we are
studying landforms. We'll talk about continents, oceans and the
different landforms present on our planet. Specifically, we'll learn
about mountains, valleys, rivers, oceans, and deserts. The students
will make a book about landforms and complete an art project on each page.
Water
March is the month for
water. Kindergarten students learn about the 3 forms of water (gas,
liquid and solid), and how it changes from one form to another.
We'll do a few science experiments (like making rain and clouds), and even
learn a little about the water cycle.
Click on the picture to learn more!
 The
water cycle
America
In February we'll
study American symbols and 2 famous American presidents, George Washington
and Abraham Lincoln. The students love this unit and will even get
to make a book all about America.
Click on the pictures below to learn more!
Our
flag
American
Symbols
White House Kids
School Helpers/The
Gingerbread Man 
I'm sure you've heard that the Gingerbread Man has been running away
from our classroom! We have found the Gingerbread Man in the
custodial office, the library, and the front office!
While retrieving him, these school community helpers have taken a few
moments to tell us about their job. The standard addressed is Social
Science standard K.3: Students match simple descriptions of work that
people do and the names of related jobs at the school, in the local
community, and from historical accounts; and, Social Science standard
K.4.5: Students will demonstrate familiarity with the school's layout,
environs, and the jobs people do there.
The Gingerbread Man is
part of a unit we do in December to incorporate Social Studies and
literacy. We will make a Gingerbread Man book, and make gingerbread
houses for our holiday party.
|