Spooks and Space

While we've still been pretending to be trick-or-treaters and spooky ghosts, outer-space chatter has been creeping into our classroom. It all started with a Venus sighting earlier this week by one of our classmates. We learned our 9 (or 8 if you don't count poor Pluto) planets, and discovered that, since Earth is a planet and all planets are in space, that means we are in space, too! On Friday, the children learned that, at 7:31 AM that morning, scientists set out for a "moon crash" in search for H20. When asked, what could happen if there is water on the moon, some replied "maybe it rained" or "maybe there's an alligator!" We took those thoughts further and concluded that, if water is needed for all living things here on Earth, then maybe there are life forms on the Moon... There's some food for thought. Some of the kids also brought back space books from the library and have been turning various objects into rocket-ships. I'd be on the look-out for a space curriculum.

We have been going letter crazy this week. The kids love using white-boards, chalk boards, markers and magnadoodles to practice the letters we've been learning during our morning meetings. We have been digging through the sand to find and recognize hidden letters, and some used the letters they found to make some yummy alphabet soup. The kids have been starting to learn how to determine the spelling of words by listening to the different sounds. I was amazed when we did the letter Q together on Wednesday. They came up with words like squeal, squirt, quilt, queen and quit. Q is a tough letter!!

The open-ended materials have finally been getting some action this week. Our collection of Central Park's natural materials have been used in conjunction with the styrofoam box, egg cartons and paper towel tubes to make what many of the kids are calling a castle, but we can make it/call it anything we'd like. Now we are in the process of trying to figure out where to put it or what we should do with it... any ideas??

The children have really peen expressing a particular interest in music and songs. Some have been improvising lyrics, and some have been changing words to songs we already know, such as "Twinkle twinkle, little diamond" and "5 little pumpkins" vs. "5 little ghosts". I asked them if they wanted to sing 5 little ghosts on Friday, and they all pleaded "NOO" in unison... I think we've tired it out. Even so, they love being given the opportunity to perform in front of their friends and teachers, whether it's using their vocals, dancing or shaking their maracas! We encourage musical influences (or any influences) from home to carry over to the classroom. It gives the kids a great opportunity to teach their friends new things about themselves, to learn about diversity, and to feel proud of themselves. And, while I'm on the subject, I hope your kids have been coming home to teach you how to say "STOP!" when someone is doing something we don't like. We did some role-playing this week to help develop a sense of empowerment in the children, and it's also just as important to listen to someone who is telling us to stop as it is making sure we're standing up for ourselves. We've also practiced how to give a good hug through role-play... so precious.

We have posted the class rules in the classroom, which the kids will actually refer to throughout the day. Make sure you ask them to show you. They also came up with some classroom jobs, which is a great way to teach them responsibility. Next week, we'll start to assign jobs to everyone. Don't be too surprised when they come home excited about being the "pillow fluffer".

By next week, we will have pumpkins, gourds and other various squash to observe and maybe use to cook or carve (under close teacher supervision). We will be taking another trip to Central Park to witness first hand how nature is continuing to change. It is so important for our city kids to get as close to nature as possible. On October 22nd we will be taking a trip to Dr. Davies Farm in Congers, NY to go apple picking. It is about 45 minutes outside the city by school bus, which always seems to be the best part of the field-trip for the kids. I will be e-mailing 4 families shortly about joining us as chaperones. Remember, we are going on four field trips so everyone will have the opportunity to chaperone.

Have a great 3 day weekend, and keep your ears open for space talk, classroom jobs and squash. There have also been Halloween Party ideas brewing, and you'd probably be invited...

Amanda

p.s. thanks to all who responded to my e mails. All and any input is always appreciated. I love hearing from you guys, whether in the classroom or via e-mail.