June 2 - 5th

 Looking back on learning......

Phonics:

This week in phonics, students learned about alternative spellings for the long a sound, including eight (eigh), ei, ey, and aigh. We practiced reading, spelling, and identifying words with these patterns through engaging word work activities and decodable texts. As students become familiar with these spelling patterns, they are building stronger decoding and spelling skills.

We also continued our learning about homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same when spoken but have different meanings and spellings (for example: waist and waste). Students practiced choosing the correct homophone to complete sentences, helping them understand how word meaning and context determine the correct spelling.

Math:

This week, students continued their exploration of 3D shapes. We learned and practiced important geometry vocabulary, including face, edge, vertex (vertices), side, and attribute. Students used these terms to describe and compare a variety of 3D shapes.

We sorted shapes based on their attributes and learned the difference between a prism and a pyramid. Students also investigated the 2D shape faces that make up different 3D objects, helping them understand how shapes are connected.

In addition, we explored transformations. Students manipulated shapes to demonstrate how they can slide, flip, and turn while maintaining their size and shape. Through hands-on activities, students developed a stronger understanding of how shapes can move and change position in space.

Science:

This week, students continued their learning about plants and how they grow. We investigated the life cycles of both a sunflower and a birch tree, learning about the different stages plants go through from seed to mature plant.

Students explored the four basic things plants need to survive and grow: sunlight, water, air, and nutrients from soil. We also learned about the different parts of a plant and the important jobs they perform. Students discovered how roots absorb water and nutrients, stems support the plant and transport materials, leaves make food using sunlight, and flowers help plants reproduce.

We took a closer look at birch trees, learning how to identify them by their distinctive white bark and unique markings. Students were fascinated to learn about the many ways Indigenous Peoples have traditionally used birch trees. We explored how birch sap could be added to tea for medicinal purposes, how birch bark was used to make baskets and canoes, and how the bark could be used as a fire starter. We also learned that birch trees provided materials used in the construction of shelters, such as wigwams.

We also explored the many plant parts that people eat. Students examined examples of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers that are commonly found in our diets and learned that different vegetables come from different parts of a plant.

To bring our learning to life, we went outside and planted our own bean plants! Students are excited to observe their plants over the coming weeks and identify each stage of growth as they watch them develop from seed to plant.