Highlights From Our Week
As a follow-up to his Caldecott Honor book Alphabet City, Stephen T. Johnson's CITY BY NUMBERS, turns his talents towards numbers. Wordless pages which feature impressively photo-realistic paintings of New York City, invite readers both young and old to search for the numbers zero through twenty-one hidden in the images. From the number 4 found in the span of an urban bridge, to the number 13 of a faded crosswalk, this is an intriguing new way to think about numbers and the world around you.
City By Numbers inspired the children to discover numbers on the playground.
STEM CHALLENGE: WHICH OBJECTS WILL SINK OR FLOAT?
In order to prepare for our STEM challenge, I read the children the wordless picture book, Float. We then discussed what the word "float" meant. The children drew a picture on their whiteboards in order to define the word and then explained the term to their partners. I presented
our essential question, "What objects will sink or float?" Then the children began experimenting with various objects.
our essential question, "What objects will sink or float?" Then the children began experimenting with various objects.
These experiments provided numerous opportunities for observations and theories. For several days, I added a few different items so the children could continue to test their theories as they became scientists.
When the children completed testing their theories, we watched a very entertaining video. Please click here to view Sink or Float.
The knowledge the children obtained as a result of the previous experiments, enabled them to think like engineers and prepare them for the culminating activity/challenge. Their challenge was as follows: "Can you create a boat similar to the Mayflower that will float in water?"
The knowledge the children obtained as a result of the previous experiments, enabled them to think like engineers and prepare them for the culminating activity/challenge. Their challenge was as follows: "Can you create a boat similar to the Mayflower that will float in water?"
Prior to beginning the final phase of their STEM challenge, I introduced the video, This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers. Please click here to view the movie, This Is America, Charlie Brown.
GIVING THANKS is a special children's version of the Thanksgiving address which is a message of gratitude. This address is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois. The words in this book reflect the Native American tradition of greeting the world each morning by giving thanks to all living things.
The children created placemats for their Thanksgiving table which included pictures illustrating what they are thankful for.
Our Turkey Disguises
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy time with family and friends.