Mrs. Kirkpatrick's Newsletter

September 28 - October 1, 2009
Classroom News
Everyone had a good time on the field trip. They learned about animals they might see out during the fall and got see a real live opossum. We went on a nature walk with the tour guide who was very eager to share her love of nature with the students. We have another field trip planned for the end of October to Mainstay Farms.
Friday is Open House at 7:00 pm. I look forward to seeing all of you there!
Our Studies
Each student got their very own phonic and math workbook last week that is on their level. The students went to learning stations while I was able to pull each student for one-on-one phonic lessons.
This week we read The Fox and the Goat, which taught the students to think before they act. The students made a well and drew pictures of the events of the story. On Tuesday, we read The Plain Tree, which taught appreciation of all God made. Each student got to make their very own “plain tree.” They are hanging out in the hallway. The students made puppets and reenacted the fable of The Fox and the Stork. This fable taught them the golden rule, ‘do to others as you would have them do to you.'
We continue to practice memorizing the days of creation. This week, the students heard the story of Adam and Eve. We read a book about making good choices that please God.
The students continue to practice making the letters l and t properly at learning stations. Last week, they practiced making the letter h.
In history, the class pretended to be colonists. They drew money cups which told them their title and had their money. I was the king and taxed the colonists. The “member of parliament” and “tax collectors” had to enforce my taxes and collect them. The students quickly realized how “unfair” it was.
We did a science experiment in which the students we split light so they could see all a rainbow and all the beautiful colors that are in light. This week, we will focus on day two of creation, water.
In art, we are studying the painter Manet. The students tried to recreate his painting, Fifer. I am very proud of how hard all the students worked. Their artwork is on the table in the hall.