The original idea for us tackling problem solving came from this book describing problem sizes in terms of their size on a triangle. With this book, Mrs. Reece and I have created additional resources and lessons to help teach the concept of having a small, medium, or big problem and then trying to model or teach equal reaction sizes. This week the kids colored a chart that had squares and rectangles of the sizes along with some probable solutions on the back. We colored them green (go-I can solve this on my own, yellow-I may need help from others, or red-I MUST have help from an adult). We practiced some scenarios that would have the problem and reaction match in size. The younger kids are practicing raising their hands for help and verbalizing, "I need help". The older kids are practicing their reaction sizes and labeling problem sizes correctly. They did a nice job with the lessons. Each has a green, yellow, red paper that they took home and will keep in our social leadership notebook, which we can use at school as a reference. This coming week we will be focusing on new vocabulary terms, flexible and rigid. We will be making turkeys that Mrs. Girardi helped us prep. Those will be hung up at school and then will come home. A picture will be uploaded in the photo section once they are all completed.
The MAP testing wrapped up and we are all thankful that the kids did their best.
The kindergarten focus this week has been adding more details to our writing, introducing the 5 senses for science (we started with things we see), partner reading, noticing things in the text we can share, and we continued to practice adding and writing numbers to 10. I will post the sight video we watched. We will be exploring taste next! I will be in a meeting all day Monday and will be on an observation out of the building Tuesday morning. If I do not get back to you right away, it's because I'm not right at my desk (or in the building). Please email if you need anything or leave a message with the office and I will get back to you as soon as I am able.
Hope you are all able to get out of your driveways!! Yikes! Happy snow!