Week of February 18-20, 2014

Week of February 18-20, 2014

Theme: The Earth and Sky

Letter of the Week: U

Dear Families, 

This week our class begins a new unit about the earth and sky, focusing first on our world and the sun. Children will discuss and learn about natural items that are found on the earth, such as sand, rocks, soil and water. Next week the children will also learn more about the sun and the moon and how they are similar to and different from one another as they consider differences between light and darkness, and day and night. Our lessons about the sun will also lead children to a basic understanding of sources of light and heat. 

Learning Together:

• Conduct a simple science experiment with your child. Mix sand or soil, pebbles and water in a clear plastic bottle. Shake it vigorously. Ask your child to observe and describe how the pebbles and sand or soil travel through the water. Have your child also describe what he or she observes after the materials have settled. 

We will be participating in some exploration and experimentation with the earth materials of: sand, water, soil and water. We will be observing them using hand lenses and comparing their weight using a balance scale. We will be doing this activity in two groups and at the conclusion will compare the findings of the two groups looking for similarities and differences.

Visiting the Library

The Earth and I by Frank Asch

Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky by Elphinstone Dayrell

Into the Sky by Ryan Ann Hunter

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary by Jack Knowlton

Earth Day-Hooray! by Stuart J. Murphy

Reminders:

No School-February 17th President's Day

If you have not yet signed up for a parent/teacher conference please return the form that was sent home or email me so that that we can coordinate a date and time. If you are unable to come in for a conference a phone conference can also be conducted.

I have started sending home once a week a brief sheet about what your child has done in school that day. On this sheet as much as possible I am using their words to record what they have done, please take the opportunity to discuss this with them.