Last week was a busy, busy week for us. We learned a lot of new things!
First,
we were able to explore our math materials during a special center
time. The students were able to explore our pattern blocks, geo boards,
and base ten blocks. There were no specific instructions for what to
do at each center; I simply wanted to see what the children knew about
the materials and what they would do with them on their own. I was
pleased with some of the awesome designs created on the geo boards and
the symmetrical patterns made the with pattern blocks. There were some
pretty great structures built with the base ten blocks, too! 
We
also learned how to use our Rise and Shine Binders. These are our
daily morning work binders. Every morning we have a simple math sheet,
called a Math Minute, that is found inside of our Rise and Shine
Binder. Once we finish our Math Minute then we can work in our Rise and
Shine Binder. In our binders there are different number routines like
ten frames, tallies, and +1 -1. We also write the date out in words.
In the backs of our binders are matching games to help us quickly
identify numbers 1-20 in the form of numerals, shapes, tallies, and base
ten (1-100). We love working independently (a new vocab word we learned, ask us what it means) every morning!
Finally,
we did learn how to start taking Accelerated Reader tests on our
classroom computers. I am encouraging students to read stories at home
with mom and dad to be sure they understand the story before taking a
test. The kids are SO excited to start taking tests, but I do not want
them taking tests on books that they do not fully understand. They are
only able to take a test one time, so we have to make it count! Since
the school library has closed because of MAP testing, our classroom
library is open for business and the class learned how to look for books
in our room and how to put everything back where it belongs. We are
not taking home any books quite yet, unless specific permission is
given, but once the routine of the classroom library is under control
everyone will be able to bring a book home if they want to read with mom
and dad.
Phew! What a week. And we're already almost half way through another! Where is time going...???
