Leaf Observations...

As we enter our study of "food webs and chains", we began with observation.  As we will be observing both crickets and anole lizards during this study, it was important to review how scientists observe things and when possible note changes.  After collecting some leaves from outside, the children were all given ONE leaf to observe... very closely!  They had to note as much as they could, including color, measurements and unique features.  (This was all last week).  That was tough... but today was the REAL challenge!  Working in pairs, partners had to sift through different leaves (including many "red herrings") to find their PARTNER'S leaf... using THEIR notes... and they did very well!  Check out some pictures from our work!

New colorful friends!

Look what's arrived in our class!  Click on the picture for a bigger one!  (more information to come...)

Friday Book Buddies...

Each Friday, our class visits the preschool for about twenty minutes to read.  Each child in our class has a "buddy"... and our students plan during the week what books they want to bring to the preschool.  It's a short walk!  (The preschool is right in our hallway!)  In class, we discuss how to work with younger children... since this is really our student's first experience as the "older" buddy.  We discuss book selection, how to read, when to stop and ask questions, etc.  Our class has been EXCELLENT older buddies!  They are responsible, respectful and darn good readers!  Here are some pictures to share...

First Big Backyard this week!

This week we had our first "Big Backyard" walk.  A key component to our science curriculum, Harrington students in every grade take several walks around the school each year to search and examine the natural world.  Special thanks to Mrs. C., Mrs. K., Mrs. L., Mrs. B., and Mrs. M. for leading the groups.  Check out the HUGE garden spider we all saw!  What does your child remember about their walk?