Scientists

This week I introduced the children to their science notebooks.  The science notebooks are going to help them become scientists this school year.  They are a great place to organize thoughts, make observations, and plan experiments.  One of the first things we did in them was share ideas of what scientists are.

Someone who studies things so we can learn.

A guy that does cool stuff and makes money doing science stuff.  Science is stuff that's blobby, cool, and gooey.

Wonderful and I like it!  Make potions!

They work together on experiments.

They work on experiment potions.

The astronauts went to outer space because they wanted to see God.  But they didn't see him because he's invisible.  So they touched a rock.  They saw the sun moon, and stars.

I don't know what a scientist is.

They make potions.  They're cool.

They can go to outer space and get cool stuff.  They don't have hair.

What my scientist can do is learn about how volcanos grow.

Soon we will talk about the tools that help scientists do their job.  Look for that next!

Welcome! Virtual Classroom Tour

Welcome Junior Explorers and families to the 2016-2017 school year!

This is my classroom blog where I like to post details about project work, but we can start off by giving you a classroom tour.  

This is how the classroom will look for the first day of school.  Things always change as we change, but this is how I thought everyone would like it!

This is the sensory table.  Here is where you will get a chance to feel, pour, measure, predict, relax, and chat with friends.  I have a variety of scoops, cups, and brushes to experiment with.

This is the table where I do my small group instruction.  I meet with each student twice a day in their small groups to work on math and reading/writing skills.  This is also a great place to eat snack and work in big groups.

This is the reading area.  I tried to make it as comfortable as possible to cuddle up with a good book.  There are other things like maze balls, magazines, and puzzles that help reinforce those pre-reading skills.

This is where the action happens!  The shelves have legos, trains, blocks, cars, and animals right now.  I like to rotate the materials in this space so we can try out new things.  The block area is also were we have our whole class meetings.  

This is an extension of the block area.  Here you can use a table to build on, cook on, serve friends dinner, or play games.  The white shelves are full of games and activities for me to use when I meet with small groups.  

This is the writing/drawing area.  We have crayons, markers, paper, stickers, and colored pencils.  Here we practice writing, sounding out words, use our imagination, tell stories, practice fine motor skills, and talk to peers.  

Thank you for visiting the classroom!  You may notice some of the walls and shelves are empty.  This is because I like to add more to it as the year happens.  When I know what is needed I will bring it in.  I also leave a lot of areas and furniture to be open-ended.  Seating is flexible and alternative.  You won't find desks here!  

I am excited to start another year with everyone and can't wait to see what it brings!