Classroom News: Week of February 19th

Dear Barn Swallow Families,

Last week we spent a dry and sunny afternoon in the Ash Street Wetland with rangers from Metro.  We learned how to identify plants in the winter and studied red osiage dogwood, big leaf maple, black cottonwood, wild roses, bunch grass, and more.  Students tried wild rose hips, which are higher in vitamin C than oranges, and inspected galls.  We heard the song of the Pacific chorus (tree) frogs in the wet areas and students watched them hop around, in search of mates.  Students worked hard to use their 'owl eyes,' 'deer ears,' and 'fox feet' as they observed nature.

Students worked in reading groups and continue to be excited about reading and are eager to grow.  Story workshop is a favorite time of the day and students continue to find creative stories using the many available materials.  In math, the first graders worked on fact families for 10, 11, and 12.   The second graders continued playing the card game 'Make the Sum,' which helps students with fluency.  They also learned a new game called 'Dice Race,' which also gives students practice with fluency.  We reviewed coin names and values and are working on adding coins together in amounts under one dollar.

We celebrated love and friendship on Thursday afternoon.  Students exchanged friendship cards and we had a festive party, including healthy treats.  Thank you for donating, families!

Sincerely,

Sherry