The children have started the process of researching their animal. Their first step was to draw an image of their animal using the appropriate colours. We discussed the importance of using the right colours, since we are scientific artists and are trying to capture the real image of the animal. They did a wonderful job!
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Probability (the likelihood that an event will happen) is a mathematical concept that is introduced in kindergarten and further explored in subsequent years of school. We use probability every day when we describe events with words such as “definitely,” “probably,” “probably not,” and “impossible.” In our learning groups, we brainstormed examples of each term. It is certain that the sun will rise tomorrow, that a magnet will attract a paperclip, and that we will have a fire drill sometime this year. It is likely that someone in our class will be absent tomorrow, that at least one of our classmates has a loose tooth, and that we will see a deer in the forest. It is unlikely that we will see a shooting star tonight, or go to the beach tomorrow. It is impossible that we will meet a dinosaur in the forest, or grow wings and fly to the moon. The children were fantastic at using their previous knowledge and experiences to predict the likelihood of something occurring in the future!
We spent a few days exploring probability through games. We discussed the likelihood of a dice or spinner landing on the number four, and the probability of choosing a King out of a deck of 52 cards. We put 10 red cubes and one green cube in a bag and asked the children to describe the likelihood of pulling out a red or green cube without looking. We played a coin-tossing game where we predicted and recorded in a table how many times a toonie would land on the queen or the polar bear side after 10 tosses. Using facts we already know and the math skills we have already learned, we estimated that the coin would land on each side five times. This is a great prediction, and the children had a clear understanding that it was not certain that the toonie would land precisely heads up half the time and tails up half the time. Stuart J. Murphy’s storybook, Probably Pistachio, was an excellent tool for fostering a link between literature and mathematical ideas. During the course of one very bad day, the main character, Jack, uses probability to predict what will be packed in his lunch, whether he’ll be placed on the same soccer team as his best friend, and if his mom will serve his favourite ice cream for dessert. The book uses mathematical terminology and contains illustrations, charts, and graphs that explain probability. Learning how to make informed predictions helps children analyze data in order to make wise decisions. Bonjour !
The children have been learning about shaving cream and paint art, lines, pastels, shaving and water colours as they create springtime artwork. The bunny artwork allowed the children to learn guided, step-by-step instructions. They did a wonderful job and the end results were amazing! Bravo les amis ! Have a wonderful Easter weekend! Since the beginning of March we have been noticing signs of spring as we venture through the forest. We have watched the ice and snow melt and turn into water, seen animal prints that are left in the mud, found caterpillars, and now we can see buds growing on some trees. As we continue to track the deer, we noticed how moss grows on the north side of rocks and trees. The children have brought their binoculars out and have been looking closely at nests and birds singing high up in the trees. They are becoming quite good at recognizing the different birds in our forest (blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, blackbirds, crows, etc...) as well as their songs. We worked together to build some birdhouses that we will be placing in various spots around the school yard and forest. In April will we monitor the birds that inhabit them and report our sightings to "Projet nichoir". The children have each picked a forest critter that they wish to research further. I will send home this information shortly, so you may assist them with getting to know their animal a little better. This is not a large project, just a way to allow the children to deepen their knowledge and create a home-school connection. Have a wonderful day! Salut !
Well many of us have been hit by a virus or two, along with the teachers, so our blogging has been a little less lately. This does not mean that we have not been up to great things in our class! On the contrary! Our second group had their crack at learning more about the Lucky Iron Fish and also making a delicious soup that was shared amongst their classmates. One little gal also decided that she wanted to make some multigrain brain. Miam ! More to come! Bonne nuit! |
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