week of September 14 | snapshot

Last week we studied all about maps and globes. 

We learned that a map is a drawing of a place, shows a view from above, 

and shows features in smaller size.

We wondered why are maps important?

Why would you use a map? 

After answering those questions, we located Alabama on US map.

We also learned all about map keys. 

We looked at a map key online and the students came up and chose a symbol and told what they thought it might be.

Then using a T-chart, we made a key recording each symbol the students wanted to use with its meaning for our school map.

Here is the map key the students learned about in the Literacy Center with Ms. Kim.

She brought it in the classroom for us to compare.

We used our map key the next day to make our map of the school.

The students did an excellent job of making the key and the map.

I followed their lead!

We also learned about the cardinal directions. 

We learned a funny song about them called The Cardinal Directions Geography Song.

I grew up saying Never Eat Soggy Waffles or Never Eat Shredded Wheat to remember the order :)

Friday, they were asked to bring in a map of their bedroom to share with the class.

We also compared maps and globes.

Here is our Venn diagram comparing maps and globes.

Tuesday, we had our first SWAP (Stations With Awesome People).  We talked about an early community helper, Johnny Appleseed. His birthday is coming up on September 26th, too!

In my classroom, we did a Johnny Appleseed glyph. While listening to Ms. Jaysa read Johnny Appleseed and learn a new song, Way Up High in the Apple Tree, the students tasted yellow apples, red apples, green apples with a choice of peanut butter or caramel for dipping. They then used all of their opinions on these to complete their Johnny Appleseed glyphs and afterwards we analyzed the data!

When I asked my class which classroom was their favorite SWAP center, they said mine because they got to eat! lol :)))))) #happyclassrooms

limited centers:

blocks- create a map of the classroom

writing- make a map

discovery- blue and green play-dough to make Earths

math- Number and Number Words file folder game

listening center- K is Kissing a Cool Kangaroo

World Map Puzzle

We began going to the Curriculum Library at Lyon Hall and working with Dr. Rolison's class. They are reading books and working with the students on their sight words and reading one-on-one.