Ms. Taylor often starts the lesson with, “this is super fascinating”, and kids often respond with, “you say that about everything”.  It’s true, however, everything in science is super fascinating!  This past week E6 has spent time learning about life in the tundra. 

 Permafrost jello helped students understand how the ground stays permanently frozen, not allowing for large trees and shrubs to grow since water and ice remain close to the surface.  Children also covered their hands in “blubber” and submerged their “polar bear paws” into icy cold water to understand how animals stay warm in cold climates.  

Students are hard at work as they start to build their state floats in preparation for “Celebrate America Day”.  Each student will make their own float that highlights and celebrates their state.  Students will build 3D models of state buildings, landmarks, parks, state symbols and points of interest.  Students are working with Ms. Angela in art to understand 3D modeling as well as using class time to research their design ideas.  We will continue to add pictures that show a timeline of their progress.  This week the main focus was on adding their wheels!

Parent Conferences

It was so nice to meet with all the parents this past week.  We look forward to the day when we can talk in person about the hard work and success of your children.  We miss seeing you all on campus, so we will continue to post pictures of your students and their work in our photo galleries.  The teachers of E6 would like to thank you again for your patience and continued support.  ❤

“A Few Simple Tricks Make The Lessons Stick”

“Our senses evolved to work together-vision influencing hearing, for example – which means that we learn best if we stimulate several senses at once.

–Brain Rules, by John Medina

As part of our study of Nevada history and geography students were able to use food to make maps of Nevada.  Chocolate chips were used to indicate mountain ranges, frosting for water features, and sprinkles for ecosystems.  Students made flags to highlight major cities and points of interest.  Food and sweet smells make this lesson a favorite memory and the information really “sticks”!

During our writer’s workshop, students were introduced to the genre of fantasy.  To help students understand the elements of fantasy writing, students used prism glasses to see how just one magical element could transform our classroom into a different world.  Students are preparing to publish their fantasy stories.  Check out the October blogs for student samples.

The class is buzzing with excitement around 12:30 pm when the mail is delivered.  Receiving mail from their individual states brings beautiful images that motivate students to learn more.  Matching a positive emotional response with learning is the type of experience we try to create each day.  

We will do whatever it takes to learn about the 50 states.    States and capitals “Bump It” games, gummy bears vs. swedish fish, help students learn the location of the states and their capitals.  Concentration card games, songs, coloring, and playground balls help us review for quizzes.  

National Hispanic Heritage Month is being celebrated with the beautiful images of picture books as well as our first “audio” book.  Kids are enjoying listening to “Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish” by Pablo Cartaya.  Using literature is a great way to help students understand the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Our class loves to find different ways to learn and the teachers appreciate student participation.  We have had such a fun month and we look forward to “Celebrate America Day” where we can enjoy student presentations and celebrate all of their hard work.

Please visit our picture galleries to see more images of  E6 students learning with all of their “senses”. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cRVNOPzhyRwh-6DfC_X4JzQRFMuiCNON?usp=sharing