Cereal Boxes and Shapes

I last left you with the class preparing for cereal box presentations. The students randomly drew an animal from the unit we were covering in reading, research the animal, and in class prepare a cereal box with specific guidelines to tell all about the animal. Once the projects were completed, the children’s families came to watch as the they shared information about animals and their cereal box designs. The day arrived and the class was nervously excited about presenting all of their own. Of course, they had rehearsed at school and home, but public speaking is hard at any age. The students did an excellent job of communicating what they learned.

A new module has been started in math and it covers 2D and 3D shapes. Introducing young children to geometry is fun and intriguing. The children have seen and learned about these shapes their entire lives. Now, they can see the mathematical qualities and purposes they can be used for. The first lesson discussed 2D shapes and the attributes (how many straight lines and corners). While in math groups, the students had to build a shape when only given its attributes (3 straight lines, 3 corners). The next few lessons progressed to 3D shapes. To reinforce the differences between 2D and 3D shapes the students built models with marshmallows and toothpicks. It was a good way to see and feel the difference between 2D and 3D shapes, and it was an opportunity for the students to work in groups and practice their communication skills.

It’s hard to imagine that the end of first grade is just around the corner. We’ve got some big first coming up - spring musical and the Historic Washington State Park field trip to name a couple!