Week of 10/15

Dear Blue Room Families,

We had another exciting week! Below is an update on what the Blue Room children learned this week at Montclare.
 
Books we read:

• Perfect Pumpkins, by Jeff Bauer
• Pumpkin Circle, by George Levinson
• The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, by Joe Troiano

Places we went:

• Visited Noel in the Music Room
• Played on the Roof

 
Classroom Activities:

• We talked about harvest time on the farm and the many fruits and vegetables that or ripe and ready to be picked at this special time.
• Discussed the role of a scarecrow at a farm and then practiced our counting and geometry skills by creating our own "Shapely Scarecrows”.
• We began a pumpkin investigation by learning about many varieties from this harvest fruit. We even learned that pumpkins come in many different shapes, colors and sizes.
• In Science we dissected a pumpkin and explored its inside. We even learned the names of the different parts of a pumpkin. compared and contrasted different pumpkins.
• We began working on our classroom farmer’s market. We worked together to paint the structure and make signs. 
• This week we had a special visit from Scientist and Blue Room parent Ben tenOever. He conducted a fascinating experiment on DNA isolation. Together we created a special solution, squished and filtered fruit, and then saw the DNA on a special blue light wearing special glasses and a lab coat.  It was an unforgettable experience and we are so grateful for Benjamin’s time.

 
Theme this week:

• Harvest and pumpkins

Important Dates to remember:

• Wednesday, October 24th- Field Trip to Botanical Gardens 9am-1pm (if you were chosen as a chaperone please arrive by 8:45)

1. Wednesday, October 31st- Blue Room Halloween Celebration (parents are welcome to stay from drop off at 8:30am until 8:50am to take photos!)
2. November 12-13th – Parent Teacher Conferences (no classes for students)

• Wed November 14th & Thursday, November 15th - Photo Day (schedule to follow)
• Tuesday, November 20th -Native American Festival (1:30pm in Gym 2-one adult per child)
• Tuesday, December 11th- ABT trip at USQ (one adult must be present) 
• Thursday December 20st- Holiday Sing Along and class breakfast (one adult must be present- details to follow)

Sincerely,

The Blue Room Teachers