Sorting It Out

This carries a double meaning...

We've literally been sorting it out in math this week.  We've learned that sorting is all about finding what is the same and noticing what is different - in doing so, we discovered we can sort based on various criteria.

We began our exploration with shoes  --- and P - U!!--- who knew five and six year olds could have stinky feet! :)  We sorted our shoes based on color, laces/velcro/neither and style.  We also picked a shoe out of the massive shoe pile and attempted to find a match based on the criteria mentioned above.

We also used attribute blocks and  learned how to sort by color and shape (number of sides).  With their math partner, the kids sorted their blocks and made observations about what made them the same and different.

We began working in our math journals this week.  The kids will begin recording their math work and thinking during problem solving sessions.  This will be a daily task to encourage higher level thinking.

I introduced our Community Helper Unit this week by reading the book Career Day by Anne Rockwell.

The book describes all the different work people do in the community.  We discussed how each person's job made our community a safer, better place to live.

Also in the sorting realm, we matched our community helpers to the vehicles they drive.  We followed up that activity with a quick game of  Community Helper Memory.  Don't be surprised when your child is pointing out every work vehicle they see on the road!

We will finish up this unit on Friday and I will have some more things to share :)

I'm excited to give an update on our Daily Five progress.  I managed to pull a small group today while the other kids were either reading to self or reading with someone.  I was absolutely elated that they managed to read for 10 straight minutes!!  They have worked so hard on building their reading stamina!  We will add in listen to reading and computer over the next few days.  I'm crossing my fingers that we will be ready to start small groups the first week of October!

Once again, thank you to those who have responded to our class request for headphones and clip boards.  We received one set of headphones, so we are still in need of 4 pairs.  I would love to have clip boards in by Monday so we can begin working together on the carpet during our math time.

Ta Ta for now!