Stripes and Fairies and Pirates...Oh, My!

This week we read a variety of books by our featured author, David Shannon.  We began the week with my favorite David Shannon story, A Bad Case of Stripes.  The book tells the story of Camilla Cream, who loved lima beans, but would never eat them because she was afraid of what other kids would say.  After coming down with a mysterious ailment that causes her skin to break out in stripes, stars, and polka dots (among other things), Camilla finally realizes that she needs to be true to herself.  We discussed the author's message in this story as well as the distinctive characteristics that make it a David Shannon text.

Later in the week we read, Alice the Fairy, about a little girl who longs to be a "permanent fairy," but who only manages to make a mess and upset "The Duchess."  We talked and wrote about what we would do if we had magic powers.  We also discussed who "The Duchess" might be and who the character of "Alice" might based on.

This week we will read two books illustrated by David Shannon:  How I Became a Pirate and Pirates Don't Change Diapers.  Both are very funny reads, and I'm sure the children will love them.  We will spend time talking about how the main character changes in the story.

Our scientific discoveries took led us to explore solids in liquids this week.  We explored various solids:  a cardboard square, a popscicle stick, a cookie, fruit chews, raisins, a hard candy, rock salt, rice, and lima beans.  Then we predicted what would happen if we placed the solids in water.  After putting them in water filled baggies, we made observations of changes after 10 minutes, and found some fascinating discoveries!  Two days later, we made final observations and drew pictures and wrote about the changes.

In math we are continuing our study of geometry, polygons, and symmetry.  We played a lot of fun games designed to help the students understand the attributes of various shapes.  We also are working hard on addition facts, particularly doubles facts.  Please review these nightly with your child at home.  Students should be at the point where they do not need to use their fingers or any other aids to calculate doubles facts (i.e. 1+1, 2+2, 3+3, etc.). 

No school on Friday in observance of Good Friday.  Enjoy your long weekend!