PBL Week 2 Highlights

Hello everyone,

We had many changes to our usual schedule this week with our 2nd (and final) week of our Sound PBL (project based learning), a class celebration, and a holiday (Groundhog Day). Even with all the changes these Fox Kits had a wonderful (though a bit loud) week!

This week has been full of lots of learning about sound, making sounds, creating instruments and songs in our PBL unit. PBL is an amazing learning experience that involves cross-curricular learning -- aspects of science, math, art, music, movement, literacy, teamwork, and planning. 

This week we did a lot of planning, experimenting, augmenting, and cooperating. On Tuesday students made a plan for what kind of instrument they would make. On Wednesday we made our instruments and got into "bands" to plan what these groups would be like and begin to make unique songs. On Thursday bands practiced their songs, adding some elements or taking others away. They made band posters to advertise their performance on Friday. Some 2nd graders came to watch our culminating performances on Friday. It was a blast!

We also filled our heart jar again and had a celebration on Wednesday. We had a game day where we played with puzzles, blocks, dinosaurs, battleship, mancala and more. Each student also had a chance to play a fun "One Man Band" game connected to our PBL about sound and music. Here's the link in case you want to play at home!

We read a few books related to our PBL learning too: Ty's One Man Band, I Got the Rhythm, and Playing from the Heart.

We wrapped up our measurement math unit and our digraph word study unit this week. Students did a "show me what you know" end of unit assessment in both math and word study to demonstrate their level of mastery over these concepts. Even with the excitement of the week they were engaged in doing their best work!

Friday was Groundhog Day. We checked the news to see if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Looks like it's 6 more weeks of winter ahead! We did some fun Groundhog Day activities in the afternoon.

Coming up in a few weeks is Valentine's Day. We will do a valentines exchange with our class. Your child can make them at home or make them in school that week. If your child wants to participate please make sure there is a card for each student, not just a few. I've sent home a class list of names to help you if your child is making valentines at home. We will exchange valentines on Wednesday morning February 14th. Please don't send in any candy or food! If you need assistance getting materials for making valentines please let me know!

Dates to Remember:
February 5 - afternoon Library times start weekly!
February 6 - Flynn Theater workshop for "Pilobolus Shadowland" 9:45-10:30
February 8 - Scholastic Book Orders Due (online or send in flyer with check by 2/8 at 8:00 a.m.)
Friday February 9 - field trip to the Flynn Theater to see "Pilobolus Shadowland" - we are leaving by 8:40 a.m. Make sure your child is at school on time!
Wednesday February 14 - Valentines card exchange
Wednesday February 14 - Early Dismissal 12:15 -- Teacher In-Service -- No After school Programs, all students dismissed at 12:15
Monday February 26 - Tuesday March 6 - Winter Break (3/5 and 3/6 are Teacher In-Service days)
Wednesday March 7 - school resumes

Have a great weekend!
❤ Mrs. Fox