Nature weaving & force and motion

I posted last week that the students were excited about the branch that fell on the playground.  Monday the kids continued to be excited, so I did a little research on things to do with sticks. I found a few different optionss that the students could make to help make our classroom a "nature classroom" as Blake would say. I shared the photos and I could hear the excitement in their voices and could see it in their eyes. Thalin suggested we go on a "stick hunt" in order to make their favorite natural projects. 

We started with by weaving a loom out of string and cardboard.  We used twine to weave the branches through the strings to keep the natural look.

We then began weaving sticks in an AB pattern. The sticks went "over, under, over, under". 

We are still working on the loom, and will post pictures of the finished product next week.

The students also chose to make a branch chandelier.

To continue our study on transportation we realized that all forms of transportation need a force to have motion. We collected a basket full of materials to explore force and motion. Each child chose one object and created a different type of force in order for their object to move.

Elizabeth chose to drop a feather. 

Maggie opened and closed a pair of scissors. 

Stephanie created wind force to move the feather. 

Zachary ripped a piece of paper.

We documented our experiences with force and motion in our exploration journal. 

This week we started preschool reading buddies with Mrs. Voght's class. The students each read three books to our new preschool friends. Each member of the group was practicing being an active listener as well. 

We also had some nursing students visit our classroom this week to talk about "Pretty Poisons," which are harmful household things that look like foods or other safe objects. We learned to ask an adult and to keep chemicals out of our eyes, mouth, and out of reach.

Next week we will continue to focus on force and motion and adding natural elements to our classroom. Friday, February 8th will be our 100th day of school. Be looking for a note in your child's book bag about how you can help us celebrate the 100th day of school. Also, be looking for a class list of all the students names for Valentine's Day as well as information about creating your child's Valentine mailbox. Have a great week!

Mrs. Julie Atkin