“We could cut them into very small pieces and pass them until everyone has some.”
This, week Jr Kindergarteners explored letters, books, math and new materials, interwoven with time to practice talking about themselves and listening to and connecting with others. They read Too Many Mangoes (Tammy Paikai) and noticed patterns as two Hawaiian kids visit their neighbors to give away extra mangoes from their grandfather’s tree. At each home, the children are graciously received, the neighbor has a specific preference or use for the mangoes, and then offers something in return. By the time the kids get home, their wagon is just as full but with a wide variety of different produce and gifts. Students used context to figure out what “Mahalo” means and made predictions as the story unfolded.
Then for community snack, they discussed ways to cut 3 mangoes to share. Their ideas included: “We could cut them and then cut them again and then again until we have the right number.”
And, “I think we should cut them not so small but just the right size so that everyone gets a medium piece; because mango is delicious.”
I think we should cut them not so small but just the right size so that everyone gets a medium piece; because mango is delicious.
In Explorations, students worked on the motor plans for letters t, b, f and l (all of which start at the “sky line”). They launched puff balls at a sticky target, explored campus on a nature walk, and worked with clay to each build people and vehicles for the “Garbage City” they have been collectively building. We need a bus! I made Garbage City a caterpillar! This week and last, students also each spent lots of one-on-one and small group time conferencing with teachers to assess their “just right” next steps in math and literacy, as well as to be interviewed about their school experience. Teachers are looking forward to sharing progress and goals with families next week at Spring Conferences!