Symmetry and Leaf Memory!

Today in math we learned the words, "symmetry" and "lines of symmetry." A symmetrical object can be divided in half and look the same on both sides! We used tape to draw lines of symmetry down some of our friends! Some of their outfits were not the exact same on both sides. If we had drawn our line of symmetry across their belly, it definitely wouldn't have been been symmetrical! We determined that squares and rectangles have four lines of symmetry and a circle has MANY lines of symmetry!

This afternoon we created a leaf silhouette memory game! We've been talking about the edge, point, and veins we see in leaves. We had to match the size and outline of the leaf to its silhouette to make a match!

Stay tuned for my symmetry tomorrow!
Love,
Ms. Conlee

Fire Prevention assembly, teen numbers, and leaf rubbings!

This morning we enjoyed an assembly with the North Liberty Fire Department! They talked about kitchen safety and things we can do to remain safe at home!

This week we are REALLY focusing on teen numbers! Some of their names can be so tricky! Today we practiced sequencing teen numbers in the correct counting order!

During science we did several leaf rubbings! We then labeled the edge, points, and veins of the leaves.

Happy Tuesday!
Love,
Ms. Conlee

Number boards, picnics, verbs, stories, and trees!

During math we built "number boards." Number boards are much like a graph. We used stickers to show number quantities. Afterwards we noted that each row grew by one sticker, making it look like stairs!

We also filled our class compliment jar this morning! We voted to celebrate with a picnic lunch outside! We may have also enjoyed Rice Krispies Treats.......

This week we are continuing our learning about verbs, or words that show action! Every time we rolled the dice, we had to demonstrate the corresponding action.

 Crawling!

 Crying!

We are also learning how to write our OWN stories! Today we wrote a story as a class! First we generated our ideas. Next we wrote the story. Last we checked to make sure our illustrations matched our words.

We began our exploration of leaves during science today! We learned the following vocabulary words: 

Thanks for a marvelous Monday!
Love,
Ms. Conlee

Tree Planting!

Today, Mr. Conlee from "Conlee Land Improvement" came to help us plant two Maple trees near our playground! 

We got to see the "roots" of a baby Cedar Tree which help the tree to drink water.

Many of us got to help scoop dirt back into the big hole!

Last, we added mulch around the trunk of the tree to keep it safe.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Conlee for your visit to Van Allen and your hard work!
Love,
Ms. Conlee

Math games and more pumpkins!

Today we played a math game with number cards 0-20. Each partner turned over one card and whoever had the biggest number, took both cards. The partner who ended with all the cards was declared the winner!

We also painted pumpkins to decorate our classroom! They turned out to have some hilarious faces!

See you tomorrow!
Love,
Ms. Conlee

October calendars and tree exploration!

Happy October! In celebration of a new month, we created October calendars today! First, we had to place all the numbers on the calendar. Our number writing is showing great improvement!

Then, we created funny and friendly pumpkins to decorate our calendars!

This afternoon we did a bit of exploring during science! We used magnifying glasses to look closely at leaves, bark, and tree cookies!

 We counted the rings on each tree cookie to figure out how old the tree was!

 Some trees have leaves and other trees have needles.

See you tomorrow!
Love,
Ms. Conlee